Snow, politics, and power plants didn’t dampen Governor Kathy Hochul’s mood as Micron broke ground in Central New York.
In an interview on NewsChannel 9’s “Newsmakers,” Hochul called the project deeply personal and tied it directly to jobs, workforce training, and a broader comeback for the Syracuse region.
Hochul said she pushed hard to land Micron almost immediately after becoming governor. She recalled flying during a January snowstorm in 2022 to meet Micron’s CEO before he returned to Idaho.
“I said, ‘We have to make this happen,’” Hochul said, describing the early talks that led to what she called the largest private-sector investment in American history.
Jobs without four-year degrees
Hochul repeatedly returned to workforce development and access.
She said New York has invested $500 million in workforce training tied to Micron and its supply chain. She emphasized that many of the jobs won’t require a college degree.
“Sixty percent of the workers that Micron needs don’t even need a four year degree,” Hochul said. “So we’re aggressively going after the local individuals in schools and in the community.”
She said the message to residents is simple: training can change their future and open the door to high-paying jobs.
Keeping energy costs in check
Hochul also connected Micron’s arrival to her push to expand nuclear power in upstate New York.
She said new reactors would help power Micron and related companies without driving up energy costs for residents. She drew a sharp contrast with data centers, which she said strain the grid without creating many jobs.
“I don’t want New Yorkers to have to pay more,” Hochul said. “If you’re going to come here — you want to come here — you’re going to have to pay and, ultimately, bring your own energy source.”
She said communities like Oswego remain strong candidates because of their experience and existing workforce.
Housing and growth pressure
Hochul said Micron’s growth will bring housing pressure, especially in Clay and surrounding areas.
She said the state needs to speed up housing construction and limit delays caused by environmental review challenges that stall projects for years.
“I can’t have that be the answer anymore,” Hochul said, adding that she needs to plan for tens of thousands of new or higher-earning residents.
Prison reform still on the table
Asked about prison reform, Hochul said it remains a priority even if it wasn’t front and center in her State of the State address.
She pointed to actions taken after the murder of Robert Brooks, including more cameras, prosecutions, and reforms signed in December. She said she’s reviewing recommendations tied to the HALT Act and plans to discuss them with legislative leaders.
Looking ahead to reelection
Hochul said she feels “really good” about reelection and framed herself as a fighter on public safety, affordability, and education.
She also said she’s battling the Trump administration over federal funding, including child care money she said Congress already approved.
“I’m a scrappy street fighter from Buffalo,” Hochul said. “I say bring it on.”
She closed the interview on a lighter note, recalling her days working at Varsity Pizzeria near the Syracuse campus and celebrating Micron’s groundbreaking as a link between her past and the region’s future.
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