John,

As you prepare to gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I wanted to express my gratitude for all of you. Whether it’s meeting with community leaders or stopping by a local diner to hear about the issues that matter to you, I witness the spirit, strength, and resiliency of New Yorkers every day. I couldn’t be more grateful to be a New Yorker and to serve as your governor. 

And as your governor, I am committed to making sure that your family has the support you need, all year long. 

I know it can’t beat the turkey and pumpkin pie, but I wanted to take a moment to lay out just some of the ways we’re fighting for you this season. Check out what’s on the table: 

Dough back in your pockets

I’ve heard from hardworking families across the state about the struggles they’re facing as costs keep going up. Thanks to actions we took this year, families are getting $5,000 back in their pockets – with more than eight million New Yorkers getting Inflation Refund checks, free school meals for every kid in New York, a historic middle-class tax cut, tripling the child tax credit, and more.

Taking a bite out of crime

Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe – whether they’re going to school, visiting a place of worship, or celebrating around the dinner table. 

That’s why I’ve invested $3 billion to drive down crime and invest in local police departments across the state, including $127 million this year alone to help them modernize their technology to help them prevent and solve crime.  

Affordable housing whipped up across the state

As part of my commitment to making life more affordable for New Yorkers, we passed the biggest housing plan in more than half a century. 

This historic plan makes it easier for communities to build housing, protects renters and homeowners, helps New Yorkers buy their first homes, and creates a brighter future for communities all across our state. 

Since I took office, we’ve created or repaired nearly 70,000 homes — and we’re not slowing down any time soon. 

Giving New Yorkers a seat at our table

While the federal government turns its back on working families, New York is stepping up.

When SNAP payments were delayed for millions of New Yorkers during the federal shutdown, we dedicated over $100 million to support food banks, soup kitchens, and other organizations that help New Yorkers put food on the table.

And as the ripple effects of the shutdown continue to delay our federally-funded heating assistance program, we are making sure no New Yorker is left in the cold by protecting their discounts and encouraging everyone eligible to apply for the State’s Energy Affordability Program. 

If you or a loved one is worried about putting food on the table or staying warm this winter, New York is here to help. 

New Yorkers work hard. They look out for each other when times are tough. And they fight for what’s right, to make a positive difference for themselves and their neighbors. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving.

With gratitude, 

Governor Kathy Hochul

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