Video: Hochul Delivers New York State of the State Address

The State of New York is strong. Stronger today than when I became governor two years ago. It’s healthier, safer, more affordable. Now we’ve traversed some rocky terrain, and there’s still some switchbacks before we reach the summit. Across our nation and our state, people worry that a safe and affordable life is somehow out of reach. While shootings and murders have declined by double digits, safety at the grocery store, the synagogue or the subway is always top of mind. And although we’ve made great strides to take guns off the streets, too many parents are still fearful as their children get on the bus each morning. And too often, troubled individuals are discharged from the hospital without receiving the care they need and go on to commit violent acts. The potential of a crime, no matter how serious, is causing anxiety for our residents. And on top of that, they’re also frustrated with the rising cost of living. Inflation is down 9.1 percent to 3.1 percent over the last 18 months. Paychecks are finally growing, and yet our neighbors are struggling to make a dollar go further. And sadly, no matter how hard they work, they fear they’ll never be as successful or get as far as their own parents did. These are the reasons that I fight every day to give New Yorkers a better shot at a better life.