Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her annual State of the State Address on Jan. 14, with tax cuts, child care expansion, affordability, and safety among her top priorities heading into the new legislative session.
Last week’s address came after Democrats maintained majorities in both chambers of the State Legislature. The Governor emphasized passing legislation and programs that put personal finance and families first.
“Your family is my fight,” the Governor repeated throughout her hour-long speech.
To do this, Gov. Hochul promised to deliver a tax cut of up to five percent for families earning up to $323,200 per year in personal income, which would take effect in the current tax year. An inflation rebate program is also a part of the Governor’s economic plan, joint tax filers making less than $300,000 will receive a $500 payment from the government, while single taxpayers making less than $150,000 can see payments of $300.
A doubling or tripling of the State child tax credit up to $1,000 per child under four or $500 per child under sixteen also headlines the Governor’s child care agenda alongside universal school breakfasts and lunches according to the 129-page State of the State book.
Another tenant of the Governor’s plan for young New Yorkers will be a competitive grant program where nonprofits and municipalities can apply for grants of up to $15 million to construct or repair community centers across the state. Hochul hopes investment into youth centers and outdoor activities for children will discourage mobile device usage in young people.
As headlines about subway crime continue making front pages, Hochul also addressed public safety and mental health concerns. In a later statement to reporters, the Governor confirmed that police will be onboard every overnight subway train starting Monday. Three hundred officers will patrol 150 subway trains for the next six months. Construction of platform edge barriers will take place at over 100 subway stations by next year.
Making trains and streets appear cleaner along with expanding involuntary commitment into psychiatry facilities for mentally unwell people were other key points the governor touched on.
“We cannot allow our subway to be a rolling homeless shelter,” the Governor said.
Mobile homelessness outreach teams from the NYC Department of Homeless Services will work on finding housing accommodations for unhoused individuals on the subway system according to the Governor’s plan.
To read more about the State of the State, visit governor.ny.gov
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