[THEME MUSIC] >> WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S EDITION OF NEW YORK NOW.

I'M SHANTEL DESTRA.

THIS WEEK, GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL DELIVERED HER FIFTH STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS OUTLINING HER TOP PRIORITIES FOR 2026.

THE GOVERNOR'S PRIORITIES THIS YEAR CENTERED AROUND ADDRESSING AFFORDABILITY.

SOME OF THE BIG PROPOSALS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS INCLUDE UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE ACROSS THE STATE, INCREASING PROTECTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT NEW YORKERS AND CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL FIREARMS.

THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS ALSO COMES AT A TIME WHEN SHE IS ALSO IN THE MIDST OF WHAT IS EXPECTED TO BE A COMPETITIVE REELECTION RACE IN THE FALL.

THE NEW YORK NOW TEAM WAS ON THE GROUND AT THE EGG FOR THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

WE SPOKE WITH A SLEW OF LAWMAKERS AND POLITICAL INSIDERS FOR REACTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS.

HERE'S THAT STORY.

>> WE'LL FIND EVEN MORE WAYS TO DELIVER FOR NEW YORKERS.

JUST AS WE'VE DONE THESE LAST FIVE YEARS, BECAUSE THERE'S ONE THING I KNOW THE NEW YORKERS MOVE FORWARD WITH STRENGTH AND COMPASSION SIDE BY SIDE.

THERE'S NO CHALLENGE WE CAN'T MEET, NO TYRANT WE CAN'T BEAT.

WE CAN'T BE NO FUTURE.

WE CAN'T BUILD.

SO LET'S BUILD THAT FUTURE TOGETHER WITH ENTHUSIASM, OPTIMISM AND WITH FEARLESSNESS.

WE MUST BE TOUGH.

WE HAVE TO BE STRONG.

>> GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS WAS CENTERED ON ADDRESSING AFFORDABILITY AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS FOR NEW YORKERS.

IN THE MOMENTS LEADING UP TO THE SPEECH AND RIGHT AFTER, DEMOCRATS SEEMED TO BE LARGELY IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS.

>> THERE ARE ISSUES THAT ARE AT THE TOP OF NEW YORKERS MIND.

HOW CAN THEY AFFORD TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES?

CAN THEY PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE?

CAN THEY BE SAFE FROM A GOVERNMENT THAT IS TRAMPLING ON THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS?

I LIKED WHAT I HEARD ON ALL OF THOSE ISSUES.

WE, OF COURSE, HAVE A LOT OF DETAILS TO WORK THROUGH OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, BUT I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE GOVERNOR'S STRONGER STATE OF THE STATES BECAUSE SHE WAS IN TUNE WITH WHAT NEW YORKERS WANT TO HEAR.

>> SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN PRAGMATIC.

SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN REALISTIC AND THAT'S GOING TO CONTINUE.

AND I AM VERY, VERY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT SHE HAS DONE ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

>> ONE OF THE BIGGEST MOMENTS, WITH THE BIGGEST REACTION, FROM THE CROWD DURING HOCHUL'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS WAS A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE.

>> WE'LL PILOT COMMUNITY-WIDE CHILDCARE TO PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND, FULL-DAY, AFFORDABLE CARE FOR NEWBORNS TO THREE-YEAR-OLDS.

>> THIS PROPOSAL WAS ALSO ONE OF THE KEY POINTS ON STATE LAWMAKERS AND LEADERS MINDS AFTER THE ADDRESS.

DR.

DAMIA HARRIS-MADDEN, COMMISSIONER OF THE STATE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, SAYS SHE LITERALLY JUMPED OUT OF HER SEAT FROM EXCITEMENT WHEN THE GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTED IT IN HER ADDRESS.

>> THIS IS A HUGE WIN, BUT IT'S ALSO A NEXT STEPPING STONE FOR WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN HISTORICALLY LAID BY THE GOVERNOR IN TERMS OF THE INVESTMENTS IN CHILD CARE.

>> SOME STATE LAWMAKERS, WHO HAVE LONG PUSHED FOR UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE, ARE THRILLED TO SEE THE GOVERNOR MAKE THIS A PRIORITY THIS YEAR.

>> STATE SENATOR JABARI BRISPORT, A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING PARTS OF BROOKLYN AND CHAIR OF THE SENATE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE, HAS BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR THE ISSUE FOR MANY YEARS.

THE CHAIR SAYS HE THINKS THE PROPOSAL IS A GREAT FIRST STEP, BUT STILL, HE FEELS THERE'S MORE TO ACCOMPLISH ON THIS ISSUE.

>> WE NEED TO GO A LITTLE BIT FURTHER AND MAKE SURE THAT WORKERS ARE GETTING PAID, AND WE'RE AS AMBITIOUS AS POSSIBLE OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY AS WELL.

