Hochul’s ‘State of State’ seeks to equip workforce for 21st century economy

Assemblyman Hawley says governor, ‘in lockstep with the radical majority in Albany’

Photo from Office of the Governor: Kathy Hochul delivered the 2024 State of the State Address and released her “Our New York, Our Future” agenda on Tuesday.

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced her plan to grow and strengthen New York’s economy as part of her 2024 State of the State Address. The governor said her plan builds on her vision for a modern, 21st century economy fueled by innovative, next-generation businesses and high-skilled workers ready to meet their needs.

It includes catalytic investments to create strong, vibrant business districts statewide; a multi-pronged proposal to open pathways to business ownership for immigrant entrepreneurs; new workforce development efforts to prepare workers for the needs of a 21st century economy; and a $100 million expansion of the state’s FAST NY business attraction program.

The governor also announced expansions of the Teacher Ambassador and Registered Apprenticeship programs; new statewide offices to monitor workforce development outcomes and help small businesses navigate environmental regulations; and a package of initiatives to rebuild the state’s public workforce.

New York State Association of Counties President Dan McCoy issued this statement: “The new initiatives detailed in the Governor’s State of the State address show a commitment to tackling the affordability issues that have been affecting the hardworking residents who call New York State home. Improved access to housing, proposed new consumer protections, expanded access to prenatal care, and fostering accessible mental health services are positive public policy proposals that align with the needs of New Yorkers.

 “While there is still more work that needs to be done, county officials from across the state are committed to working with our partners at the state level on these proposals to build a stronger and more resilient State of New York.”

State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) issued this statement: “The Governor’s State of the State address was a series of so-called solutions to the problems created right here in Albany. The rising crime and cost of living highlighted by the Governor are the direct result of bad policies enacted by New York Democrats.

“Governor Hochul proposed a task force to stop the shoplifters emboldened by a pro-criminal legislature, failed to address the migrant crisis Democrats invited to New York, and gave lip-service to the rising cost of living created by Albany’s extreme energy agenda, high taxes, and bad housing policy.

“As more residents continue to flee the state for places that offer affordability, security, and opportunity, we need real solutions and the political will to address the challenges we face, not band-aids to bad policies that have decreased the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Our conference stands ready to work toward a greater New York for all.”

Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “As the voice of business for the Finger Lakes Region, we appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to Upstate New York. In the session ahead, we look forward to strongly supporting her efforts to make New York safer and more affordable, to reduce barriers to economic growth and expansion, and to entice and keep businesses in Greater Rochester. Working with Governor Hochul and our partners in the Legislature, Greater Rochester Chamber will relentlessly advocate to ensure the voice of our members is heard and considered as decisions are being made.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) said, “Gov. Hochul has once again shown she is in lockstep with the radical majority in Albany. As if giving criminals a free pass and taking control away from local governments wasn’t enough, this administration seems hellbent on chipping away at Western New York’s way of life by doing nothing to lower the cost of living and allowing migrants to flood into upstate communities. Time and time again we have been let down and left out by big-city politicians. It’s time for our leadership to step away from these radical policies and start working for everyday New Yorkers.”

Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers, issued this statement:  “The governor’s State of the State message is a welcome affirmation of her commitment to invest in our public schools, students and educators. NYSUT shares her powerful goals of addressing barriers to authentic learning, including increasing access to vital student mental health support, protecting kids from harmful impacts of social media and fighting to end childhood poverty.

“We appreciate her appetite for building on the historic full funding of Foundation Aid and are excited that her vision recognizes that our schools and communities prosper when we offer educators the tools and professional training they need to build healthy classrooms and sustainable careers.

“NYSUT looks forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to craft a state budget that ensures our students and educators, from pre-K to postgraduate, have the resources and support they need for success.”