New York Governor Kathy Hochul is set to deliver her 2025 agenda in her State of the State address, and residents should prepare for disappointment. Hochul has a history of disregarding public opinion on issues such as crime, taxes, congestion pricing, and energy, and it is likely that she will continue to do so this year.
Despite the state’s annual expenditure of nearly $240 billion, Hochul is expected to announce new spending initiatives like youth mental health services and free school meals. However, these initiatives may not align with the priorities of the voters.
One contentious issue that Hochul is likely to address is congestion pricing, which was met with significant opposition from New Yorkers in a recent poll. Despite this, Hochul paused the initiative over the summer and then revived it shortly after the November election.
Hochul’s green agenda, including a new “cap and invest” program, is also expected to be a focal point of her address. This program would impose additional costs on oil companies, leading to higher prices for consumers. Additionally, Hochul has been criticized for raising taxes and may continue to do so in the coming year.
The governor’s reluctance to address issues like criminal justice reform and education policy has also drawn criticism. Despite the negative impact of policies like cashless bail and Raise the Age on crime rates, Hochul has been hesitant to make significant changes.
While some voters have expressed dissatisfaction with Hochul’s leadership, others have been driven to leave the state altogether. Census data from 2023 showed that New York experienced a significant population decline compared to other states.
As Hochul delivers her State of the State address, it is clear that many New Yorkers are looking for change. The upcoming election may provide an opportunity for residents to voice their discontent and elect a new leader who will address their concerns.
