ALBANY, NY (January 13, 2026) – In her annual State of the State address today, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined her plans to propel New York forward in 2026. This comes as the Caucus prepares to release the 2026 People’s Budget, which provides a blueprint for affordability and targeted investments for working-class and marginalized communities.
As we review the proposals, the Caucus members are particularly interested in the Governor’s proposal for Universal Childcare in New York. It is vital to recognize the crisis affecting New York’s childcare system, making this an important first step forward in ensuring that 2, 3 and 4 year old New Yorkers have access to free, full-day care.
In terms of public safety, Governor Hochul made it clear that she will continue to address the prevalence of gun violence across the state. Tackling the pipeline of illegal firearms entering New York, including ghost guns and converted firearms, is a shared goal. While major steps were taken with the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, continued focus on addressing the scourge of gun violence remains a top concern for Caucus members this budget cycle.
The Governor’s response to the crisis surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s unconstitutional and aggressive tactics in the state was well received. However, as the federal government ramps up its shameless and destructive enforcement campaign, the state must respond with investments and enhanced protections that meet the urgency of the moment.
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, and affordable green energy, the Governor will have to take a serious look at raising revenues from corporations and the ultra-wealthy.
Although the Executive’s address omitted some key priorities, the Caucus has many shared goals that center on building resilient and affordable 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 communities across New York. Members remain optimistic about the potential to deliver transformative solutions for all New Yorkers.
“We know that affordability remains one of the greatest barriers for Black, Latino, and Asian American and Pacific Islander New New Yorkers, who have long been impacted by high housing costs, child care shortages, and health care disparities. In her State of the State address, the Governor spoke directly to the critical needs facing our communities, including stronger protections for our neighbors from harmful and unconstitutional immigration enforcement tactics, relief from the growing burden of rising utility costs, and the need to help families put food on the table. She also underscored the importance of advancing AI research and harnessing the power of emerging technologies for the public good. As this conversation moves into the budget process, the Caucus will work to ensure that these proposals are delivered equitably and that every neighborhood can share in the benefits,” stated Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“I look forward to working with the Governor to advance her initiatives so that she can deliver real results to our communities. At the same time, we require urgency and accountability. As we move forward this legislative session, we must take bold action to meet the challenges faced daily by New Yorkers, including doing far more to protect our immigrant families. We must protect our immigrant communities from the destructive and terroristic actions of ICE and safeguard our schools from raids and interference to ensure our children learn without living in constant fear. I’m ready to do the work with my colleague and demand meaningful progress that centers working families who are too often left behind. I’m ready to do the work with my colleagues and demand that the Governor join us in this work,” stated Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, 1st Vice Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“The BPHA Legislative Caucus will continue to advance priorities that support working families and ensure that the voices and needs of marginalized communities are represented at the negotiating table. As the Governor delivers her State of the State, it is critical that affordability, strengthened mental health protections, and expanded childcare assistance remain central to the agenda,” stated Senator Nathalia Fernandez, 2nd Vice Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
"I am proud to see the Governor embrace policies I have been fighting for over multiple legislative sessions, including modernizing EBT cards and expanding Summer Meals for New York students. “Every New Yorker deserves the dignity of knowing their next meal is guaranteed. As families face rising costs of living, no one should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. The NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus’ 2026 People’s Budget is advocating to protect and expand food security from slashing SNAP benefit theft with secure EMV chip cards, to investing $75 million each in the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program and Nourish New York, $5.45 million for Nutrition Outreach and Education, a $20 million direct-support fund for emergency food providers, and establishing a $100 minimum benefit. These commitments represent real progress toward affordability, nutrition, and food security for all New Yorkers. I am glad to see the collective goals of the caucus and the Governor align on modernizing EBT chip cards, but we are fighting to go further to ensure every New Yorker has access to the resources they need to feed their families with dignity. Food security is a basic human right, and these policies will help ensure every child, senior, and family can access healthy meals year-round without fear that their benefits will be stolen or insufficient.” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, Secretary of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“Affordability, immigration, and housing are the defining issues of 2026, and no one feels them more acutely than the working-class and immigrant families I represent in the 30th Assembly District. This year, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus to advance a People’s Budget that puts communities first and aligns with Governor Hochul’s commitment to making New York more affordable for working families. That means investing in universal childcare, protecting affordable housing by preserving and repairing Mitchell-Lamas, and cracking down on predatory practices that harm low-income New Yorkers, from speculative house flipping and runaway insurance premiums. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor to deliver an affordable New York," stated Assemblymember Steven Raga, Chaplain of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“As New York confronts rising costs, public safety challenges, and funding cuts from the federal government, economic equity must remain at the center of our solutions. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, I am focused on advancing policies that expand opportunity for small business, strengthen local economies, and create pathways to stability for all working families. Alongside the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, I am proud to support priorities that promote corporate tax fairness, protect immigrant communities, address food insecurity, and invest in the safety and well-being of our children. Governor Hochul’s State of the State priorities reflect this moment, and I look forward to delivering meaningful results for communities across New York,” stated Senator April Baskin (SD-63).
