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New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State address in Albany on Tuesday (January 13), focusing on affordability and safety. She announced a $1.7 billion investment to achieve universal, affordable childcare and statewide Pre-K. This initiative aims to make childcare accessible for nearly 100,000 additional children and lay the groundwork for universal pre-K by the 2028-2029 school year. The state will partner with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to launch the 2-Care program, offering free childcare for two-year-olds in high-need neighborhoods.
Governor Hochul also addressed public safety, proposing measures to combat the growing threat of unregistered firearms, known as ghost guns. Her plan includes blocking software used for 3D-printed guns and imposing criminal penalties on unlicensed manufacturers and sellers. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of online safety for children, proposing to restrict harmful AI chatbots and enhance privacy settings to protect against online predators and scammers.
In her speech, Hochul highlighted efforts to lower utility bills and excessive home insurance profits. She announced initiatives to streamline utility assistance and help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades. According to CBS6 Albany, she stated, "We can make energy more affordable and reliable while still leading the nation in sustainable investments."
Governor Hochul's address also included a focus on legislative changes to cut red tape and build critical infrastructure faster and at lower costs. She assured New Yorkers that the state is taking action to safeguard due process and protect residents from federal overreach. Her agenda aims to keep people safe, make life more affordable, and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers. As reported by CNY Central, she said, "Thanks to our strong economy, we have the revenues to get these initiatives off the ground."