THE BLACK, PUERTO RICAN, HISPANIC, AND ASIAN LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS RESPONDS TO THE GOVERNOR’S 2025 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

BPHA Caucus calls for “Agency and Action” from the State

ALBANY, NY (January 14, 2025) – In her annual State of the State address today, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined her vision to drive New York State forward. Building on this momentum, the Caucus released its 2025 People’s Budget Framework last month, rooted in the mission of “Agency and Action.” This bold framework calls ons our state to prioritize an equitable path forward for communities of color, anchored in generational solutions. It calls for breaking down racial and socioeconomic barriers that continue to hinder progress for countless New Yorkers.

As we review the proposals, the Caucus members are particularly interested in the Governor's plans to ease financial burdens on middle-class families, such as the plan to slash taxes by up to 5%. This relief, along with an expansion of the Child Tax Credit, are great steps that New York can take to support families and empower them to thrive in an increasingly challenging economic landscape.

Equally promising are the initiatives focused on supporting families and addressing critical gaps in services for mothers and children. Proposals to provide universal school meals, bolster maternal healthcare, and expand access to nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC are vital investments in the well-being of children and families. These measures, combined with efforts to improve literacy through innovative programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, signal a commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and providing resources where they are needed most.

There is no doubt that there is a need for more housing, but the conversation must be centered on affordable housing. Although there have been some advancements, the affordability piece remains the most integral missing part of the equation. As the Executive stated, “We need to build more housing.” Our members agree, but not without guarantees of reasonable and affordable prices for New Yorkers that will help to stop the increasing rates of outmigration New York has experienced. 

The Caucus remains deeply committed to addressing the structural inequities within New York’s budget. To ensure the state has the resources to fund essential services, it is imperative to confront the disparities that allow wealthy individuals and large corporations to evade paying their fair share. To achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the State of the State, particularly childcare, housing, funding the MTA and climate action, the Governor will have to take a hard look at which revenue raising proposals she will consider to keep us on the right track.

Although the Executive’s address omitted some key priorities, the Caucus has many shared priorities that center on building resilient communities. These areas of agreement provide a chance for us all to work together to advance policies that promote the generational prosperity and well-being of Black, Latino, and Asian communities across New York. Members remain optimistic about the potential to deliver transformative solutions for all New Yorkers, but there is much work to do. Let’s get to it.

“The State of the State lays out important priorities for New York’s future, but our work is far from over. Our goal is to deliver a People’s Budget that centers equity, fairness, and opportunity for all communities. This framework will ensure that every New Yorker has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. As we move forward, we remain committed to creating a budget that reflects the voices and values of the people we serve.” stated Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. 

“At a time when working families face uncertain economic futures, the Governor’s focus on affordability and easing financial burdens is both timely and necessary. Proposals to expand the Child Tax Credit, provide universal school meals, and strengthen maternal healthcare are vital steps toward supporting families and creating opportunities for every child to thrive. Programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the expansion of nutrition assistance show a commitment to breaking down barriers that have held too many New Yorkers back. I look forward to working with the Governor to ensure these initiatives deliver meaningful relief and build a stronger, more equitable future for all.” stated Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, 1st Vice Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. 

“I join the Caucus Chairwoman and our colleagues in celebrating proposals in Governor Hochul’s State of the State that address affordability and provide relief to our families, including universal school meals, the inflation rebate checks, and the expansion of child care. And this is just the beginning of our budget process. I look forward to working with our conferences, groups, and advocates to advance legislation and bold investments critical to equalizing the playing field for communities of color in our state.” stated Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Secretary of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. 

“I am encouraged by Governor Hochul’s inclusion of affordability for working families, expansion of child tax credit relief, and highlighting youth mental health as a top priority in her State of the State Address. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the BPHA and legislature to address systemic inequities and propose meaningful solutions for the needs of all New Yorkers.” stated Senator Samra Brouk, Parliamentarian of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.

“I’m very happy to see that Governor Hochul is prioritizing universal school meals, pathways to child care, protections for homeownership opportunities and affordability. New Yorkers have been hit hard by inflation, making access to food, childcare and housing a luxury, rather than a human right. While I celebrate these wins with Caucus Chairwoman Solages and my colleagues, we also need to do more on preserving affordable housing and protecting the environment. We must include in the budget a Mitchell-Lama Repair Fund to preserve affordable housing as well as enhance the Cap-and-Invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I look forward to working with my colleagues and advocates to ensure these priorities are included in the enacted budget.” stated Assemblymember Steven Raga, Chaplain of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.

“I applaud Governor Hochul for making affordability a central concern in her State of the State address today, as well as public safety. The rise in inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic caused families to struggle with day-to-day expenses and housing and food insecurity. Supporting working families, free school meals, and moving toward universal child care are crucial steps in making New York affordable, and free community college education for 25 to 55 year-olds pursuing high-demand careers will help our workforce and economy. We must also ensure that housing is affordable, including funding for Mitchell-Lamas, and the BPHA Caucus remains committed to ensuring a sound basic education for all students and making mental health a priority. I look forward to working with my Caucus colleagues to see that these important initiatives for our communities are accomplished.” stated Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos.