Category Archives: NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

Infrastructure, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Celebrates Start of Tunnel Boring for Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project

First New Tunnel Underneath Hudson River Since the Holland Tunnel Was Opened in 1927

Project Will Serve 200,000 Daily Riders Between New York and New Jersey

Governor Kathy Hochul, on Sept. 28, 2026 joined New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to celebrate the start of tunnel boring for the Hudson Tunnel Project by the Gateway Development Commission (photo: New York State)

Governor Kathy Hochul, on Sept. 28, 2026 joined New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to celebrate the start of tunnel boring for the Hudson Tunnel Project by the Gateway Development Commission (GDC).

Following the ceremonial launch, final testing will be completed and the first tunnel boring machine that will be used to build the new train tunnel under the Hudson River will begin digging the new connection between New Jersey and New York Penn Station. A second machine will launch soon after. This historic moment marks the start of the first phase of tunnel boring for the Hudson Tunnel Project — the first new rail tunnel under the river in more than 100 years. It is the culmination of more than a decade of planning and nearly three years of construction work. 

“Building a new rail connection across the Hudson River has been a dream for over a generation, one that would improve reliability and resilience for over 200,000 daily riders who power our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “We fought and beat efforts from the Trump administration to halt the Gateway project and today, that dream becomes a reality, with state of the art machinery operated by expert union workers starting their journey through soil and bedrock under the Hudson to Penn Station. This is a historic day for New York and a clear demonstration of our ambitions to once again be a state that dreams and builds big.” 

The two tunnel boring machines launching this fall will bore approximately one mile through the hard rock under the Palisades Cliffs in New Jersey to the Hudson County Access Shaft in Weehawken. These two machines will be removed via the access shaft and replaced with a second pair of machines that will build the section of the tunnel under the Hudson River. 

The two hard-rock tunnel boring machines are expected to build roughly 30 feet of tunnel per day, including scheduled pauses for maintenance. They will reach the Hudson County Access Shaft approximately one year after launching. 

The first phase of tunnel boring is being completed by Schiavone Dragados Lane JV as part of the contract for the Palisades Tunnel Project construction package. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is managing delivery of this construction package in partnership with GDC. 

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said, “I spent years in Congress fighting for the Hudson Tunnel Project because it is the most important infrastructure project in the country. Now, tunnel boring is beginning on the first new rail tunnel under the Hudson in more than a century. I was proud to be called the ‘tunnel-obsessed Congresswoman,’ and as Governor, I will keep fighting until this tunnel is built, so 100,000 jobs will be delivered, and millions of New Jersey commuters and travelers finally have the reliable service they deserve.” 

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “From Day One on Gateway, I have said: If we dig it, they will come. ‘They’ being millions of passengers, and freight, and goods and services, flowing into and out of the heart of the New York-New Jersey region and pumping the veins of every nook and cranny with billions of dollars in economic energy. Who says infrastructure is boring? This astounding machine will carve the first new rail tunnel under the Hudson in more than a century, keeping tens of thousands of union workers on the job and creating a vitally needed crossing that hundreds of thousands of commuters depend on every single day. The Gateway Hudson tunnel is the most important infrastructure project in America, period, and I will keep fighting until the job is done.” 

“This milestone is a major step toward fulfilling the Hudson Tunnel Project’s two-track tunnel and giving New Jerseyans the dependable rail infrastructure they’ve waited decades for,” U.S. Senator Cory Booker said. “Millions of people depend on the Northeast Corridor every day to get to work, to school, and back home to their families. I’m proud to help deliver a project that will lower costs, strengthen our rail system, boost reliability, double capacity, and make commutes better for generations of New Jerseyans to come.” 

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Building a stronger New York means strengthening our transit and infrastructure systems. Working families and commuters have been waiting for over a decade for us to deliver on our promise of creating more efficient transportation, and this phase marks more than a vow to start — it marks a vow to finish. I will continue fighting for funding towards landmark projects like the Hudson Tunnel to keep riders on track.” 

