“Governor Hochul’s State of the State address laid out a bold vision to tackle the issues that matter most not only to New Yorkers but to all Americans. I applaud her plan to prioritize public safety by investing in anti-violence initiatives, increasing judicial discretion, and fully funding social services to address the root causes of crime.

“I’m also very supportive of Governor Hochul’s plan to invest $1 billion for mental health services. Like many states, New York is facing a mental health crisis, and this much-needed investment will give providers the resources they need to lead the nation in addressing this crisis.

“At a time when New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet, the Governor’s plan to provide funding to insulate homes, offset utility costs, and upgrade appliances is both good for the environment and for working families. Likewise, her plan to tie the minimum wage to inflation will help ensure wages keep pace with increasing costs.

“In her address, Governor Hochul pointed out that she is the first mother to lead our great state. Her initiatives prioritize women and families. As a mother myself, I proudly fought for the historic childcare investment in last year’s budget, and I strongly support the Governor’s plans to further expand access to affordable care.

“I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature to enact bold, climate-smart policy initiatives and continue critical investments in our SUNY schools so that every New Yorker has the opportunity to attend college.

“While our state faces many challenges, Governor Hochul’s plan demonstrated her commitment to enacting policies to meet this moment.”