I'M ALSO LOOKING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SUSTAINABLE FUNDING FOR THE INITIATIVES IN NEW YORK CITY, LIKE THE 2 CARE PROGRAM.

>> STATE SENATOR ZELLNOR MYRIE - WHO CHAIRS THE SENATE CODES COMMITTEE - SHARES A SIMILAR SENTIMENT.

THE SENATOR HIGHLIGHTED THE LONG HISTORY OF SUPPORT OF THE POLICY AND THE WORK AHEAD TO GET THE PROPOSAL OVER THE FINISH LINE.

>> THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN PROMINENT IN THE LEGISLATURE FOR MANY YEARS, EVEN BEFORE THE LAST ELECTION, BUT WAS MADE CLEAR THAT WE EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR US.

AND PROVIDING CHILDCARE IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THAT.

THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT WE IMPLEMENT THIS RIGHT.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE FUNDS TO REACH AS MANY FAMILIES AS POSSIBLE, AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO BE DOING OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS AND MONTHS.

>> THIS PROPOSAL, WHICH THE GOVERNOR PREVIEWED DAYS BEFORE HER SPEECH, ALSO EXCITED LAWMAKERS AND LEADERS BEFOREHAND.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COMMISSIONER ROBERTA REARDON, WHO ALSO SERVES AS CO-CHAIR OF THE STATE CHILDCARE TASK FORCE, BEFORE THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS, SAID UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE IS NEEDED.

THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL TO THE STATE'S ECONOMY.

>> IF PARENTS CANNOT FIND ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE, THEY CAN'T WORK.

IT'S THAT SIMPLE, SO WE'RE LOSING PEOPLE EVERY YEAR WHO HAVE TO SIT ON THE BENCH BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD THE CHILDCARE.

>> STATE LAWMAKERS LIKE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MICHAELLE SOLAGES, A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING PARTS OF NASSAU COUNTY, SAYS SHE FEELS THE GOVERNOR LISTENED TO FAMILIES.

>> FAMILIES ALL ACROSS LONG ISLAND ARE GOING THROUGH AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS.

ME, AS A MOM OF THREE, I CAN TELL YOU THAT LIFE IS VERY EXPENSIVE.

AND SO WHEN WE TACKLE AND EXPAND UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE AND PRE-K FOR LONG ISLAND AND OTHER REGIONS, IT'S REALLY EXCITING BECAUSE NOW WE CAN HELP AFFORDABILITY WITH FAMILIES.

>> NEWLY ELECTED NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI, WHO CAMPAIGNED ON AND HELPED CHAMPION THIS POLICY, SAYS THIS PROPOSAL WILL TRANSFORM THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES' LIVES.

>> FOR SO MANY NEW YORKERS, THIS IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THE FULFILLMENT OF A CAMPAIGN PROMISE OR THE REALIZATION OF A POLICY PRIORITY.

IT IS THE ASSURANCE INSTEAD THAT NEW YORKERS NEED NOT ANY LONGER CONSIDER THE CHOICE BETWEEN RAISING A FAMILY AND THE CITY THAT THEY LOVE.

>> ANOTHER BIG POLICY FROM THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE WAS INCREASED IMMIGRATION PROTECTIONS FOR NEW YORKERS.

THIS PROPOSAL RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION DURING HOCHUL'S SPEECH.

THE MOVE BY THE GOVERNOR COMES AFTER A U.S.

CITIZEN WAS KILLED BY AN ICE AGENT IN MINNESOTA, AN INCIDENT THAT HAS SPARKED GRAVE OUTAGE AND CRITICISM FROM LAWMAKERS AND ADVOCATES.

>> THE GOVERNOR PROPOSED MAKING HOUSES OF WORSHIP, SCHOOLS, AND HOSPITALS AS SENSITIVE AREAS IN WHICH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AGENTS WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER WITHOUT A JUDICIAL WARRANT.

IN ADDITION, UNDER THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL, NEW YORKERS WOULD BE ABLE TO FILE LAWSUITS AGAINST ICE AGENTS WHO VIOLATED THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS.

>> THIS DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY.

IT'S SIMPLY A FIRM'S A CORE TRUTH.

POWER DOES NOT JUSTIFY ABUSE.

>> IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR'S IMMIGRATION PROPOSAL, MURAD AWAWDEH - PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE NEW YORK IMMIGRATION COALITION - SAID IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE STATE TO STEP UP AND PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF IMMIGRANT NEW YORKERS.

>> SO WHAT WE NEED TO DO HERE IN NEW YORK IS STOP JUST, YOU KNOW, USING OUR RHETORIC AND USE OUR ACTION TO DELIVER THE PROTECTIONS THAT WE KNOW ALL NEW YORKERS DESERVE.

WHAT WE SAW LAST WEEK, WITH THE SHOOTING OF RENEE GOOD, WAS HORRIFYING.

SHE WAS A U.S CITIZEN.

