Gov. Kathy Hochul looks ahead to a high-stakes year for Albany with plans to address affordability, public safety and mental health, building on recent political victories such as housing deals and reinstating congestion pricing. Preparations are underway.
Sources told NY1 that Hochul’s proposal, which is expected to be announced in her State of the State address on January 14th, will test her ability to manage a Congress that is both an ally and an obstacle. It is said that it will become. Her push begins on January 8, when Congress opens.
“New York State is a very powerful administrative state… Nothing shows that more than the governor’s power through the state budget. That’s her maximum influence in dealing with the Legislature,” he said in Manhattan. said Anthony Piscitelli, a counselor and senior advisor at CMW Strategies, which is based there.
Hochul’s State of the Union address will outline legislative priorities, including affordability measures, mental health reform and updating cell phone policy in schools.
She’s already previewing a $3 billion proposal to hand out checks to New Yorkers, backed by a surplus in sales tax revenue. According to sources, tax reduction measures may also be under consideration.
“In the coming weeks, Governor Hochul will release his 2025 State of the State address, which includes numerous new proposals that will make New York an even more affordable and great place to live and raise a family,” the governor’s spokesperson said in a statement. I plan to do so.”
Hochul also suggested stronger laws to address violence and disorder within the subway system, with the aim of removing dangerous people and providing treatment.
“These are all hot-button items that the public wants addressed. The issue is, especially since this is a non-legislative election year, that the governor is using support from the Legislature to It’s about getting what you want,” said Shontel Smith, head of Task Strategies’ New York office.
Hochul faces resistance from lawmakers on several issues, including housing reform, despite Democrats holding a majority in Congress.
“When it comes to housing, progressives were, and continue to be, pretty disappointed in the outcome. And I think the real estate industry has probably benefited more than they originally expected.”Albany University Associate Professor Timothy Weaver said.
Hochul’s decision to reinstate congestion pricing, which was suspended earlier this year, also sparked mixed reactions.
“In the end, she may end up being remembered for the big issue of congestion pricing, which ended up satisfying no one and causing a lot of confusion,” Weaver added.
