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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $1 billion commitment to combat climate change, cut middle-class taxes and address the housing crisis during her fourth annual State of the State Address on Tuesday.

The address comes less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term and after Republicans gained control of both chambers of Congress last fall. Despite her party’s losses, Hochul proposed several statewide initiatives, including efforts to grow the green energy industry and reduce crime rates.

As part of her environmental agenda, Hochul announced the largest climate investment in the state’s history. The funding will be used to generate jobs in green energy and sustainability, lower energy costs and jumpstart New York’s decarbonization goals, Hochul said.

“In the last few years, we’ve experienced record heat, droughts, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes,” Hochul said. “My fight for your family also means preventing these catastrophes from becoming our new normal.”

With the new investment, Hochul said homes across the state will be retrofitted, and homeowners will be incentivized to install energy-efficient heating systems. The investment will also allow the state to expand environmentally friendly public infrastructure, such as SUNY campuses, and will help improve public transportation.

Hochul also advocated for the state to return to nuclear power as a green energy source. Her plan outlines a safe path toward nuclear development, and she said expanding the energy source will help with decarbonization.

The governor connected her environmental objectives to one of New York state’s fastest-growing industries: microchip manufacturing.

Hochul called for a middle-class income tax cut, benefitting over eight million taxpayers who make less than $323,000 annually. She said the tax cut will save taxpayers $1 billion and will be the lowest tax rate in seven decades.

In 2022, Hochul led an effort to invest $25 billion in a five-year housing program to build and preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York. During the address, she said the plan was ahead of schedule and encouraged both state and federal governments to continue investing in affordable housing.

Hochul tied her affordability efforts to lowering crime rates across the state.

“Worries about crime and struggles to make ends meet are too common. Our state has to be livable, and people have to be able to afford to live in it,” Hochul said. “We must keep fighting for the families and children of New York.”

Hochul plans to work with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to increase law enforcement presence in subway stations, putting an officer in every train over the next six months from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

MTA will also be installing barriers in 100 stations and LED lighting in every station by the end of the year. Additionally, gates to enter the station will be upgraded to help stop fare evaders.

To further aid working families with children, Hochul announced the state will be expanding child tax credit, providing eligible families with credits for children aged 4 to 16 to support expenses and help reduce tax burdens. Hochul plans to raise the maximum benefit for children 4 and under to $1000 and hopes to increase the credit for children aged 5 to 16 to $500 in 2026.

Hochul also pledged $110 million to construct new childcare centers and renovate existing ones across New York state.

She also announced the “Unplug and Play” initiative, building new playgrounds and creating new opportunities for children to join sports teams, music and drama clubs and youth volunteer organizations. Hochul proposed free breakfast and lunches in public schools, ensuring every child has a meal during the school day.

The governor closed with a reminder to remain hopeful even in difficult times. She said New York was “in crisis” when she assumed office in 2022, and that the state’s subsequent growth makes her hopeful for the coming year.

“So, even as we continue to focus on the many New Yorkers who need help, let us resolve today to take on the problems with a heart and soul filled with optimism … and a faith in our future,” Hochul said.

Published on January 14, 2025 at 10:30 pm

Contact Duncan: digreen@syr.edu