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New York State Closes Portal for ERAP Applications. What’s Next for Landlords?

January 20th, 2023
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The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced that the application portal for the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will close on January 20, 2023.

ERAP BENEFITS

ERAP was created to provide financial relief for tenants who could not pay their rent due to COVID-19 related economic hardships. The program, which started in June 2021, has distributed over $2 billion in payments to landlords. While ERAP provided welcome relief for some tenants and landlords, the program has also had significantly detrimental consequences for property owners across New York State.
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Legal Analysis of Recent Court Rulings on New York State Mask Mandate

January 28th, 2022

This week, there have been multiple court rulings regarding New York State’s mask mandate. The first ruling was issued by a State Supreme Court judge on Monday, January 24th; the second ruling was issued by a State Appellate Court judge on Tuesday, January 25th; and oral arguments are scheduled to be made before the full Second Department of the New York State of Appeals on Friday, January 28th.

Various media outlets asked attorney Barry N. Covert provide legal analysis on the series of court rulings regarding New York State’s mask mandate. Mr. Covert’s analysis addressed several topics, including:

  • The current status and potential future of New York State’s mask mandate;
  • Impact recent court rulings have on Erie County’s mask mandate; and
  • School districts’ ability to institute their own mask mandates, independent of state and local government.


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Legal Analysis of Gov. Hochul’s Enforcement of New York State’s HERO Act

September 10th, 2021

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a directive that requires businesses in New York State to implement specific workplace safety plans. This directive enforces regulations set forth in the New York Health and Essential Rights Act, also known as the HERO Act. The HERO Act was put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WGRZ 2 On Your Side anchor Scott Levin recently interviewed attorney Barry N. Covert to provide legal analysis regarding enforcement of New York State’s HERO Act. During the interview, Mr. Covert discussed the potential implications the HERO Act will have on New York State businesses, the liability the HERO Act may create for employers, and the possibility of a legal challenge to the HERO Act.

Continuing reading for portions of Barry Covert’s comments and click the video below to watch the full interview with WGRZ’s Scott Levin.
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