New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State (SOTS) address appears to deliver meaningful relief for New York families by tackling several of the most pressing affordability challenges: rising utility costs, the high price of child care, and affordable housing. 

I support Gov. Hochul’s goal to reduce energy costs and protect households from rising utility bills. Expanding targeted utility assistance and strengthening consumer protections helps ensure that low- and middle-income New Yorkers can keep their homes warm and powered without sacrificing other necessities. 

However, the State of the State speech did not give any specifics as to how the governor was going to accomplish these initiatives; I intend to find out.

The State of New York needs to relieve the financial burdens placed on families; increasing or creating additional taxes is not the answer. As a mother, I know firsthand that child care costs are one of the biggest financial burdens facing working families. I support the governor’s proposal for major investments to make child care more affordable and accessible across New York state, and not solely in New York City. This also needs to be accomplished without creating or raising taxes on our already over-financially stressed families. 

We need to expand child care subsidies, especially here in the 100th District, so more families qualify for assistance and receive higher levels of support, reducing out-of-pocket costs.  

The need for new workforce housing is something we know very well in Sullivan and Orange counties. I have worked hard to create new housing in the district, and I’m encouraged to hear the governor promise to cut red tape and let our municipalities build their own futures. Gov. Hochul mentioned $250 million for affordable housing and $100 million for manufacturing homes. I intend to make sure that the 100th Assembly District secures its rightful share of that funding by continuing to work with local nonprofits and developers in unison to take advantage of these programs and funding.  Together, these initiatives reflect the start of a comprehensive approach to affordability, lowering monthly household expenses, supporting working parents and helping families thrive. 

I support these objectives in Gov. Hochul’s State of the State, and look forward to making New York a more affordable and family-friendly state. 

Paula Elaine Kay (D) is the NYS Assembly Member for the 100th District.