AND WHAT WE'RE SEEING IN THAT SITUATION IS THE CONTINUATION OF ICE CONTINUING TO BE ROGUE AND LAWLESS.

SO WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE PROTECTING EVERY SINGLE NEW YORKER, REGARDLESS OF WHEN THEY GOT HERE, HOW THEY GOT HERE, AND THAT WE CONTINUE TO UPHOLD OUR NEW YORK VALUES.

>> ASSEMBLY MEMBER JESSICA GONZALEZ-ROJAS, A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING PARTS OF QUEENS, SHARES A SIMILAR SENTIMENTSAYING SHE WAS SURPRISED BUT PLEASED TO SEE THE GOVERNOR TAKE A STAND AGAINST ICE.

>> ICE HAS BEEN LAWLESS, ICE HAS BEEN TERRORIZING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, MY DISTRICT IN PARTICULAR, WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH ICE COMING INTO SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS, AND LIKE KIDNAPPING PEOPLE.

SO THE FACT THAT SHE STOOD VERY STRONG ON THAT IS REALLY HOPEFUL.

>> GONZALEZ-ROJAS SAYS SHE HOPES THE GOVERNOR'S SUPPORT HIGHLIGHTED IN THE ADDRESS MEANS SHE WILL SUPPORT THE NEW YORK FOR ALL ACT THIS SESSION, WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES FROM BEING DIVERTED TO FEDERAL OFFICIALS.

ASSEMBLY MEMBER GABRIELLA ROMERO, A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING PARTS OF THE CAPITOL REGION, ALSO HOPES FOR SUPPORT OF HER BILL FROM THE GOVERNOR, WHICH WAS MENTIONED DURING THE SPEECHTHE NEW YORK CIVIL RIGHTS ACT.

>> THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS OF THE U.S.

CONSTITUTION SPECIFICALLY OUTLINE DUE PROCESS CLAUSES, MEANING ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS, ARE ENTITLED TO DUE PROCESS, FAIR LEGAL TREATMENT, NOTICE, AND A CHANCE TO BE HEARD.

>> OUR GOVERNOR IS STANDING UP FOR CIVIL RIGHTS IN A WAY THAT, NOW MORE THAN EVER, IT'S SO IMPORTANT.

WE'RE SEEING ACROSS NEW YORK STATE THAT THESE BAD GOVERNMENT ACTORS VIOLATE OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

WE'RE SEEING BAD GOVERNMENT OVERREACH IN A WAY THAT IS VIOLENT AND LITERALLY KILLING PEOPLE.

>> ASSEMBLY MEMBER SOLAGES ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING FAMILIES, NEW YORKERS, AND UPHOLDING THE STATE'S SOVEREIGNTY.

>> THIS LAW ENFORCEMENT COMING IN AND HAVING JUST A BLANK CHECK TO RIP OUR NEIGHBORS OUT, YOU KNOW, IT'S JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE.

>> ANOTHER PROPOSAL FROM THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS INTENDS TO ADDRESS PUBLIC SAFETY BY INCREASING PROTECTIONS AROUND ILLEGAL AND 3D PRINTED GHOST GUNS.

THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL WOULD SPECIFICALLY ENACT LEGISLATION TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR POSSESS DIGITAL INSTRUCTIONS TO MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCE A FIREARM OR PARTS, AND REQUIRE GUN MANUFACTURERS TO DESIGN PISTOLS THAT ARE NOT QUICKLY AND EASILY MODIFIED INTO DIY MACHINE GUNS THROUGH THE USE OF DEVICES SUCH AS GLOCK SWITCHES.

THE LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO MANDATE THE REPORTING OF 3D PRINTED GUNS, ESTABLISH MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS FOR 3D PRINTER MANUFACTURERS TO ENSURE THEIR PRODUCTS HAVE TECHNOLOGY TO BLOCK THE PRINTER FROM CREATING FIREARMS AND PARTS.

>> WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS DONE IS TRYING TO DISMANTLE ALL THE WAYS IN WHICH THEY FALL INTO THE WRONG HANDS.

AND SO, FROM THE INTERSTATE TASK FORCE, TO NOW LOOKING AT 3D HOMEMADE GUNS AND GLOCKS, WHICH IS, THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS ARE HOW DO WE GET IN FRONT OF CRIMINALS WHO ARE TRYING TO GET GUNS INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO COULD DO HARM TO OTHERS?

>> BROOKLYN DISTRICT ATTORNEY ERIC GONZALEZ SAYS IF LAW ENFORCEMENT DOESN'T STAY ON TOP OF THE GHOST GUN ISSUE, THEY WILL LOSE THE BATTLE.

HE SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON THE IRON PIPELINE, BUT AS TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES, THEY HAVE TO KEEP UPSTRESSING THAT 3D GHOST GUNS ARE HARD TO TRACK.

GONZALEZ BELIEVES THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL WILL HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT DO THAT.

