Hochul’s Proposals at the State of the State Address

By Y.M. Lowy

Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address brought forward a sweeping collection of proposals to tackle some of New York’s most pressing issues, with over 200 initiatives, from rising costs to public safety.

Among the proposals were tax cuts for over 8 million middle-class New Yorkers, the introduction of inflation refund checks for millions of households, and an expanded child tax credit. There were also efforts to reduce the rising costs of housing by targeting corporate practices and introducing a new initiative to get kids off their phones and move outdoors.

On the crime front, Hochul emphasized public safety, suggesting increased law enforcement presence in subway stations and trains, as well as a streamlined criminal justice process. She also proposed expanding mental health services, particularly for those with serious conditions, and increasing access to community college for adults pursuing careers in high-demand fields. Alongside this, Hochul laid out plans to modernize the state’s transportation network, including pushing forward the Second Avenue Subway project and improvements to rail services across New York.

Governor Hochul also proposed a significant $1 billion investment in climate initiatives to address environmental challenges and reduce pollution. 

Other measures included consumer protections to protect people from scams, support for small businesses, and resources for individuals with disabilities. 

However, while these proposals are bold, implementing them will require significant coordination and funding. 

New Yorkers will be watching to see whether these ambitious plans can become a reality and whether they’ll deliver the promised improvements.