Gov. Kathy Hochul meets lawmakers at the train station before riding the Metro-North train to Grand Central Jan. 6, 2025 in Hastings-on-Hudson.
© Tania Savayan/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Albany, NY) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing what she refers to as an “affordability” agenda, after delivering her State of the State address. Hochul announced she plans to pursue an income tax cut for the lower middle class. She argues it will charge that demographic the lowest taxes in nearly seven decades. For the first time in New York history, there will be an inflation refund — and Hochul is looking to expand the child tax credit.
In a move Hochul discussed during the run-up to the speech, the governor introduced details of her free meals program. It would aim to provide meads for millions of K-through-12 students. Hochul also wants the state’s number of childcare facilities increased — in a bid to put New York on path to providing universal, free childcare. The governor also discussed a new initiative that aims to keep kids off their phones — especially during school hours — and in a bid to keep younger New Yorkers active.
Hochul’s plan also aims to boost the affordability of housing in New York State. She wants more housing built, and for the state to provide down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Under Hochul’s proposals, SUNY and CUNY would offer free tuition to adult New Yorkers — provided they’re pursuing in-demand careers.
Finally, with crime a focus — especially within the subway system — Hochul wants more cops patrolling trains. And she plans to invest in subway safety barriers, in a bid to cut down on people being shoved onto tracks.
This all comes following a recent poll that showed just 3 in 10 New Yorkers want Hochul to be re-elected.