>> WE NEED TO NOW FOCUS IN ON THE PLASTIC PIPELINE AND TAKE THESE GUNS THAT ARE ILLEGAL, AND MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE MORE TOOLS.

AND WHAT THIS ALLOWS US TO DO AS PROSECUTORS IS TO SAY THESE GUNS SHOULDN'T GET PRINTED, AND IF YOU'RE IN POSSESSION OF FILES, THEN WE CAN ALSO DO THE PREVENTION PIECE.

>> BUT NOT EVERYONE WAS A FAN OF THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL.

AFTER THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL, THE SENATE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE RELEASED A REBUTTAL BY SENATOR STEVE CHAN CRITICIZING THE GOVERNOR ON HER PROPOSALS AND WHAT THEY CALL "ONE-PARTY" RULE IN ALBANY.

>> IT'S CLEAR THAT NEW YORK STATE DOES NOT HAVE LEADERSHIP.

NEW YORK IS NOT BEING LED.

NEW YORK IS BEING CONTROLLED.

ONE-PARTY RULE HAS TURNED ALBANY INTO AN ECHO CHAMBER FOR THE MOST EXTREME VOICES FROM NEW YORK CITY.

THE GOVERNOR IS NOT STEERING THE SHIP.

SHE IS BEING STEERED BY EXTREMIST SOCIALISTS WHO ARE PROMISING EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE FOR FREE.

>> ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER WILLIAM BARCLAY SHARED A SIMILAR SENTIMENT.

THE LEADER SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNOR WAS FOCUSING ON AFFORDABILITY - WHICH HAS BEEN A PRIORITY OF THE CONFERENCE FOR SEVERAL YEARS - BUT WAS INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS WOULD ULTIMATELY LOOK LIKE.

>> IT'S NICE THAT SHE'S COME TO THE PARTY.

TALKING ABOUT AFFORDABILITY IS SOMETHING REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT FOR PROBABLY A DECADE NOW.

IT'S SIMPLY TOO EXPENSIVE TO LIVE HERE IN NEW YORK STATE.

UNFORTUNATELY, AS A RESULT, WE'VE SEEN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE LEAVE NEW YORK.

I DIDN'T SEE A LOT OF DETAIL IN HER POLICY THAT MAKES ME THINK SHE'S STRANGE.

THE SHIP OUT AND, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE FLOCKING TO NEW YORK.

IN FACT, I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE OF WHAT SHE WANTS TO DO IN THAT REGARD.

SHE TALKED ABOUT HIGHER HOUSING COSTS, ABOUT CUTTING RED TAPE.

HALLELUJAH.

WE'RE ALL FOR CUTTING RED TAPE.

BUT WHAT USUALLY THAT MEANS IS THEY TAKE AWAY LOCAL CONTROL AND MAKE ALL THE RED TAPE AT THE STATE LEVEL.

SO THOSE ARE TYPES OF THINGS THAT I GET VERY CONCERNED ABOUT.

AND THE DEVIL'S ALWAYS IN THE DETAILS ON ANY OF THESE POLICY.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS WAS ALSO DELIVERED AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF HER UPCOMING CAMPAIGN FOR RE-ELECTION.

IN THE COMING MONTHS, IN ADDITION TO HANDLING THE REGULAR BUSINESS OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION - THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO BE DEFENDING HER SEAT FROM CHALLENGERS ON HER LEFT AND RIGHT.

POLITICAL STRATEGIST AUSTIN SHAFRAN, MANAGING PARTNER OF THE POLITICAL CONSULTING FIRM GREEN BOOK STRATEGIES, SAYS THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH BROUGHT HER ELECTION FOCUS TO VOTERS DIRECTLY.

>> IT'S IN ELECTION YEAR BUDGET.

KATHY HOCHUL ESSENTIALLY LAID OUT HER PLAN TO VOTERS WHO ARE GOING TO BE MAKING DECISIONS BOTH IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IN NOVEMBER, IN JUNE, AND IN THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.

AND SHE LEFT THEM WITH ONE CLEAR MESSAGE.

IT'S ALL ABOUT AFFORDABILITY.

EVERYTHING AT THE BUDGET WAS GEARED TOWARD WAS TO SHOW THAT KATHY HOCHUL IS ON YOUR SIDE WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING LIFE LESS EXPENSIVE, MORE AFFORDABLE, BRINGING DOWN THE COST OF LIVING, AND MAKING THINGS A LITTLE BIT EASIER FOR HARDWORKING NEW YORK FAMILIES.

>> WITH THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS IN THE REARVIEW, THE WORK FOR GOVERNOR HOCHUL CONTINUES.

THE PROPOSALS WILL TAKE A MORE HAMMERED-OUT, DETAILED FORM IN THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE BUDGET PROPOSAL, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE UNVEILED IN THE COMING DAYS.

>> AND FOR MORE ON THE REACTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH, YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

THAT'S AT NYNOW.ORG.

