On Tuesday, January 14th, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her annual State of the State address, presenting a comprehensive agenda aimed at tackling affordability, public safety, housing, and mental health.
Put Money in New Yorker’s Pockets
The governor outlined several economic relief measures, including a $1 billion middle-class tax cut and a $3 billion inflation rebate to 8.6 million New Yorkers. These initiatives, which are expected to benefit over 77 percent of taxpayers, reflect Hochul’s commitment to easing the financial burdens faced by New Yorkers. In the address, she said, “Our future depends upon the ability of every family to afford the essentials of life, and our future depends upon our ability to protect the safety and security of our residents.”
She also proposed expanding the child tax credit, offering up to $1,000 per child under the age of four and up to $500 for older children, phased in over two years. Hochul said, “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…. 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.
In addition to tax cuts and rebates, the governor’s plan includes forming a Coalition for Child Care to explore pathways toward universal childcare and ensuring free school meals for all students.
Public Safety Gets a Boost With Policy Announcements
Public safety was a major highlight in Hochul’s address, with key proposals aimed at improving law enforcement and reducing crime. One of the major initiatives includes deploying 750 police officers to subway platforms, with 300 on overnight subway patrols for the next six months. This move follows a series of high-profile subway incidents that have raised public concerns.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and that means making sure our subways feel safe and are safe for every single rider and worker,” said Hochul. “No one should be in fear that they’ll be a victim of crime as they commute to work, go to school or enjoy a night out — that is why we’re partnering with law enforcement, improving our infrastructure and ensuring that New Yorkers struggling with mental illness get the support they need.”
In addition to enhanced police presence, Hochul announced plans to decouple discovery laws from speedy trial statutes, a step that prosecutors have long called for. The governor’s policy book also includes the proposal for the creation of the first crime analysis center and joint operations command in the nation to improve data sharing among law enforcement agencies. Adams emphasized that public safety measures are essential for restoring trust and ensuring that residents feel secure in public spaces.
Statewide Housing Crisis Addressed With Targeted Initiatives
Hochul’s State of the State address included several measures to tackle New York’s ongoing housing crisis. One notable initiative is a proposal to create a 75-day waiting period before private equity firms can bid on single-family homes, a move aimed at curbing speculative real estate investments. The governor also pledged $100 million for a Pro-Housing Supply fund that will support infrastructure projects to facilitate new housing developments.
Hochul also proposed statewide legislation to address landlord collusion in regards to rent-price fixing, the first of its kind in the nation. She said, “The top driver of our affordability crisis is the rising cost of rent and mortgages, and New Yorkers need our help. After passing a landmark housing deal last year, it’s time to continue the fight with new measures to make life more affordable for tenants and homeowners.”
In addition to the proposals for the state’s housing, Hochul also committed $1 billion towards Mayor Eric Adam’s “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative. Adams, noting that Hochul’s housing proposals align with the city’s efforts to increase affordable housing, said, “With state support, we can accelerate housing development and ensure more New Yorkers have access to quality homes.”
Hochul’s agenda also includes streamlining environmental review processes for modest developments, which is expected to speed up the approval of new housing projects across the state.
Mental Health Reforms to Build a Better System
Mental health policies were another key component of Hochul’s address, with several proposals aimed at improving care and intervention for individuals with severe mental illness. The governor announced plans to strengthen Kendra’s Law, which mandates outpatient treatment for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. She also proposed expanding the criteria for involuntary commitments to address gaps in the current system.
Hochul also continued her support of protecting the mental and physical health of children in New York with the “Unplug and Play” initiative. Building upon the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign from 2024, Hochul is aiming to protect kids from harm to their mental and physical health that can occur from social media and other online influences. She said “It’s time to let our kids just be kids again. Studies show that access to recreational opportunities improves outcomes for kids. That’s why we’re investing in the social infrastructure to help our kids get offline and connect in person.”
Major Investments Planned for Transportation and Infrastructure
Hochul outlined several major investments in transportation and infrastructure, including the long-awaited expansion of the Second Avenue Subway and the modernization of Metro-North services. The governor also announced plans to introduce hundreds of electric buses as part of the state’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Additional proposals include redesigning key highways, such as the Cross-Bronx Expressway, to enhance traffic flow and safety.
Governor Hochul said, “Our transportation network is the backbone of New York’s economic resilience. By making smart investments in public transportation, strengthening our roads and bridges, reconnecting communities that have been scarred by bad planning decisions of past generations and enhancing our laws to improve safety across the board, we are driving toward a stronger future for the State of New York.”
Many of the investments into New York’s infrastructure are expected to be funded by the congestion pricing toll, which has been in effect since January 5th. It is expected to generate $15 billion in funding for transportation and infrastructure renovations.
Expanding and Strengthening New Yorkers’ Health Care
Hochul announced steps to expand access to health care services to New Yorkers including a new mandate for the minimum standards for dental plans. The Standard Adult Dental Plan is expected to be introduced in 2026, simplifying and improving dental care for New Yorkers.
In her State of the State address, Governor Hochul also announced plans to expand and broaden access to air conditioning units for people with chronic conditions to include pregnant women and people with conditions that are worsened by extreme heat including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Hochul said, “As we continue our post-pandemic recovery, it’s critical to make investments and innovations in our health care system. This year our health proposals will put more money back in the pockets of New Yorkers and ensure they have access to affordable, high-quality care.”
Collaboration Between the State and City Expected to Strengthen
Mayor Adams expressed strong support for Hochul’s agenda, praising her focus on economic relief. “You just see that we value the same things,” Adams said. He highlighted how Hochul’s proposals align with the city’s goals, particularly in providing financial assistance to struggling families.
As Hochul’s agenda moves forward, collaboration between the state and city will be key to ensuring the successful implementation of these initiatives. Both Hochul and Adams have emphasized the importance of working together to address shared challenges, from public safety to housing and economic relief. With legislative approval required for many of the governor’s proposals, Adams pledged to support Hochul’s efforts and advocate for policies that benefit all New Yorkers.
While challenges remain, the alignment of state and city priorities signals a promising path ahead. Hochul’s agenda, backed by Adams, sets a collaborative tone for tackling New York’s most pressing issues in 2025. “By working hand in hand, we can create a safer, more affordable, and more equitable New York for all,” Adams concluded.
