Denis Slattery is reporting for the New York Daily News state Sen. Michael Gianaris is asking Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cancel rent for tenants and businesses whose finances have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. The Queens Democrat sent a letter to the governor April 8. The governor has already suspended evictions for 90 days during the statewide stay-at-home order, but advocates and tenants say more needs to be done to prevent a flood of evictions once the crisis resolves. Gianaris proposed legislation two weeks ago that would allow “any residential tenant or small business commercial tenant in the state that has lost income or has been forced to close their place of business” to have their rent suspended for 90 days. The measure would mean that renters or businesses would not owe anything during the three-month freeze, even when it is over. It would also mandate forgiveness of mortgage payments by landlords who face “financial hardship” as a result of the rent cancellations. Read the full story in the New York Daily News.