"The next bills before me are Introductory numbers 535-A and 543-A.  These two bills relate to services provided by the HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) of the Human Resources Administration.  HASA serves as the primary agency in New York City for persons with HIV/AIDS and their family members to access essential benefits and social services.

"Introductory number 535-A is sponsored by Council Members DeBlasio, Quinn, Gioia, Brewer, Clarke, Fidler, Foster, Gerson, James, Liu, Lopez, Martinez, Palma, Recchia, Reed, Sanders, Seabrook, Weprin, Baez, Koppell, Moskowitz, Gennaro, Monserrate, Reyna, Addabbo, Perkins, Boyland, Gonzalez, Speaker Miller and Public Advocate Gotbaum.  Intro. 535-A improves how HASA clients move from emergency housing to non-emergency housing. This bill sets specific guidelines about the provision and processing of non-emergency housing applications to ensure that HASA clients have timely access to housing that meets their medical and service needs, fosters independence and ensures stability. 

"Introductory number 543-A is sponsored by Council Members Quinn, Gioia, DeBlasio, Clarke, Fidler, Foster, Gerson, James, Liu, Lopez, Palma, Reed, Sears, Stewart, Weprin, Koppell, Jackson, Moskowitz, Gennaro, Gonzalez, Brewer, Perkins, Speaker Miller and Public Advocate Gotbaum.  Intro. 543-A requires HASA to establish and maintain a housing referral and placement system for emergency and non-emergency housing and to monitor the conditions at facilities where HASA clients reside. 

"I would like to thank Verna Eggleston, the Commissioner of the Human Resources Administration and her staff for their work toward ensuring timely delivery of essential benefits and social services to persons with HIV/AIDS and their family members.  I also want to thank the Council for their work on this legislation."