U.S. Senator Andy Kim said, “Modernizing New Jersey’s transit infrastructure cannot happen without new tracks and tunnels for North Jersey commuters; with Gateway Development Commission breaking ground on this next phase, New Jersey is one step closer to that reality. I will continue tracking progress as construction of the Hudson Tunnel Project begins and look forward to seeing the project continue.” 

Representative Hakeem Jeffries said, “House Democrats, working in partnership with the Biden-Harris administration, enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to rebuild our nation’s crumbling infrastructure and bring transformative projects like the Gateway Tunnel to life. Today’s start of tunnel boring marks a tremendous step forward in delivering world-class infrastructure improvements for the people of New York and across our region. Despite Donald Trump’s efforts to illegally rip funding away from this important project, construction will begin and more reliable service is on the way for passengers across the Northeast Corridor. I applaud the Gateway Development Corporation for their work in reaching this milestone and helping to create good-paying union jobs, strengthen our economy and provide the safe and reliable passenger rail service our nation deserves.” 

“New York City doesn’t work without efficient, dependable public transportation,” New York Gateway Development Commission Co-Chair Alicia Glen said. “The Hudson Tunnel Project will finally fix one of the key weaknesses in our region’s rail network, and we will feel the benefits for generations. Starting tunnel boring sends a clear signal: we are getting this tunnel done. I’m thrilled to celebrate this achievement and GDC’s commitment to seeing this vital investment in public transit through.”

The Hudson Tunnel Project

The Hudson Tunnel Project is an urgent investment in the most heavily traveled stretch of America’s rail network that will improve transportation between New Jersey and New York by building a new two-tube rail tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabilitating the existing North River Tunnel, which has been in continuous service since 1910 and is a leading cause of train delays for hundreds of thousands of daily passengers.

The project is being delivered through ten construction packages. The first construction package was completed in early 2026. Six additional packages are currently in progress.

Boring the New Tunnel

The new tunnel under the Hudson River will be bored using two sets of two tunnel boring machines — four machines total. Each pair of tunnel boring machines will build the two parallel tunnel tubes simultaneously. The two machines launching in the coming weeks will bore 5,100 feet through the Palisades Cliffs, from the tunnel portal in North Bergen to the Hudson County Access Shaft in Weehawken. 

The machines will be removed via the access shaft, and a second pair of tunnel boring machines optimized for the mixed ground conditions under the Hudson River will be inserted to build the stretch of the tunnel tubes from New Jersey to Manhattan.  

Tunneling Using Single Shield Tunnel Boring Machines

The first set of tunnel boring machines are single shield machines, designed for efficient tunneling through hard, dry rock. Each machine’s cutterhead is 28 feet, 8 inches in diameter and the trailing gantry extends roughly 500 feet. Each weighs more than 1,680 tons. 

These machines dig through the rock in front of them using a rotating cutterhead fitted with disc cutters that press against the rock face, applying intense pressure that breaks the rock into chips. Buckets behind the cutterheads collect the excavated rock and direct it through a muck ring onto the machine’s conveyor belt, which moves it through the trailing gantry to the back of the machine, where it is hauled out of the tunnel.

As the machine advances, an erector arm is used to place precast concrete segments to form the permanent tunnel lining. Hydraulic thrust jacks push the machine forward, bracing against the edges of the completed tunnel lining. 

Years of Work To Reach This Milestone

Today’s milestone is the culmination of nearly three years of construction work. Starting in late 2023, GDC’s contractors built a bridge supporting Tonnelle Avenue to create space under the highway for the machines’ gantries and excavated the launch box where the tunnel boring machines will start digging. 

While this construction was happening, the tunnel boring machines were being manufactured. A single machine is comprised of nearly one hundred complex components, and manufacturing took more than a year. 

After factory testing at the end of 2025, the machines were disassembled and shipped to New Jersey. Workers spent months reassembling and testing them on site in preparation for launch.