"Government must meet people where they are and remove barriers that keep New Yorkers from moving forward. My priorities, which include protecting families’ access to food assistance and health care, strengthening human services, expanding youth employment, and ensuring dignity for people with disabilities, reflect a collective commitment to fairness, opportunity, and economic security. I am proud to advance these efforts and continue working to build systems that are more responsive, more equitable, and focused on long-term stability for families and communities across our state," stated Senator Roxanne Persaud (SD-19).
"I am focused on boosting economic opportunity, public safety, and fair access to resources for all New Yorkers. A big priority for us is helping Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) grow and get better access to funding—both are key to a stronger, more inclusive economy. We’re ready to team up with the Governor and our colleagues to get real results for our communities," stated Senator James Sanders (SD-10).
"New Yorkers deserve a government that works for working people. From tackling the affordability crisis to delivering universal childcare, I am committed to investing in public transit, climate action, and a care economy that values our communities. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues across the State Legislature to meet this moment. By leading with equity and listening to the communities most impacted, we can deliver a New York where everyone has the stability, dignity, and opportunities they deserve," stated Senator Kristen Gonzalez (SD-59).
“Alongside my colleagues in the BPHA Caucus, I have continuously made it a priority to make our state more affordable and inclusive for all New Yorkers. I was pleased to hear the Governor share a similar commitment to increasing the quality of life for our community members and I look forward to continued work with my colleagues to make New York a home everyone can be proud of,” stated Senator Jeremy Cooney (SD-56).
“I was excited to join my colleagues today to hear the Governor outline her priorities in her State of the State address. As we officially begin this year’s budget season, we face unprecedented challenges as the Trump regime continues to terrorize our immigrant communities and make harmful cuts to programs and resources we all depend upon. We must work together around a shared agenda that meets the moment and puts New Yorkers first. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address rising utility bills, housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and the overall cost of living. That means going further to protect working families, reduce pollution, and build a more affordable, sustainable, and secure future for every New Yorker,” stated Senator Lea Webb (SD-52).
“Trump’s agenda of austerity and cruelty cannot be our future. Our leaders must summon the political courage to act and deliver a clear alternative. I’ve spent countless hours talking to working-class New Yorkers this year, and we all share the same fears: rising costs, a future that leaves our children worse off, and a fascist campaign of terror targeting our neighbors and loved ones. The New York Legislature must stand up to the devastating decisions made in Washington. There is no time to wait. Taxing the rich, passing universal child care, and New York for All must be the legislative floor for 2026,” stated Assemblymember Claire Valdez (AD-37).
“This year, we must protect working people, immigrants, and families by implementing universal child care, ensuring access to healthy food, and expanding mental health treatment courts. We must dare to invest in our communities and put people over profits by ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. I'm excited to work with my colleagues and the governor to pass a bold budget to build a more equitable, affordable, and just New York - for all of us," stated Assemblywoman Phara Forrest (AD-57).
"Energy should be a public good that benefits us collectively. Under a model where shareholders invest in and own our energy sector, the result is the opposite: energy costs are high, and black and brown communities pay an unfair burden by being predominant sites of pollution and unaffordability. With this year's People Budget, the Caucus continues its commitment to putting energy at the service of the public by including our legislation, the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, which will replace our investor-owned delivery utility with a publicly-owned corporation that puts low rates, climate goals, and accountability first. The caucus also continues to call for building publicly-owned renewable energy that would directly help New Yorkers, as FDR originally intended when he created the New York Power Authority," stated Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha (AD-103).
"I am incredibly proud of the work my colleagues and I accomplished in delivering these key achievements in the enacted budget. Securing $30 million for Mitchell-Lama developments stands as one of our most significant victories, directly protecting long-term affordability for working families and seniors. Housing is not just a policy priority in the 60th Assembly District—it is a daily reality for the people I represent. I remain fully committed to breaking down the systemic barriers that deny underserved communities access to safe, stable, and affordable housing, and I will continue fighting to ensure no one is left behind. I welcome Governor Hochul’s State of the State as a clear commitment to working families and real opportunity for our community. Her focus on affordability, public safety, and investments in housing, schools, and jobs speaks directly to what the 60th Assembly District needs to continue moving forward with dignity and hope,” stated Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas (AD-60).
“Affordability is not just about numbers in a budget. It is about whether families can stay housed, put food on the table, and access the legal services they need to protect their rights and keep their families together. Governor Hochul’s State of the State recognizes that protecting due process, safeguarding sensitive locations, and defending civil rights are essential to keeping communities safe and stable. These priorities reflect a shared commitment to real affordability, public safety, and dignity for working families across New York,” stated Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos (AD-72).
"I am excited to see that Governor Hochul has finally agreed to modernize EBT cards in her State of the State address. To understand how long this has been needed, it was four years ago when I met with Lakisha Martinez from the Rockaways, who had nearly $1000 stolen from her benefits card without her knowledge. It's stories like hers that rose through the pain of this moment to deliver a real victory today. But the work doesn't stop here. We need a dedicated fund to reimburse people who have become victims to these heartless crimes of essentially having food stolen from their plate. I am excited to push legislation that does exactly this, along with other bills in the Protect, Invest and Expand Food Security package to combat hunger in my district and beyond." stated Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson (AD-31), Chair of the Food, Farm & Nutrition Policy Task Force.