John,

Making New York more affordable is not just a goal. It's a responsibility that I take seriously.

I hear from families every day who are feeling the pressure of higher prices on everything from groceries to gifts for the holidays. As we enter the holiday season, we’re continuing our work to make life more affordable for millions of New Yorkers. 

When I said we’d put more money back in your pockets, I meant it. In the last month, we finished sending out Inflation Refund checks of up to $400 to 8.2 million New Yorkers — just one part of our work to make life more affordable for all New Yorkers. 

The Latest From the Empire State

Making sure no New Yorker is left in the cold. When the federal government refused to release heating assistance funds, we took action to protect New Yorkers’ utility bill discounts and help eligible New Yorkers sign up for state heating assistance. After weeks of our demands, the federal government finally restored our funding. Learn more and apply for assistance.   

Putting money in parents’ pockets. I want to make it easier for working parents to cover all the costs that come with raising a family. I joined moms and dads to talk about our expanded Child Tax Credit taking effect in January, which gives parents up to $1,000 per child to help make life a little easier.

Kicking retail theft to the curb. We’ve taken bold action to protect New York businesses from retail theft. I was proud to report that these investments, paired with the hard work of State Police and local law enforcement, are continuing to help drive down retail theft in our communities. There’s more work to do, but this is real progress.

We also announced...

• Major investments for maternal health in the Bronx.
• Actions to combat school bullying and honor the memory of Jack Reid. 
• Ways we’re giving back to our veterans on Long Island and across the state.
• A call to New Yorkers: Be sure to give back this holiday season and don't forget to shop local!

News to Know

• Funding Awarded for Affordable Housing in Utica (WKTV)
• Finger Lakes, Central New York community colleges post major gains (FingerLakes1)
• Hochul: Retail Theft Task Force recovered more than $2.6 million in stolen goods statewide (East Aurora Bee)
• New York just found a way to save residents $151 million on energy costs (SI Live)
• Hochul approves Creedmoor redevelopment (Queens Daily Eagle)
• Governor Hochul announces $100M program to expand child care across New York State (CBS 6 Albany)
• Hochul signs legislation protecting veterans from fraud (WBGO)

Money back in your pockets, communities where you feel safe, and more opportunities for you to get ahead. That’s what I’m going to continue fighting for every single day. 

Because every investment we make is about fighting for New York families — always.

Ever Upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

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