Anti-Trump Activism, Climate Action, Climate Change, Energy, Governor Kathy Hochul, Infrastructure, New York State politics, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, Sustainability, Trump Administration

NYS Leads Multi-State Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s Illegal $1.4 Billion Deals to Cancel Offshore Wind Projects

During Climate Week, AG James and Coalition Sue To Protect Critical Energy Projects and Address Grid Strain

Trump Administration Illegally Used $1.4 Billion in Taxpayer Dollars To Cancel Wind Leases and Redirect Money to Fossil Fuel Projects

Canceled Projects Would Have Powered Millions of Homes and Created Thousands of New York Jobs as Energy Demand Surges to Record Highs

Long Islanders demand offshore wind. Governor Hochul is leading an effort by eight states to challenge Trump’s scheme to spend $1.4 billion to pay off windpower companies NOT to go through with their projects. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

While Governor Kathy Hochul has consistently stood up to Trump’s cancellation of funding – for windpower, climate action, infrastructure, public transportation, public safety, notably, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican challenging Hochul for Governor, has never spoken out against Trump’s cut to New York’s funding for infrastructure, climate change mitigation, crime prevention, tariffs, and instead, has promised to promote fracking and tried to sue to overturn New York City congestion pricing. –Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that New York is leading seven other attorneys general in suing to block two illegal deals by the Trump administration that would hand energy companies $1.4 billion in taxpayer dollars in exchange for canceling four critical offshore wind projects. In the two lawsuits, one challenging a deal with Bluepoint Wind and the other challenging one with Invenergy, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the deals unlawfully misuse taxpayer dollars and sabotage states’ ability to meet growing energy demands. Filed during Climate Week in New York City that coincides with the UN General Assembly, the lawsuits ask the court to stop the deals, which kill critical wind projects just to bankroll fossil fuel plants elsewhere in the country. 

“The Trump administration’s unlawful pay-to-not-play scheme to pressure companies to forego planned offshore wind projects in America is an outrageous abuse of taxpayer dollars that hurts our ability to meet our energy needs, reduce emissions, create good paying jobs, and help secure American energy independence,” Governor Hochul. “Working with Attorney General James and the seven other AGs who filed this lawsuit, we will continue to fight back against the unending war against clean energy being waged by this President and his Republican allies to ensure a healthier and cleaner future that allows us to keep the lights on and costs down here in New York.” 

“Americans are facing increasing energy costs because this administration would rather pay off energy companies than let us build the new power sources we need,” said Attorney General James. “These illegal backroom deals take money that should have gone toward lowering New Yorkers’ bills and hand it to fossil fuel projects in other states, all while our energy demand continues to grow. At a moment when every available resource should go to keeping the lights on and prices down, this administration is choosing corruption over communities. We will fight until these unlawful deals are struck down.” 

Since the beginning of the president’s second term, his administration has continually attempted to stop offshore wind development. The President himself has stated that his “goal is not to let any windmill be built,” and his interior secretary promised that “under this administration, there is not a future for offshore wind.” After Attorney General James and other attorneys general secured repeated court wins striking down the federal government’s efforts to eliminate wind development, the administration pivoted to a new strategy: paying off companies to abandon their wind energy projects. 

Today’s first lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) deal with Bluepoint Wind, which canceled the company’s lease off the coast of New York and, in exchange, paid Bluepoint $765 million from the Judgment Fund, a taxpayer-funded account reserved for legitimate legal settlements. Now, instead of building the offshore wind farm New York was counting on, Bluepoint will use the money to build a liquefied natural gas facility and has committed not to pursue future offshore wind developments in the United States. 

In the second lawsuit, the attorneys general are challenging DOI’s deal with Invenergy, which canceled three offshore wind leases, including one off the coast of New York, and paid the company $653 million from the same fund. Under the deal, Invenergy will not build a single wind turbine. Instead, it will redirect the $653 million to natural gas plants in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri and geothermal projects in the western United States, none of which will deliver a single watt of power to New York. 

The two canceled New York projects alone were expected to bring a more than $16 billion investment to New York and create more than 2,800 new jobs in the state. The canceled projects would have connected directly to New York City’s electric grid, providing a new source of electricity at a time when the state anticipates significant growth in demand. Combined with the other two Invenergy leases, the canceled projects were expected to generate over eight gigawatts of electricity, enough to power more than four million homes. 

