Making New York State More Affordable

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Get updates from Governor Hochul about the 2025 State of the State.

A Note from Governor Kathy Hochul

"My top priority is tackling New York’s affordability crisis.

Since COVID, inflation has eaten away at New Yorkers’ incomes. When costs for basic necessities skyrocket, it makes putting food on the table so much more difficult. Many New Yorkers still feel the pinch. They know that every dollar counts. It adds up quickly, especially for a family with small children or for seniors on a fixed income.

I understand this struggle intuitively. I watched my grandparents – who worked in factories their whole lives – struggle in their old age. I watched my mother – who raised a family of eight – stretch every dollar by buying used clothes and serving fried spam sandwiches for dinner. When I started my own family, I had to leave my job because we couldn’t find affordable childcare.

Since taking office, my administration has delivered more than $5.5 billion in supplemental payments, tax relief and rebates for homeowners, tuition assistance for students, heating and cooling assistance for seniors, as well as expanded access to child care assistance and paid leave for families and pregnant women.

I will never stop fighting for New Yorkers and their families."

— Governor Kathy Hochul

New Affordability Policies In Effect as of January 1, 2025

Governor Hochul fought to raise the Minimum Wage and index it to inflation – it is now $16.50 in New York City, and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, and $15.50 elsewhere in the state.

Pregnant women are now eligible for 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave as first-in-the-nation law takes effect.

New Yorkers needing Insulin will pay $0 in co-pays on any state-regulated insurance plan.

Watch: Governor Hochul Announces Affordability Policies Taking Effect January 1st

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rh8weUBePnM

We’re putting money back in the pockets of more than a million New Yorkers because this administration delivers for working families."

Governor Hochul

Affordability Agenda Highlights