AND NOW TO OFFER EVEN MORE POLITICAL ANALYSIS ON THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS, WE ARE JOINED IN THE STUDIO BY POLITICO'S JASON BEEFERMAN AND NEWSDAY'S KESHIA CLUKEY.

NOW, IT WAS QUITE A BUSY WEEK AT THE STATE CAPITOL, AS WE KNOW.

BUT TO START OUT, WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS THIS WEEK?

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS?

>> I THINK SHE FELT A LOT MORE COMFORTABLE.

A LOT OF THE PEOPLE I SPOKE WITH FELT LIKE SHE REALLY HAS COME INTO HER STRIDE IN TERMS OF COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE.

SHE DIDN'T TRY TOO HARD TO BE TOO SERIOUS OR STERN OR ANYTHING.

SHE WAS COMFORTABLE, SHE MADE SOME JOKES, SHE SMILED.

AND I THINK SHE'S REALLY FOUND HER VOICE AND HER FOOTING WHEN IT COMES TO JUST DELIVERING THESE IMPORTANT ADDRESSES.

>> IT ALSO WAS CLEARLY AN ELECTION YEAR.

THERE WAS A LOT OF FOCUS.

I MEAN, THE GOVERNOR HAS TOUTED HERSELF AS THE FIRST MOM GOVERNOR, FIRST GRANDMA GOVERNOR AS WELL.

AND THERE WAS A LOT OF ELECTION YEAR AFFORDABILITY ISSUES, THINGS THAT WOULD REALLY HIT HOME FOR VOTERS AND RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK STATE.

SO SHE TALKED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, AFFORDABILITY OF AUTO INSURANCE, LOWERING, LOWERING AUTO INSURANCE, HEALTHCARE COSTS, INSURANCE COSTS.

>> RIGHT.

>> AND THEN OF COURSE CHILDCARE, WHICH IS THE BIG, THE BIG TICKET ITEM OF HER BUDGET THAT WE'RE KIND OF WAITING TO SEE HOW THAT ACTUALLY PLAYS OUT.

>> YEAH.

AND IT WAS INTERESTING TO ME TO HEAR THE GOVERNOR SORT OF, OF COURSE, FOCUS ON AFFORDABILITY, BUT ALSO FOCUS ON THE THREAT OF, YOU KNOW, FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS AND HOW SHE'S BEEN SORT OF MITIGATING THESE WATERS.

WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF THAT ASPECT OF THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH?

>> I THINK SHE'S MADE HER TACTIC CLEAR.

SHE'S NOT SOMEONE THAT'S GOING TO FIGHT TRUMP OUT OF A PERFORMANCE TACTIC OR TO GET VOTERS.

SHE'S COMFORTABLE OPPOSING TRUMP JUDICIOUSLY AND TACTICALLY.

SHE WANTS TO OPPOSE ICE OFFICERS.

SHE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT NEW YORKERS CAN SUE THEM.

AND SHE HAS NO ISSUE TELLING TRUMP OR USING THE STATE OF THE STATE TO SHOW THAT SHE'S STRONG AGAINST HIM.

BUT I THINK WHAT'S REALLY REMARKABLE ABOUT THIS GOVERNOR IS SHE'S BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN A WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PRESIDENT.

SO SHE CAN GO ON STAGE IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY ON THE STATE OF THE STATE, TALK ABOUT HOW TRUMP IS A WANNABE KING, TALK ABOUT HOW SHE'S ABLE TO IMPLEMENT CONGESTION PRICING EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN'T WANT IT.

BUT SHE'S STILL ABLE TO CALL THE PRESIDENT AND HE'S NOT ATTACKING HER ON TRUTH SOCIAL FOR THE MOST PART.

SO I WOULD SAY THAT'S WHAT'S REALLY REMARKABLE.

SHE STANDS UP TO HIM AND THEY CAN STILL WORK TOGETHER.

>> I THINK SHE ALSO TRIED TO KIND OF JUXTAPOSE HERSELF WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN THERE, THERE WERE SOME NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA, SOME PARTNERSHIPS FOR DISASTER RELIEF IF CANADA NEEDED IT FROM NEW YORK OR NEW YORK NEEDED IT FROM CANADA.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS STRUGGLED WITH, KIND OF HAD THIS ADVERSARIAL ROLE WITH OUR NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH.

SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS INTERESTING AS WELL.

AND ALSO THE CROWD REACTION WAS VERY INTERESTING BECAUSE SO SHE GOT A STANDING OVATION TO HER CHILD CARE, AFFORDABILITY MEASURES.

BUT SHE GOT MULTIPLE STANDING OVATIONS FOR HER PROTECTIONS OF THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY FROM ICE, INCLUDING MAKING PROTECTIONS FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP, SCHOOLS.

YOU KNOW, SHE SAID NO ICE OFFICER SHOULD BE IN A SCHOOL UNLESS THERE'S A CRIMINAL THERE.