The cancellations come as New York’s own energy planners project electricity demand will grow eight percent by 2030 and 24 percent by 2040, driven in part by economic development and new large loads such as data centers. At the same time, aging fossil fuel generators are approaching retirement, making new sources of power essential to meeting growing demand and maintaining grid reliability. If the administration deprives the Northeast of new energy generation while demand continues to outpace supply, electricity scarcity and grid congestion will worsen, which could increase energy costs for consumers. 

The lawsuits assert that the administration is unlawfully using taxpayer dollars to advance the president’s policy preference for oil and gas development. The agreements do not resolve any actual or imminent litigation, meaning the administration has no legal basis to pay these companies hundreds of millions of dollars from the Judgment Fund, which Congress established solely to pay legitimate legal claims against the government. 

Governor Hochul, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the deals violate the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Judgment Fund Act and other federal spending laws. They are asking the courts to declare the agreements unlawful, void the lease cancellations, and block the administration from taking any further action to carry out the deals. 

Joining Attorney General James in filing both lawsuits are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. California is filing a separate, concurrent lawsuit challenging a deal between Invenergy and the administration to cancel a lease off its coast.

Project to Protect Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line from Climate Change

Also during NYC Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) awarded a $19.7 million contract for the design phase of a major project to protect vulnerable portions of the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line from the effects of climate change and fortify the line against future stormwater runoff, tidal floods and other risks between Spuyten Duyvil to Hastings-on-Hudson. This milestone is a major step forward in a flagship $800 million resiliency effort to fortify the Hudson Line in the MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan.

“The impacts of climate change and extreme weather put the commutes of millions of riders who rely on the Hudson Line each year at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we’re making historic investments to ensure the long-term resilience of this vital rail corridor, fortifying it for the long term and ensuring that service is more reliable than ever before.”

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “As I always say, mass transit is the antidote to climate change — but we need to deal with the accelerating impacts it is already having on our system. This project takes a comprehensive approach towards protecting essential Metro-North service for decades to come.”

Homeland Security, National Security, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, Terrorism

Governor Hochul Tells Trump to ‘Stop Defunding Police’ and Deliver the $87 Million in Federal Counterterrorism Funds Owed NYS

Trump Administration Recklessly Cut New York’s Counterterrorism Funding by $187 Million Last Year

President Trump Promised to Fully Restore New York’s Funding After Governor Hochul’s Relentless Advocacy and Direct Outreach

But the Trump Administration Restored Only $100 Million – Leaving New York Without $87 Million in Vital Counterterrorism Funding

Funding Directly Supports Intelligence Operations, Transit Hub Security, as well as Equipment Purchases, Training and Preparedness Efforts for Counties, Sheriffs and Police Departments

Hochul: “Here’s my message to the president: Don’t undermine our public safety efforts. Don’t defund the police who thwart terror attacks. Don’t play political games with people’s lives. Release the $87 million you owe us, because if you don’t release the counterterrorism funding, you’re betraying every family that lost someone on 9/11. You’re betraying every police officer and firefighter who puts their lives on the line every single day. And you’re betraying every New Yorker who no longer believes that the federal government is there to protect them.”

Notably, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman who is running to topple Kathy Hochul to become New York’s governor, has said nothing, done nothing to reclaim these funds, yet is running on “law and order”, “public safety”. Similarly, on Trump’s tariff war and alienation with Canada, a major trading partner with New York State, he has not dared to stand up to Trump. On Trump’s cancellation of wind power projects that would lower the cost of utilities for New Yorkers and increase energy independence which he so likes to attack, he dares not oppose Trump on behalf of New Yorkers. And he called

Hochul’s effort to protect New Yorkers from ICE malfeasance, “the saddest day of my life.” Notably, Trump and Blakeman who love to campaign under a “Back the Blue” banner (and routinely use police as a backdrop for their photo ops) and accuse Democrats of calling for “defunding the police” are responsible for DEFUNDING THE POLICE and pardoning the January 6 rioters who assaulted police.

