Hochul in State of the State unveils proposals to make NY more affordable
Governor’s agenda gets praise and criticism
Photo by Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul: Gov. Kathy Hochul delivers 2025 State of the State Address in the Kitty Carlisle Theatre in Albany.
Gov. Kathy Hochul today unveiled numerous proposals that she said would make the state more affordable and safer.
She wants to cut taxes for more than 8.3 million middle class residents, send inflation rebate checks and expand the child tax credit.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford to put food on the table because of the rising cost of groceries,” Hochul said. “Making New York more affordable has been one of my top priorities and to continue this commitment, I am proposing a substantial tax cut for middle class New Yorkers to lighten the burdens of inflation.”
The child tax credit would increase to $1,000 for kids ages 0-3, and $500 for children ages 4-16.
She launched “unplug and play” to help young people off their phones and be more active.
She said she would tackle the housing crisis by taking on corporate forces that raise home prices and rents.
To build the workforce of tomorrow, Hochul called for the state to offer free SUNY and CUNY community college for adult students pursuing in-demand careers.
The 126-page “State of the State” book is available by clicking here. It details many of Hochul’s proposals.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia issued this statement:
“New York leads the nation in outmigration, yet today we heard more false promises from Gov. Hochul. She cannot tell our residents she cares about fixing the affordability crisis while raising taxes even higher with additional government handouts. Our great state remains unsafe with pro-criminal policies, yet she supports bail reform and fails to admit it is the treacherous policy that led us to this public safety disaster we are facing daily. It’s time she walks the walk and acts on what she promises.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt posted this response on social media to Hochul’s State of the State: “If we could fix the affordability crisis by spending MORE, New York would be the most affordable state in America.”
Greater Rochester Chamber President & CEO Bob Duffy issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address:
“Governor Hochul’s State of the State today outlined her vision to enhance the quality of life for hard working New Yorkers — and on issues Greater Rochester Chamber is supportive of. Investments in economic development, childcare, public safety, mitigating the benefits cliff, and tax cuts are deeply important to our members across the Finger Lakes Region.”
“Greater Rochester Chamber looks forward to working with Governor Hochul and our partners in the Legislature to reduce barriers to economic growth in our communities. We will advocate tirelessly over the coming months to ensure that our region has a seat at the table in crucial conversations on the issues that matter to our members.”
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario issued this response:
“Counties commend Governor Hochul for her clear focus on tackling New York’s affordability crisis. The Governor’s proposals to provide tax relief, support New York’s community colleges, invest in childcare, and ensure no public-school student goes hungry are positive steps at the state level, but fully addressing this crisis will also require action to improve affordability at the local level by reducing state-mandated costs that drive up local taxes, protecting the county Medicaid cap, and making local infrastructure investments that will empower communities to increase housing opportunities.”
NYS United Teachers President Melinda Person issued this statement:
“Gov. Hochul’s address today was a welcome declaration that she is focused on making New York more affordable for working families. NYSUT shares her vision to strengthen our schools and communities through transformative policies like distraction-free learning environments, new pathways connecting kids to high-demand careers and free school meals for every student in the state.
“As part of her address, the governor made several proposals that align with NYSUT’s legislative goals for 2025. These include: funding for universal school meals, a commitment to distraction-free learning environments, expanding media literacy to combat misinformation, tuition-free pathways for students to enter high-demand occupations, expanded mental health resources in schools, funding our world-class facilities at SUNY and CUNY, and supporting our students through early childhood and family tax credits.”