AND SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS REALLY INTERESTING, KIND OF THAT REACTION FROM, OF COURSE, THE CROWD IN THE STATE OF THE STATE ARE, YOU KNOW, GUESTS FROM AROUND THE STATE THAT THE GOVERNOR INVITES, AS WELL AS ALL OF THE LAWMAKERS WHO WILL BE VOTING ON AND KIND OF NEGOTIATING HER POLICY AGENDA THROUGH THE BUDGET WITH HER.

>> YEAH, I NOTICED THAT AS WELL, THE STANDING OVATIONS AROUND UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE AND IMMIGRATION AND ALSO PUBLIC SAFETY.

WHY ARE THESE SUCH BIG ISSUES FOR LAWMAKERS AND POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS THIS YEAR?

FROM YOUR PURVIEW.

>> I THINK NEW YORKERS SEE WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND THE COUNTRY.

WE HAVEN'T HAD THE INFLUX OF ICE TO THE SAME EXTENT THAT OTHER CITIES HAVE WHERE THE PRESIDENT HAS CALLED IN THE NATIONAL GUARD.

BUT THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED THE SHOOTING IN MINNEAPOLIS JUST THE OTHER WEEK THAT THAT WOMAN THAT WAS SHOT BY AN ICE OFFICER AND NEW YORKERS ARE SCARED, ESPECIALLY AS THE CITY WITH THE LARGEST.

IMMIGRANT POPULATION, WE'RE A CITY OF IMMIGRANTS AND NEW YORK CITY, WHO REALLY NEW YORK CITY HAS ADOPTED SUCH PROGRESSIVE POLICIES WHEN IT COMES TO UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, AND THAT MAKES THEM A TARGET FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

SO THE GOVERNOR KNOWS THAT, THE MAYOR KNOWS THAT, AND THEY REALLY WANT TO TAKE A STAND AND PASS THESE MEASURES LIKE KEISHA MENTIONED, WHERE IF YOU'RE A PRIVATE CITIZEN, YOU COULD SUE AN ICE OFFICER IF THEY CROSS A LINE.

AND I THINK PEOPLE REALLY FELT A LITTLE BIT OF COMFORT GIVEN THIS MOMENT THAT WE'RE IN.

>> I THINK SHE ALSO SAW, YOU KNOW, THE COST OF EVERYTHING.

IF YOU'RE A HUMAN.

IN NEW YORK STATE RIGHT NOW.

YOU'RE, YOU KNOW, YOUR BILLS ARE GOING UP, YOUR INSURANCE IS GOING UP, THE HOUSING OR RENT COSTS ARE GOING UP, EVERYTHING IS GOING UP AND EVERYONE FEELS THAT TENSION, THAT STRESS.

AND I THINK BOTH REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS IN NEW YORK STATE ARE ADDRESSING THAT IN DIFFERENT, A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT WAYS.

BUT I THINK THE GOVERNOR REALLY HONED IN ON THAT AND ESPECIALLY SOME OF THESE THINGS LIKE BIG TICKET ITEMS.

FOR EXAMPLE, I AS A NEW MOTHER, I AM ALSO PAYING FOR CHILDCARE AND IT'S ALMOST A MORTGAGE EVERY MONTH.

IT'S THE SAME AS OUR MORTGAGE, WHICH IS PRETTY WILD.

AND SO, YOU KNOW, SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE AND WE'RE NOT SEEING THAT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

AND SO I THINK STATE LAWMAKERS LED BY GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ARE LOOKING TO ADDRESS THAT AND HELP PROVIDE SOME RELIEF FOR FAMILIES AS WELL AS, YOU KNOW, SMALL BUSINESSES AND, YOU KNOW, PROVIDE MORE HOUSING.

THESE SORT OF ESSENTIAL THINGS THAT ARE NEEDED THAT MAY NOT BE IN EVERYONE'S REACH BECAUSE THE COSTS.

>> AND KEISHA, AS YOU MENTIONED EARLIER, THIS IS SUCH A BIG YEAR FOR THE GOVERNOR, RIGHT?

SHE'S GOING TO BE DEALING WITH THE REGULAR BUSINESS OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AND ALSO SHE POINTS TO THE CHALLENGES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

AND OF COURSE, SHE'S GOING TO BE GEARING UP FOR REELECTION AND TRYING TO DEFEND HER SEAT FROM CHALLENGERS.

HOW DOES THIS SPEECH POSITION HER HEADING INTO THE NEXT FEW MONTHS?

>> YEAH, I THINK SHE CAME OUT ON A FEW ISSUES THAT ACTUALLY SHE'S BEEN HIT, SHE AND OTHER DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN HIT ON BY REPUBLICANS, INCLUDING UTILITY COSTS.

REPUBLICANS HAVE SORT OF HAD THIS RHETORIC AROUND THE STATE'S CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY AND HOW IT'S LED TO INCREASE UTILITY RATES.

