Reporters Roundtable: Hochul Leans Into Affordability, Immigration Fight in State of the State Address

Governor Kathy Hochul used her fifth State of the State address to position herself as a defender of New Yorkers’ pocketbooks — and a bulwark against what she described as federal overreach by the Trump administration.

Radio Catskill reporters Jason Dole, Kimberly Izar, and Patricio Robayo, who followed the speech closely, said the governor’s overarching message focused less on sweeping policy details and more on framing the political moment.

Dole said her key message seemed to be: “Re-elect Governor Kathy Hochul. She was presenting an image of stability and accomplishment.”

Affordability Takes Center Stage
Hochul repeatedly returned to cost-of-living pressures, highlighting energy bills, child care costs, housing shortages, and insurance premiums. She noted that the average New Yorker pays about $1,700 a year just to keep the lights on and pledged to rein in utility rate hikes.

“She talked a lot about affordability, especially energy,” Izar said. “But there were not a lot of specifics on how those rate hikes would actually be stopped.”

The governor said large energy users, including data centers, should “pay their fair share” so everyday consumers aren’t left shouldering higher costs.

Child Care Push Amid Federal Cuts
One of the biggest applause lines came when Hochul outlined plans to expand child care statewide, including universal pre-K for four-year-olds and a partnership with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to fund care for 2,000 children in the city.

But reporters noted the timing is complicated by federal cuts.

“We’re seeing federal cuts to child care under the Trump administration,” Dole said. “That’s going to make implementation challenging.”

Immigration and Federal Overreach
Hochul sharpened her criticism of federal immigration enforcement, proposing tighter limits on ICE activity in New York. One proposal would require immigration officers to obtain judicial warrants before conducting enforcement actions in “sensitive locations” such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.

“The governor argues that without these protections, people are afraid to send their kids to school or seek medical care,” Robayo said. “State officials warn that this kind of avoidance can undermine public health and safety more broadly.”

Hochul said New York will not use state resources to assist federal immigration raids targeting non-criminal immigrants.

Housing, AI, and a Shift in Tone
On housing, Hochul renewed calls to streamline environmental reviews to accelerate construction, backing New York City’s plan to build 500,000 new homes over the next decade.

She also announced a new AI research center at Binghamton University and proposed clear labeling requirements for AI-generated content, particularly in elections, alongside stronger data protections for children.

Reporters noted a tonal shift away from earlier law-and-order rhetoric.

“She’s moved away from bail reform framing,” Dole said. “Safety was discussed, but with more nuance.”

Political Stakes Ahead
Republicans criticized the address as heavy on rhetoric and light on results. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said “actions speak louder than words,” while State Sen. Peter Oberacker said families need lower costs and safer communities “not just speeches.”

As budget negotiations begin, reporters say the real test will be whether Hochul’s affordability agenda survives federal funding cuts and legislative bargaining.

“This is when they’re all going to weigh in and that’s why you’re going to hear me talking to our news partners on there and saying what are people on the ground saying what who likes this idea who doesn’t like this idea,” said Dole.

Image: Governor Hochul delivers 2026 State of the State Address (Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)