New York Governor Proposes Inflation Relief Checks for Taxpayers
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Governor hochul Announces new Initiatives in State of the State Address
New York Governor Kathy Hochul outlined a series of initiatives aimed at supporting working families during her State of the State address on Friday. The governor’s proposals, which will be presented to the state legislature for approval, focus on tackling issues like inflation, healthcare costs, and paid leave for pregnant women.Minimum Wage Tied to Inflation
hochul announced that future increases to New York’s minimum wage will be automatically tied to inflation. “So, here’s the deal: Inflation goes up, your wages will go up,” Hochul said. “Think about that. You don’t have to go back to the collective bargaining table,you don’t have to go back to your employer. Your wages will go up automatically when inflation goes up.” The minimum wage in New york City, Long Island, and Westchester County currently stands at $16.50 per hour, while the rest of the state sees a minimum wage of $15.50. On January 1, 2026, these rates will increase by 50 cents.Expanded Paid Leave for Pregnant Workers
Highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting families, Hochul emphasized a groundbreaking initiative providing paid time off for pregnant workers to attend prenatal appointments. “Starting this week,” Hochul announced, “tens of thousands of New Yorkers, from home health care aides to hourly restaurant workers and countless others who do not have a salary they can count on, will no longer have to make the impractical choice between losing money in their paycheck and getting prenatal care for their babies.” Pregnant workers in New York will now be eligible for an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave specifically for pregnancy-related medical appointments, along with their existing sick leave benefits.Eliminating Insulin Co-payments
Hochul also announced the elimination of insulin co-payments, a move that will provide important savings for diabetics. According to the governor,this change will save a diabetic approximately $1,200 per year. “If you need insulin to survive — all of us have a family member, I guarantee it, who understands what this is all about — you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get your care,” the governor said. The governor’s State of the State Address is scheduled for January 14 at 1 p.m. in Hart Theater at The Egg, Empire State Plaza in Albany.## Archyde Exclusive: Governor Hochul on Inflation Relief Checks and Affordability
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**Host:** Good evening and welcome to Archyde News. Tonight, we have a special Alex Reed, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who is joining us to discuss her plans to address the rising cost of living in the state. Governor Hochul, thank you for being here.
**governor Hochul:** It’s a pleasure to be with you.
**Host:** Governor, you recently unveiled a proposal for “Inflation Refund Checks” which would send direct payments to millions of New York taxpayers. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
**Governor Hochul:** Absolutely.We understand that New Yorkers are feeling the pinch of inflation,and we want to provide some much-needed relief. These checks are a direct way to put money back into the pockets of hard-working families. Single filers earning up to $150,000 annually would receive $300, while joint filers earning up to $300,000 would get $500.
**Host:** That’s a significant amount of money for many families.Where would the funding for these checks come from?
**Governor Hochul:** We’re fortunate to have a $3 billion surplus in sales-tax revenue generated by the increased cost of essentials since the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s importent that we use this surplus to directly support New Yorkers who need it most.
**Host:** Beyond these Inflation Refund Checks, what other measures are you taking to address the affordability crisis in New York?
**governor Hochul:** We’re committed to making New york more affordable for all.We’ve already taken steps such as raising the statewide minimum wage, providing paid prenatal leave for expectant mothers—making New York the first state to offer this benefit—and banning insulin co-payments for individuals covered by state-regulated insurance plans.
**Host:** Governor hochul, some critics argue that these measures are not enough to address the larger issue of rising costs. What would you say to them?
**Governor hochul:** I understand the concerns, and we’re constantly looking for ways to do more. But these are concrete steps that will provide immediate relief to millions of New Yorkers. We’re also focused on long-term solutions, such as investing in affordable housing and promoting job growth.
**Host:** Governor, what message do you have for New Yorkers who are struggling to make ends meet?
**Governor Hochul: **
We hear you, and we’re fighting for you. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and afford the basics. These Inflation Refund Checks are just one step in our ongoing commitment to building a more affordable New York for all.
**Host:** Governor Hochul, thank you for your time and for sharing your insights.
**Governor Hochul:** Thank you.
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