DEMOCRATS HAVE SAID THAT'S NOT TRUE, BUT ALSO THE POWER GRID NEEDS TO BE BOTH ELECTRIFIED, BUT ALSO WE NEED MORE INFRASTRUCTURE BECAUSE THERE'S THESE BIG DATA AND, YOU KNOW, MORE USABLE ELECTRICITY AND SO FORTH.

AND SO SHE SHE HIT ON THAT.

SHE TALKED ABOUT AFFORDABLE UTILITY RATES.

SHE ALSO HIT ON, LIKE I SAID, THE AFFORDABILITY ISSUES.

AND THEN THEY'VE ALSO BEEN HIT ON, YOU KNOW, SOME OF THE OTHER REGULATIONS REGARDING THINGS LIKE THEY'RE LOOSENING HOUSING REGULATIONS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

AND SO I THINK SHE POSITIONED HERSELF TOUGH ON CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY, WHICH ALSO WAS HIT ON THAT.

SHE HIT ALL THE CHECKLIST OF ITEMS THAT I THINK SHE'LL BE DEALING WITH IN THE ELECTION CYCLE AS WELL.

>> YEAH, ABSOLUTELY.

AND I KNOW LATER THIS WEEK WE HAD A VISIT AT THE STATE CAPITOL FROM NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE BRUCE BLAKEMAN, WHO HAS ALSO RECENTLY LAUNCHED HIS CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR.

HE, YOU KNOW, OFFERED A REBUTTAL TO THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

SO WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF WHAT THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE WAS SAYING ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH AND ALSO HER LEADERSHIP STYLE?

>> YOU KNOW, I THOUGHT IT WAS INTERESTING.

THE GOVERNOR'S FACING TWO CHALLENGERS.

SHE HAS A DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CHALLENGER, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, ANTONIO DELGADO.

SHE HAS A REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER FROM NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE BRUCE BLAKEMAN.

NEITHER OF THEM WERE ACTUALLY IN ALBANY OR IN THE CAPITOL WHEN SHE DELIVERED THE STATE OF THE STATE.

BRUCE BLAKEMAN DIDN'T COME UP UNTIL THE DAY AFTER.

AND I THINK A LOT OF POLITICAL OBSERVERS FELT LIKE THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR HIM TO BE THERE ON THE SAME DAY AND, YOU KNOW, GIVE HIS REBUTTAL INSTANTLY.

BUT HE DID ARRIVE AT THE CAPITOL AND HE DID SAY, THAT A LOT OF KATHY HOCHUL'S EFFORTS, IN HIS OPINION, WERE TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE, AS DID THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

I DON'T THINK REPUBLICANS ARE OPPOSED TO HER FREE CHILD CARE PLAN BECAUSE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS, THEY WANT TO MAKE THE STATE MORE AFFORDABLE.

AND IT EVEN PUTS BLAKEMAN, I WOULD SAY, IN A TOUGH SPOT BECAUSE HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE THE CANDIDATE SAYING THAT HE'S AGAINST HER SIGNATURE PROPOSAL BECAUSE IT'S IT'S QUITE POPULAR.

BUT I THINK WHAT BRUCE BLAKEMAN TRIED TO SAY IS THAT NEW YORK STATE IS NOT AFFORDABLE.

I MEAN, EVEN BY KATHY HOCHUL, KATHY HOCHUL'S CAMPAIGN'S OWN COUNT, THEY'RE NUMBER 45 IN THE STATE.

I WROTE AN ARTICLE SAYING THAT, YOU KNOW, HER CAMPAIGN SAID, YEAH, WE'RE NUMBER 45 IN AFFORDABILITY IN ALL THE COUNTRY.

SO BRUCE BLAKEMAN'S POINT TO THE REPORTERS IN THE CAPITOL AND TO THE STATE IS THAT IF WE'RE SO UNAFFORDABLE, IF THAT WAS YOUR MESSAGE THIS TIME AROUND, WHY DIDN'T YOU DO ANYTHING EVER SINCE YOU BECAME GOVERNOR?

THEY BOTH AGREE THAT AFFORDABILITY IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE, BUT BRUCE BLAKEMAN IS SAYING: NOW YOU'RE FOCUSING ON AFFORDABILITY.

NOW YOU'RE SAYING YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE A CHANGE.

YOU'VE HAD YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

THE STATE IS ONLY GETTING MORE UNAFFORDABLE IN HIS TELLING.

AND IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP.

>> HE ALSO SPOKE ON THE HIGH COST OF HELPING IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES, SPECIFICALLY NEW INCOMING IMMIGRANTS, WHICH I THINK IS A REPUBLICAN TALKING POINT NATIONALLY.

AND I WOULD SAY THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON INCREASING THOSE SAFETY NET PROGRAMS TO TRY TO HELP PEOPLE COMING INTO THE STATE.

