Governor Kathy Hochul says New York has spent the past year responding to repeated threats and funding cuts from the federal government, and she says her latest budget prepares the state for more uncertainty ahead.
Hochul made the comments during an interview Tuesday night on Spectrum News’ Capital Tonight with Susan Arbetter, where she described what she called a “constant attack” since President Donald Trump was sworn in one year ago.
Hochul said the federal government has withheld or threatened to withhold funding tied to congestion pricing, offshore wind projects, and child care and family support programs. She said $3.8 billion in child care funding was cut just weeks ago, forcing the state to respond quickly.
She said New York has turned to the courts and has won most of its legal challenges so far, but the fights have drained time and resources. Hochul said she has personally called the president to restore funding for law enforcement and first responders, including money for the NYPD.
Hochul said her budget accounts for what she described as volatility coming from Washington and relies in part on reserves, including $3 billion set aside for emergencies. She said higher-than-expected Wall Street bonuses also helped boost state revenues without raising taxes.
The governor also spoke at length about child care, calling it one of her top priorities. She said New York is on a path toward universal child care, with more than $8 billion invested during her time as governor. Annual spending, she said, has grown from about $832 million when she took office to $4.5 billion this year.
Hochul said the state is working to expand capacity by investing in facilities and workers, including offering free community college for adults over 25 who want to become early childhood educators. She said the state has also used bonuses to retain workers who left during the pandemic.
On education, Hochul said she does not plan to overhaul the Foundation Aid formula this year but will fully fund it and increase spending to help districts manage rising costs. She said the state wants to avoid shifting those costs onto local property taxpayers.
Hochul also defended New York’s approach to immigration enforcement, saying state police do not assist with civil ICE enforcement but must retain flexibility when serious crimes are involved. She said the state will not tolerate constitutional violations by federal agents and will continue to stand up for New Yorkers’ rights.
The governor addressed climate policy as well, saying the state remains committed to environmental goals but faces real challenges after the pandemic, the shutdown of Indian Point, and the loss of federal support for renewable energy projects. She said the state is working to respond to a court deadline tied to climate regulations while managing rising energy costs.
Hochul said the combination of legal action, budget planning, and direct advocacy reflects her responsibility to protect New Yorkers and keep essential programs in place despite ongoing federal pressure.
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