Governor Kathy Hochul says the fight over New York’s late 2025 budget is personal. During a rally in Rochester, she called for an urgent deal that lowers taxes, strengthens public safety laws, and expands mental health services—saying “your family is my fight.”
The governor criticized federal economic policies for driving up prices and urged state lawmakers to act now. “I will not sign a state budget that does not fight these federal changes and put New Yorkers first,” Hochul said.
Focus on affordability and inflation relief
Hochul’s proposal includes:
- A tax cut aimed at middle-income families
- Inflation rebate checks for over 500,000 households in the Finger Lakes
- A plan to triple the child tax credit for children under 4
- Universal free school meals to reduce family grocery costs
She warned that new tariffs and federal uncertainty could cost families $3,000–$6,000 annually. “I’m trying to put $5,000 back in your pockets,” she said. “But Washington is taking it away.”
Crime down, but more changes needed
Rochester has seen a 28% drop in gun violence. Hochul praised local officials but stressed the need to fix what she called “broken” discovery laws that allow late legal challenges to delay justice.
“We must protect victims,” she said. “These technicalities are letting cases fall apart.”
Mental health laws in the spotlight
Hochul also called for stronger intervention laws to help those with severe mental illness. She criticized current policies that leave vulnerable people untreated. “It’s not compassionate to let them suffer,” she said.
What’s next in Albany?
The governor confirmed negotiations were in the “home stretch” but said she won’t accept a budget that compromises core priorities.
“We can wait a little longer if it means delivering exactly what New Yorkers need,” she said.
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