Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a broad package of new laws and programs aimed at shielding New Yorkers from what she described as harmful federal actions.
Hochul unveiled the proposals Tuesday as part of her 2026 State of the State address, framing the plan as a response to rising costs, federal policy shifts, and what her administration called attacks on New Yorkers’ rights and services.
“Today, New York is facing strong headwinds as a result of the reckless actions of Washington Republicans,” Hochul said. “I will continue standing up for New Yorkers no matter what happens at the federal level.”
Legal protections and immigration enforcement
One proposal would allow New Yorkers to sue federal officers in state court for alleged violations of U.S. constitutional rights. The administration said the measure would hold federal officers to the same legal standards that already apply to state and local law enforcement.
Hochul also plans legislation to limit civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship unless officers have a judicial warrant.
Early census planning and farm relief
The governor announced early planning for the 2030 Census after New York narrowly lost a congressional seat following the last count. Her plan includes creating a state census commission, coordinating outreach, and supporting local governments to ensure every residence is counted.
To help farmers affected by federal tariffs, Hochul proposed a $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program. The funding would provide direct payments to specialty crop growers, livestock producers, and dairy farmers to offset higher costs.
Student loans, food aid, and health care
Hochul also outlined an expansion of New York’s Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program to help borrowers navigate changes to federal student loan policies. The program has saved borrowers $48 million since 2019, according to the state.
To strengthen the food safety net, the governor announced additional investments in hunger prevention programs and plans to upgrade EBT cards with chip-based technology to prevent benefit theft.
On health care, Hochul said the state will take steps to protect coverage threatened by federal cuts. That includes moving the Essential Plan back to a Basic Health Program to preserve coverage for 1.3 million residents and negotiating new options for those who could lose eligibility.
Drug costs and immunizations
The governor also directed the Department of Health to negotiate directly with drug manufacturers for deeper discounts in Medicaid, targeting high-cost medications.
Another proposal would allow New York to set its own immunization standards based on medical science, rather than relying solely on federal vaccine schedules.
Hochul said the proposals reflect an effort to protect working families, control costs, and preserve access to essential services statewide.
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