Monday, February 17, 2025
Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off her fourth year in office on Jan. 14 by outlining her proposed 2025 agenda in the State of the State address. That agenda includes more than 200 initiatives, many of which would have an impact on Long Island.
Here are some of the key proposals she discussed:
Affordability
Unsurprisingly, Hochul began the afternoon by addressing the issue on every New Yorker’s mind: the cost of living. New Yorkers have seen rising prices in housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in New York is 26 percent higher than the national average.
She proposed tax cuts, rebate checks and savings from free school lunches, an initiative that could save a family of five $5,000 a year.
“I’m calling for a sweeping middle-class income tax cut benefitting 8.3 million taxpayers making less than $323,000,” she said. “The tax cut I propose today and will fight for in the coming months will deliver the lowest tax rates in seven decades and save hardworking taxpayers $1 billion.
“But that’s just the start,” she added.
The proposed $3 billion in inflation relief rebates would provide one-time payments of $300 or $500 based on income level and tax filing status. The initiative would have to be approved by the State Legislature.
The governor’s budget also includes expanding the State’s child tax credit. Under the proposal, families could see the credit increase by as much as three times the current amount—up to $1,000 per child under age 4 and $500 for children aged 4 to 16. The changes would be phased in over two years.
The governor also proposed that households making as much as $323,200 would provide an income tax break that could save households hundreds of dollars a year for roughly 77 percent of taxpayers.
Education
Hochul unveiled a proposal that would offer free tuition to New Yorkers pursuing associate degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, teaching, technology, and engineering. The initiative would build on the State’s existing financial aid programs and target residents between 25 and 55 seeking to re-skill for essential industries.
Nassau Community College, located in Garden City, is the only community college in Nassau County. Nearby states, including Massachusetts, have launched similar tuition-free college programs to address labor shortages and promote economic mobility.
Hochul announced her support of universal free school meals. That would mean boosting state funds to expand an existing program that could reach 280,000 students in students that aren’t already covered.
Mental Health
Hochul, who is expected to seek re-election in 2026, took office in 2021 when people statewide were grappling with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many students faced—and continue to face—mental health challenges.
It has been a central focus throughout her administration. In her latest initiative, she aims to address concerns about random acts of violence committed by individuals with severe, untreated mental illness. Her agenda includes strengthening Kendra’s Law, which mandates outpatient treatment for certain individuals with mental illnesses who are not receiving care.
Additionally, Hochul is advocating for a Teen Mental Health First Aid program to equip high school students with the skills to support themselves and their peers. She also promoted mental health resources for after-school programs, ensuring students access to licensed healthcare facilities through state-funded programs.
