John,

Across our state, millions of children, seniors, and families rely on assistance to put food on the table and heat their homes. Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington are turning their backs on them. 

I am not standing idly by while the GOP continues to cause chaos for working families. 

When the Trump administration withheld SNAP funding for November, I fast-tracked more than $41 million in emergency food assistance and announced $65 million to help food banks deliver 40+ million meals to families in need. And when a judge ruled that the federal government had to release SNAP funding, I immediately directed state agencies to distribute the federal funds to New Yorkers. 

As temperatures fall across the state, I am doing everything in my power to make sure New Yorkers can heat their homes. New York State is directing utilities to continue providing benefits through at least the end of November and encouraging at-risk New Yorkers to apply for the state-funded Energy Affordability Program.

No matter how hard Washington Republicans try to knock us down, we always get back up. Because that’s the spirit of New Yorkers.

The Latest From the Empire State

Keeping New Yorkers’ commutes smooth. In 2026, the Department of Transportation is making its biggest road paving investment in state history and repaving nearly 2,150 miles of roads. As someone who has ridden on virtually every mile of every state road across New York, I know firsthand every curve and every pothole in the state. We’re going after them. 

Stopping Washington from Defunding the Police. Since the founding of the Department of Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks, New York has received federal funding to help combat terrorism and keep New Yorkers safe. When Republicans in Washington tried to deny us that funding, putting millions of subway riders at risk and defunding our police, we fought back — and won.

Helping law enforcement solve and prevent crime. I was proud to deliver $127 million to police departments across the state to upgrade equipment and invest in new technology so they can better protect and serve their communities. This month I was in Garden City, Rochester, and Westchester County to see how our officers are using this funding to drive down crime and keep people safe.

We also…

• Restored Amtrak service between New York City and Albany and announced that Metro-North will debut service to Albany next spring
• Celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal 
• Stepped in to protect $35 million for critical health care services provided by Planned Parenthood
• Celebrated a Bills win in Astoria!

News to Know

• Hochul signs legislation protecting homeownership and renters (WGRZ)
• New York ranked top state for mental health care in national report (WRGB) 
• Hochul joins 14 other governors to form a Public Health Alliance (WBNG)
• New York invests $2.6B to strengthen healthcare access statewide (Finger Lakes 1) 
• Mitchell-Lama residents in Chelsea poised for tax relief under new law from Hochul (amNY)
• Binghamton University to receive part of NY $10 million neuroscience research funding (PressConnects)

Here in New York, we don't turn our backs when people need help. We take care of our own. And I will never stop fighting for you.

Ever Upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

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