ALBANY, NY (May 3, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2026 New York State Budget, totaling $254 billion, with legislative leaders, emphasizing affordability, public safety, mental health, education, and environmental initiatives.
Hochul highlighted key priorities from her January State of the State address, stating, “I vowed to address the affordability crisis by putting thousands of dollars back in New Yorker’s pockets; I vowed to make common sense changes to our discovery laws to keep dangerous criminals from walking free over frivolous technical errors; I vowed to put more police on our subways to drive down crime and ensure that every rider feels safe; and I vowed to get more New Yorkers who are suffering from mental illness the compassionate care they need; and I vowed to implement a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones in our schools so our kids can concentrate in class free from distraction. Well, we got it all done.”
The budget includes $5,000 in relief for families through tax cuts, child tax credits, free school meals, and inflation refund checks of up to $200 for individuals and $400 for families. Hochul noted, “This Budget is far more than a financial document, it’s a declaration of our shared values: who we are, who we’re fighting for and a roadmap for a brighter future.” She also addressed federal cuts, saying, “Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are threatening to slash federal dollars that are vital to New York. We’ve already been hit with over $1.3 billion in cuts.”
Public safety measures include $77 million for 300 additional subway officers, reducing crime to a 27-year low, and $35 million for security at vulnerable locations. Mental health investments involve $40 million for support teams and clarifying involuntary commitment laws. Education reforms feature a bell-to-bell smartphone ban and a record $37 billion for schools. The budget also allocates $1 billion for climate initiatives and $400 million to revitalize Albany.
Hochul praised New York’s resilience, stating, “While Washington remains mired in division and dysfunction, we’re still showing that government can work for the people. We can solve problems. We can still move forward. Why? Because we’re New Yorkers.”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.