Governor Hochul’s call to recover the $87 million I n federal counterterrorism funds still owed New York State is significant in light of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on New York City, and the likelihood of NYC being a Number One terror target during the heightened hostilities Trump has engendered with Iran, among others, while alienating allies. – Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

First responders work on the collapsed World Trade Center towers after the September 11, 2001 attacks. On the 25th anniversary of the terror attack, Governor Kathy Hochul is demanding Trump send the $87 million in counterterrorism funds that New York State is owed © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York. Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million. Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding. After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state.

“By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.”

The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations.

Following an extended delay in 2025, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP, giving states the ability to access this critical funding. However, despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million). Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $100 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27, 2025. After dogged advocacy by Governor Hochul, President Trump committed to reversing these misguided cuts in October of 2025, when he stated on Truth Social that he was “…pleased to advise that [he] reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was [his] Honor to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Almost one year later, New York State has only received $100 million of the amount owed following an order by a federal judge, with nearly $87 million outstanding.

Specifically, access to the remaining $87 million would ensure full funding of:

  • The NYPD’s intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit;
  • The FDNY’s interoperable communication and radiological response capabilities;
  • Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is responsible for the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
  • New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads; and
  • Equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and local police departments.

“Ten days away from the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, the horrors are still vivid for the families who lost loved ones that morning, and for the families who are still losing loved ones due to 9/11 illnesses all these years later, and for the courageous first responders still haunted by the images and the aftermath of that day,” Governor Hochul stated. “And yet today, after a quarter century of successfully thwarting other attacks on our homeland, our brave police and firefighters learn that the Trump administration is abandoning them. That’s right. Donald Trump withholding funding intended to keep New Yorkers safe from another terrorism attack, and that’s exactly why we’re standing here together today, to stand up and fight back against the unprecedented, reckless and dangerous decisions being made in Washington.

“The Department of Homeland Security, the agency created in response to 9/11, is withholding 40 percent of New York State’s counterterrorism funding. Yes, 40 percent. That’s from New York State, the number one terror target in the nation, a place where, just recently, a terror plot against our state capital was uncovered. That 40 percent adds up to $87 million. That’s $87 million they owe us.

“Let me translate that in real simple terms: Donald Trump is defunding the police. Defunding the NYPD intelligence analysts who foil the attacks. Defunding the brave members of FDNY who run into the fire while the rest of us are running out. Defunding the National Guard, the units who protect the major transit hubs. Defunding bomb squads. Defunding police departments and sheriff’s offices from Long Island to Westchester to Buffalo.

“In New York City alone, over the last three years, the teams used these funds that have been responsible for 145 major arrests, disruptions and leads across 10 states. You know what that translates into? Lives saved, tragedies averted, because of those highly specialized units. And now, Donald Trump is refusing to release the funds that those teams so desperately need. In so doing, Donald Trump broke a promise that he made last October, when I asked him — after there were the initial cuts of $187 million cut from our Homeland Security grant, I called him up, asked him if he would restore it — he said he’d look into it, but in his usual way of communicating, he posted on Truth Social, “It was an honor to reverse those cuts.”

“Yet today, another broken promise, a year later, we’re still waiting for the money. Mr. “Make America Safe” still talks about big game on law enforcement, talks big about protecting our law enforcement, our police. Instead of breaking up terror plots, he’s breaking up innocent families, detaining children. He even sent DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to New York City today, to hold a press conference at this very moment. Perhaps to spare the Trump administration the embarrassment of literally defunding the police, he should walk right over here now, with a check for $87 million that our first responders and our counterterrorism officials are owed. Don’t see him. Another example of Donald Trump endangering public safety to yet again extract revenge on a blue state. It’s wrong, and he should work with me to keep people safe, not make them more vulnerable to terrorism attacks and crimes.

“And I’ll work with anyone — Democrat, Republican — to get the job done. I’ve made record investments in law enforcement and public safety — nearly $4 billion in the last five years. I’ve worked across the aisle to strengthen our laws and keep violent offenders across the streets, and it’s paying off with crime hitting all-time lows across the state. We’ve come too far to let this reckless federal government jeopardize all of our progress and the vital work that is still ahead.

