Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Cities Committee Chair Carl Heastie today announced the recent passage of legislation (A.9813/Silver) that would countinue reduced water rates for hospitals, schools, homeless shelters, daycare centers and other organizations to help them continue to carry out their important work.

"I am proud to take the lead in providing these groups with the much deserved help they need to ensure they do not face undue financial hardship during these challenging economic times," said Silver. "The work that these institutions provide to the most vulnerable among us is too important to allow this valuable cost-saving measure to expire. This bill will help these organizations to focus on the community they serve rather than worry about making ends meet."

"During these troubling financial times, it is of critical importance that we do all we can to make sure that hospitals and charities do not face undue financial hardship," said Heastie. "This bill will allow these organizations to continue their great work and focus on helping those who need it most. I commend Speaker Silver for sponsoring and bringing this important cost saving measure to the floor."

Provisions included in the bill would extend for two additional years an exemption on certain water charges to religious institutions, hospitals, schools, homes for the elderly, daycare centers and other organizations. The organizations are not charged for water services up to a value of $32,295 and pay only half the charges on water valued at less than $64,577. This benefit is set to expire in September of this year.

"It is imperative that we continue to provide this valuable benefit for these organizations that serve our communities so well," added Silver. "I will continue to advocate for the approval of this bill in the Senate and for it to ultimately be signed into law by the Governor."