Despite the Albany legislative session drawing to a close, Governor Kathy Hochul remains hopeful about advancing her housing agenda, albeit not confident of its passage within the remaining timeline.
Her ambitious proposal for statewide affordable housing met a roadblock during budget negotiations and was ultimately withdrawn, leaving housing untouched in the budget. Hochul recognizes the enduring divisions that complicate the plan’s revival, but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of progress by the session’s end.
In the face of this legislative impasse, Hochul is exploring unilateral actions to achieve her housing goals. Potential strategies include executive orders and initiatives to develop more housing on state-owned properties.
Post-budget, Hochul plans to reduce her ambitions and focus on collaborating with the legislature on their bills, aiming to avoid the vetoes and subsequent tension that marked the previous year. She expressed her intention to work closely with legislators to craft language that makes sense, as a means of mitigating conflict and fostering productive cooperation.
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