Overview
- She used her fifth State of the State to frame a re-election message and to cast President Donald Trump as a political foil.
- Hochul said she will fund new investments without raising taxes, with specifics arriving in her Jan. 20 executive budget.
- Her agenda includes a first $4.5 billion tranche toward universal childcare, drawing scrutiny over how ongoing costs will be covered.
- She proposed keeping federal immigration agents out of schools, hospitals and houses of worship and said state resources will not assist raids targeting people without serious crimes.
- Progressives, including Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Zohran Mamdani, pushed for taxing the wealthy, while conservatives and watchdogs warned of structural gaps and potential federal cuts, noting a projected $12.6 billion shortfall by 2029.