Hochul outlines some priorities ahead of State of the State address
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Although the Governor’s State of the State address will take place next week, she’s been providing an early glimpse at what she wants to tackle this year.
Affordability appears to be the biggest theme of the Governor’s 2025 priorities. Her latest proposal — allocating $110 million to build more childcare centers.
"I’ve heard from everybody we have a shortage of facilities," said Governor Hochul during a press conference in Brooklyn. "And we have an amazing program that if your family earns $108,000 or less, your childcare costs can be capped at $15 a week. Think about that. Think about the money that’s back in your pockets."
She also announced a substitute worker pool that will be run by the New York State Department of Labor to help address a shortage of daycare workers.
"In order to be a childcare worker you have to have background checks. It’s understandably very protected and that meant you didn’t have an immediate substitute," explained Roberta Reardon, New York State's Labor Commissioner. "And somebody said, schools have substitute teachers, why don’t we develop a pool of substitute daycare workers who can sub in because people do go out sick like everyone else does? It’s such a great idea and it’s kinda like, why didn’t we think of that sooner?"
Earlier this week, Governor Hochul shared another proposal to triple the child tax credit.
"From $330 to $1,000. You have two children, three years old and under, that’s $2,000 more in your pocket," said Hochul.
Kate Breslin, President and CEO of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, says increasing the child tax credit will greatly help those experiencing poverty.
"Those who need it most presently can’t access it," shared Breslin. "The Governor’s proposal would allow very low-income families to get the full credit."
In a previous announcement, Hochul shared her desire to give out inflation rebate checks, allowing New York families to receive an additional $500.
Governor Hochul is expected to give her State of the State Address on January 14th.