AND HE HAD TALKED ABOUT KIND OF LESSENING THOSE PROGRAMS AND MAKING THE STATE MORE AFFORDABLE THAT WAY.

HE ALSO TALKED ABOUT TAXES.

I MEAN, NEW YORK HAS SOME OF THE HIGHEST TAXES FOR NOT ONLY PERSONAL INCOME TAXES, BUT ALSO FOR BUSINESSES IN THE U.S.

AND, YOU KNOW, THERE'S NO PROPOSAL IN THERE TO LOWER TAXES.

NOW, SHE DIDN'T SAY SHE WAS GOING TO INCREASE TAXES ON ANYONE, ALTHOUGH WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS THROUGHOUT THE BUDGET DISCUSSIONS.

BUT I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THAT REPUBLICANS ARE TALKING ABOUT.

WE NEED WE SAY BASICALLY SAYING WE AS A STATE NEED TO LOWER OUR SPENDING SO THAT WE CAN LOWER THOSE COSTS FOR NEW YORKERS THAT WAY.

SO KIND OF A DIFFERENT TAKE ON IT.

I ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS INTERESTING.

HE CAME OUT REALLY HEAVY ON ICE AND SUPPORTING ICE.

AND BUT THEN ON THE OTHER SIDE, HE ALSO CAME OUT TALKING ABOUT HIS PRO-CHOICE OF HOW HE'S PRO-CHOICE AND REALLY KIND OF SOFTENED 'CAUSE HE TALKED ABOUT HOW THAT WAS THROUGH HIS MOTHER WHO WAS PRO-CHOICE AND KIND OF HAD TALKED TO HIM ABOUT THAT GROWING UP.

SO HE'S IN A VERY PURPLE AREA, GOT, YOU KNOW, VOTES FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

SO IT'LL BE INTERESTING.

I THINK HIS KEY TACTIC IS GETTING NAME RECOGNITION UPSTATE BECAUSE HE'S WELL KNOWN IN LONG ISLAND, BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN THE REST OF THE STATE.

AND KATHY HOCHUL IS A WESTERN NEW YORKER.

SHE HAS NAME RECOGNITION UPSTATE, AND THEN SHE'S BEEN PUSHING THESE INITIATIVES DOWNSTATE IN NEW YORK CITY AS WELL.

>> AND LASTLY, IN THE MINUTE OR SO WE HAVE LEFT, YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING MORE DETAILS ON IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT IS EXPECTED TO BE UNVEILED NEXT WEEK?

>> I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER SHE WILL INTEND TO RAISE CORPORATE TAXES.

OF COURSE, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT SHE COULD DECIDE TO DO AT THE END OF THE BUDGET PROCESS, CLOSER TO APRIL.

BUT WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING FOR MORE DETAILS ON EXACTLY WHAT HER TAX PROPOSALS ARE, SPECIFICALLY CORPORATE TAXES.

I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT MORE DETAILS ABOUT HER CHILDCARE PROPOSAL, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO EXPANDING IT BEYOND NEW YORK STATE AND LOOKING FORWARD TO EVEN THE NEXT BUDGET YEAR.

AND REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOOKING AT THOSE TWO ISSUES, I THINK THEY'RE VERY IMPORTANT TO A LOT OF PEOPLE.

>> AND ALSO THE STATE HAS A $4 BILLION BUDGET DEFICIT THAT SHE HAS TO CLOSE.

NOW I'M HEARING THAT RESERVES ARE AND TAX REVENUES ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN ANTICIPATED.

SO IT MAY NOT BE AN ISSUE THIS YEAR, BUT WE'LL HAVE TO SEE HOW THAT SPENDING GOES INTO THE OUT YEARS, AS WELL AS POTENTIAL IMPENDING FEDERAL CUTS.

I MEAN, WE'RE LOOKING AT ALREADY THE BUDGET NEEDS TO INCREASE $8 BILLION FOR MEDICAID AND EDUCATION COSTS JUST AS A FLAT RATE OF RISING COSTS.

BUT THEN WE POTENTIALLY HAVE THIS HOLE WITH HEALTH INSURANCE AND SAFETY NET PROGRAMS LIKE SNAP BENEFITS BEING CUT, AND THEN ALSO THE THREAT OF CHILDCARE FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GETTING CUT.

SO WE'LL HAVE TO KIND OF SEE HOW THEY PUT THAT IN IF THERE'S CONTINGENCIES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

>> CERTAINLY A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

UNFORTUNATELY, THAT IS ALL THE TIME WE HAVE FOR TODAY.

BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US.

>> AND WE WERE SPEAKING WITH POLITICO'S JASON BEEFERMAN AND NEWSDAY'S KEISHA CLUKE.

WELL, THAT DOES IT FOR THIS EDITION OF NEW YORK NOW.

THANK YOU FOR TUNING IN AND SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

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