A mini war has sparked between Gov. David Paterson and the Senate Democrats, who are incensed over the governor’s veto of a bill that would establish a 30 percent rent cap people on public assistance who are living with HIV or AIDS.

The majority just released the following statement from the ever-quotable Austin Shafran:

“Vetoing a bill that protects life-saving access to affordable housing for 30,000 of our most vulnerable citizens is morally reprehensible and fiscally irresponsible.”

“The bill, which protects renters living with HIV/AIDS by limiting the percentage of household income payable to shelter costs to 30 percent, would pay for itself by reducing evictions, homelessness, and health costs.

“Some things shouldn’t have a price tag. Denying those suffering from HIV/AIDS rental assistance will force those affected out of their homes and into our city’s shelters and hospitals costing taxpayers millions.

“The Democratic majority calls on the Republican minority – who voted unanimously for this measure – to join us in overriding this irresponsible error in judgment.”

The bill, as you may recall, is being carried by Sen. Tom Duane, a Manhattan Democrat who is the Senate’s only openly gay member and also the only member of the Legislature (to my knowledge, anyway) who is living with HIV.

Duane gave an impassioned 3 a.m. speech on the floor of the Senate in favor of the measure last summer. The measure subsequently passed, 52-1.

Paterson’s veto also drew the wrath of Housing Works, which said the bill would have addressed an “egregious injustice” in state housing policy and impacted some 10,000 poor New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

“Shame on Gov. Paterson,” said Housing Works President and CEO Charles King.

“He has gone back on a promise to sign this legislation and lent his support to a policy that actually penalizes people for being poor and receiving shelter assistance. I am embarrassed for him.”

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