Plugged In @ Hinman Straub
January 6, 2021
Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address
Governor Hochul delivered her first State of the State address, presented in the Assembly Chamber, titled a “New Era for New York.” The Governor pledged renewed cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. In the address, the Governor highlighted key components of her agenda, highlights below.
The entire State of the State briefing book can be found here.
Rebuilding the Healthcare Economy
The Governor began by insisting that the state needs to stop the current hemorrhaging of healthcare workers by paying them the debt we owe, starting with a retention bonus of up to $3,000 to health and direct care workers. Beyond salary, the Governor announced a commitment to make it easier for doctors and nurses from other States to practice with their existing licenses here in New York and a commitment to expand the capacity of our medical institutions so more students can train for high-demand healthcare jobs. The Governor announced a goal of growing the healthcare workforce by 20% over the next five years aided by a $10 billion investment from the state.
Protecting Public Safety
The Governor noted the nationwide rise in gun violence and proposes to curb such in cities across New York by doubling down on practical, proven law enforcement strategies to combat gun violence. Working with Mayor Adams and the Lieutenant Governor, New York will form a new consortium between the New York State Police, the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies, including neighboring states to trace guns used in crimes and stop the flow of illegal guns into the state. The Governor announced she will triple the resources for both our gun-tracing efforts as well as for successful community-based programs.
Investing in New York’s People
The Governor announced the acceleration of a $1.2 billion middle class tax cut, originally scheduled to take place between now and 2025. To help with property taxes, the Governor announced a $1 billion middle-class property tax rebate that will benefit more than 2 million homeowners. And to help parents get back to work, the Governor committed to expand access to affordable childcare to 100,000 more working families and invest $75 million in childcare worker wages. The Governor also announced $100,000,000 in funding for small businesses and the creation of a tax credit for COVID related purchases, like outdoor heaters and seating.
Investing in New York’s Communities
The Governor announced a new five-year capital plan for the New York State Department of Transportation, as well as a number of infrastructure investments aimed at connecting neighborhoods divided by highways. The Governor committed to reversing the damage done more than half a century ago, with projects like the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo, I-81 in Syracuse, the Inner Loop in Rochester, and the Cross-Bronx Expressway. The Governor also announced the largest ever investment in New York’s digital infrastructure, putting $1 billion into connecting more New Yorkers with high-speed internet.
Making New York’s Housing System More Affordable
The Governor announced a new five-year housing plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 units with supportive services for high-risk populations, like runaway youth and formerly incarcerated individuals. The Governor vowed to address the conditions at NYCHA. The Governor announced a plan to replace the 421-a tax abatement program with a version that would require developers to create housing for lower-income thresholds than the current tax break requires.
Making New York a National Leader in Climate Action
The Governor will recommend a $1 billion increase to the “Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act,” to total $4 billion. The bond act requires voter approval and will be on the ballot in November 2022. She will also propose enactment of an “extended producer responsibility” program for packaging, and legislation to require that all new building construction in New York be zero-emissions by 2027.
Rebuilding New York’s Teacher Workforce and Reimagining Higher Education
The Governor announced plans to ramp up efforts to recruit and retain teachers – with more effective training and support, faster and easier certification, and stronger career pipelines and ladders. Governor Hochul also announced plans to expand SUNY’s reach and make the institution into a global and national leader in research and innovation. She aims to increase enrollment by one third to over 500,000 students, and make Stony Brook University and University at Buffalo “flagships” for SUNY through new capital investments at both schools.
Making Critical Reforms to Restore New Yorkers’ Faith in Government
The Governor announced a proposal for term limits – two four-year terms – for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller. The Governor will also propose a ban on outside income for statewide elected officials while serving in office. In addition, she proposed an overhaul of the state’s ethics panel – the Joint Commission on Public Ethics – replacing it with a new independent body that would be more transparent and subject to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).