Kathy Hohcul, the 57th Governor of New York State, delivered her annual address to the New York State Legislature and the people of New York, going into a long discussion about the things she wants to focus on in 2025 for the Empire State. The speech, which was given inside the Hart Theatre in Albany, New York, covered more than 200 topics that the state's Chief Executive plans to push forward. Many of these items have the intent of trying to have a positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers from Niagara Falls to Long Island and everywhere else in between.

In addition to the speech that was given, the Governor's office released an official State of the State Policy Book that covers all the items that are on the agenda for this year.

Below are a few highlights of the speech agenda items:

  • Reduction in New York's income tax rate - the State Department of Taxation and Finance will apply a state income tax rate reduction for more than 8 million state residents.
  • New York State Inflation Refund Checks - select residents of the state will receive an additional state refund of up to $500 per family. This is expected to apply to nearly 9 million New Yorkers.
  • New York's child tax credit will increase - nearly 2 million New York families will get an increased tax deduction for children, up to $1,000 per kid.
  • Universal Free School Meals - All schools in New York are to begin providing universal free meals, regardless of family income.
  • Rental Development Loan Fund - State officials will create a revolving loan fund to help rental development outside of New York.
  • SUNY and CUNY will begin offering making college attendance free for certain career paths.

You can watch the entire speech here, and you can find more information about these initiative, along with others, you can read the Governor's official State of the State Policy Book.

Highlights from 2024-25 New York State Budget

On January 16, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul released the first draft of the 2024-25 state budget. The State Budget, which can be revised by the New York State Legislature, is currently pegged at $233 billion.

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

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