John,

Your family is my fight, and I’ve been working hard to put money back in your pockets, make it easier for you and your loved ones to get ahead, and protect your communities. From Albany to Washington, D.C., that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.

I’ve told President Trump himself: I’ll work with him when it means getting big things done for New York. But if he comes after New Yorkers, their livelihoods, and their rights and freedoms, I’m going to fight for what’s best for New Yorkers.

From protecting abortion rights, to stopping federal overreach on congestion pricing, to standing up to the tariffs, we haven’t just been fighting for New Yorkers. We’ve been winning those fights.

The Latest from the Empire State 

$5,000 Back in the Pockets of Working Families. As New York’s first mom governor, I’ve made it my mission to tackle the affordability crisis head-on. In this year’s budget, we got it done. By cutting taxes for the middle class, tripling the child tax credit, delivering universal school meals, expanding access to child care, making it easier to buy a home, and more, this budget is going to help make it easier for you and your family to get ahead.

Less Scrolling, More Learning. Our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling, and that’s why I was proud to sign new legislation that makes all New York State public schools distraction-free. Whether it’s eliminating distractions, increasing access to healthy meals, or supporting their mental health, I’ll never back down when it comes to what’s best for our children.

Inflation Refund Checks. This fall, Inflation Refund checks of up to $400 will be sent out to over 8.2 million households in New York! There’s no hoops to jump through or paperwork to fill out – just more money in your pockets. Learn if you’re eligible.

We also announced… 

• New initiatives that build on our historic housing plan. I believe that a safe, affordable home is a basic human right, and we are making that a reality for New Yorkers across the state. 
• The Port Authority Bus Terminal is getting a major facelift! I was proud to break ground on the first stage of construction of the new Midtown Bus Terminal.
• New investments to help the East Buffalo community rebuild after the horrific mass shooting at Tops Supermarket. 
• Major investments to crack down on subway crime and keep New Yorkers safe.
• Full Rockaway A train service is back – and we got the repairs done on time and under budget! 
• Construction is starting on the new New York Future Farmers of America building in Syracuse. 

New York Moments

We got it done. We delivered a budget that made New Yorkers safer, delivered for families and put more money in your pockets.  

We remembered those we lost on May 14, 2022 at Tops Supermarket in Buffalo.  

We welcomed New Yorkers home as part of our groundbreaking housing plan. 

• The cost of living is too high — we’re making it easier.
• The transformational I-81 project is bringing communities together and delivering local jobs.
• Chaos may reign in Washington, but in New York we’re  delivering $1 billion in tax relief.   
• May’s ending, but we’re celebrating moms every day.
• I was honored to stand with our Jewish community to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.
• We’re pushing back on federal government cuts that hurt New York’s most vulnerable. 

News to Know

• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Trump's tariffs, ICE raids and more (CBS News)
• Hochul: Statewide shootings down 9% so far in 2025 compared to same period last year (Spectrum) 
• General Motors makes company-record engine plant investment in Western New York (Buffalo Toronto Public Media)
• Governors Hochul, Murphy break ground on new $10 billion Port Authority Bus Terminal (NBC 4)
• Hochul launches Erie Canal bicentennial season with $50M investment (Finger Lakes 1)
• Hochul announces $1,800 baby bonus for NY families: Here’s who qualifies (Syracuse Post Standard) 
• La gobernadora Kathy Hochul nos habla sobre los retos de NY (Telemundo New York) 
• Hochul apologizes for state's 'sordid history' at former Native American boarding school (Spectrum)
• LI schools receiving $270 million more in state aid than last year (News 12)
• N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul expands tuition assistance for veterans (Staten Island Advance)
• Hochul: NY sees 32% drop in reported overdose deaths (WWNY)

As the kids finish up school, the weather gets warmer, and the days get longer, I hope you’re able to focus on the things that matter most in life: Spending time with loved ones and making great memories in our state. I’m going to keep fighting for you every day.

Ever Upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

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