Hochul plans to bet big on affordability in State of the State speech, but critics warn policies may hit NY right in the pocketbooks

Gov.Kathy Hochul is betting big on “affordability” — even as critics worry her policies may hit New Yorkers’ pocketbooks.The governor’s annual “State of the State” speech Tuesday is expected to highlight proposals for an increase to the child tax credit, subsidies to expand access to child care, free school breakfasts and lunches, and checks to be handed out to families making under $300,000 a year.Hochul hopes those so-called affordability measures will help reverse widespread dissatisfaction with Democratic policies that led to Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election and surprising gains in New York, as well as bolster her own fight for political survival ahead of what’s expected to be a bruising 2026 reelection bid, experts and political insiders said.But Republican critics found it a bit rich that Hochul — who backed a $9 congestion toll for cars entering Manhattan and a $68 billion MTA capital plan — is pitching herself and Dems as cost-of-living saviors.“From Brooklyn to Buffalo this past election cycle, New Yorkers spoke very loudly,” state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-Niagara) said during a press conference unveiling Republicans’ “Liberate New York” agenda Monday.“Make no mistake about it.

The Democrats have passed policies the last several years that have made New York less affordable.No matter what they want to say.”The State of the State has been used by governors to officially outline their policy agendas for the year, and rally support among lawmakers and everyday New Yorkers.Hochul, during this go-around, is pitching measures to make the Empire State affordable, even as it remains the highest-taxed in the US.In recent weeks, Hochul previewed some of her affordability policy proposals, including an increase for the child tax credit and $500 checks to families making under $300,000 a year.Those proposals, while potentially helpful as one-offs to buoy hard-scrabble New Yorkers’ finances, ignore larger ...