AG James and Cuomo suspend state debt collection

From: Crain's New York Business
By: Gwen Everett

https://www.crainsnewyork.com/coronavirus/ag-james-and-cuomo-suspend-state-debt-collection

New York will freeze collections on medical and student debt owed or referred to the state, Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

More than 165,000 debts are affected by the decision, the AG and governor said, adding that the freeze will last at least 30 days.

During that time, the attorney general's office will take applications to suspend other types of debt owed or referred to the state, James said, and will decide whether to extend the freeze.

It's an effort to mitigate the mounting financial stresses New Yorkers are facing as the Covid-19 crisis rattles the state's economy. The state shut down restaurants, bars and event spaces Monday.

"In this time of crisis, my office will not add undue stress or saddle New Yorkers with unnecessary financial burden," James said.