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Albany, NY — Albany County legislative leaders expressed optimism following Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address, which outlined significant investments in women’s rights, healthcare, childcare, mental health, higher education, and youth workforce preparedness.
Related: Gov. Hochul lays out 2025 priorities
Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said she was “ecstatic” about the Governor’s recognition of the community’s needs. Cunningham continued saying,
We will proactively reach out to and work with our colleagues in both the Governor’s Office and the state legislature to make sure that this investment makes the kind of generational impact that we believe it can.
Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham highlighted the importance of the proposed $100 million investment in pro-housing communities. Willingham said,
With funding comes hope. Just as we in the Albany County Legislature are investing $1 million in housing in our community, the additional $100 million the Governor proposes to invest in pro-housing communities is the perfect continuation of those efforts.
Majority Leader Dennis A. Feeney described the Governor’s plan as a, “Monumental step forward for Albany’s future.” Feeney said,
We are ready to work with the state to ensure these projects revitalize our capital and create meaningful change for our residents.
Carolyn McLaughlin, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, praised the focus on housing affordability, public safety, and community development. McLaughlin said,
These funds must uplift all residents, particularly historically underserved communities, by creating affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and opening pathways for local talent to contribute.
However, not all responses were positive. New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar criticized the Governor’s approach, saying,
Governor Kathy Hochul is going to tax, spend, and toll financially teetering New Yorkers into ‘affordability’ whether they like it or not.
Kassar argued that the Governor’s policies would exacerbate existing financial burdens on New Yorkers. He said,
Mrs. Hochul seems to actually believe that expanding government — taking and spending even more of our money — is the way to bring relief to cash-strapped New Yorkers.
Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, also expressed concerns about affordability and competitiveness, Wilcox said,
If New York has any chance of changing course regarding affordability, competitiveness or population, proposals like cap-and-invest, which would cost New Yorkers billions annually, must be flatly rejected.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay commented on the address, noting the inclusion of several Assembly Republicans’ proposals. Barclay said,
It was encouraging to hear a number of Assembly Republicans proposals referenced in Gov. Hochul’s State of the State Address—inflation relief, public safety, and child care accessibility.
While expressing optimism for collaboration, Barclay cautioned against the Governor’s optimistic portrayal of New York’s current state of affairs. Barclay said,
The reality is, for six years, one-party rule has created a more expensive and more dangerous New York.
He urged caution regarding the Governor’s claims on affordability without addressing state spending and expressed concerns about the financial implications of meeting climate goals. Barclay said,
We cannot continue on this unsustainable financial path. Hopefully, the governor will address these concerns in her Executive Budget address next week.