“So here’s my message to the president: Don’t undermine our public safety efforts. Don’t defund the police who thwart terror attacks. Don’t play political games with people’s lives. Release the $87 million you owe us, because if you don’t release the counterterrorism funding, you’re betraying every family that lost someone on 9/11. You’re betraying every police officer and firefighter who puts their lives on the line every single day. And you’re betraying every New Yorker who no longer believes that the federal government is there to protect them.

“In 10 days, we’ll see and say the words “never forget,” 25 years after 9/11. Those words still mean something to us, still demand something of us. They demand that we remember those who we lost, honor the sacrifices that were made, and do everything in our power to ensure that it never, ever happens again,” Governor Hochul stated during a press conference.

New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target and just underwent a historic summer of mass gathering events with the FIFA World Cup, International Naval Review, America 250 celebrations, and New York Knicks’ championship run and parade. This required an unprecedented safety and security preparedness effort coordinated with State and City officials to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers and visitors. If the federal government refuses to fully fund the State’s counterterrorism efforts, it puts future planning, coordination and security at risk.

UASI Funding Cut

In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Estimated UASI Cuts by UAWG Member:

City of Yonkers-$947,959
Nassau County-$947,959
NYC-$55,671,592
Port Authority-$3,814,724
Suffolk County-$947,959
Westchester County-$947,959
Total-$63,278,152

SHSP Cut

In New York, SHSP funding is directed to every county and the City of New York to support planning, equipment purchases, training, and other homeland security initiatives. Funding distributions are formula based and ensure funding goes to every county in New York State.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary stated, “Governor Hochul has made record investments in the State’s emergency preparedness and counterterrorism efforts, but New York State cannot do this alone. Having a commitment from our federal partners to fight terrorism is critical when it comes to the State’s preparedness capabilities, and any further delay in fully funding these efforts is putting the safety and security of all New Yorkers at risk.”

“Counterterrorism funding is a critical part of that work, supporting the intelligence, training, planning, and coordination that strengthens our emergency preparedness across the city. New York City has shown time and again that we are ready to meet the moment, and we need our federal partners to uphold their commitment and provide the resources necessary to keep New Yorkers safe,” New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said,

Cybersecurity, Governor Kathy Hochul, Infrastructure, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS Governor Hochul Awards $9 Million in Cybersecurity Grants to Protect 153 Water Systems Statewide

With Trump doing everything he can to weaken cybersecurity defenses – actually  dismantling the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) and heavily downsizing key units within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI, cutting hundreds of personnel focused on election security and critical infrastructure protection – and then blaming Minnesota’s Governor Tom Walz for Iran’s cyberattack against eight states’ water infrastructure, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul just announced $9 million in cybersecurity grants to help protect 153 water systems statewide. – Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

New York’s Ashokan Reservoir. Governor Kathy Hochul is awarding $9 million in cybersecurity grants to protect 153 water systems statewide, the wake of Iran’s cyberattack against critical water infrastructure in seven states as the trump administration has dismantled its cyber defenses © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $9 million in grants awarded to 153 local government projects statewide through the Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE) grant program. This funding will support communities in their efforts to bolster their cybersecurity posture against increasingly sophisticated and dangerous cyber threats while strengthening services that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day.

“New York is taking action to protect our critical water infrastructure from cyberattacks that could disrupt services and threaten public health and safety,” Governor Hochul said. “As we have seen with recent malicious cyberattacks on water systems across multiple states, these threats are real and escalating. These investments give local governments the tools they need to strengthen their defenses, safeguard essential services, and keep delivering safe, reliable water to New Yorkers.”

SECURE grants and no-cost technical assistance from the Environmental Facilities Corporation will help local governments implement the State’s new minimum cybersecurity standards for drinking water and sewer systems. The grants will fund local cybersecurity assessments and implementation, helping water systems build stronger, more secure operations.

This funding is in addition to Governor Hochul’s landmark five-year $3.75 billion clean water investment in the 2027 Enacted Budget, reflecting her comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to protecting and modernizing critical water infrastructure.

Water infrastructure is essential to public health, safety, economic stability, and national security, making it an attractive target for cyberattacks. As systems increasingly rely on digital and internet-connected technologies, the need for cybersecurity safeguards continues to grow.

Strengthening cybersecurity helps reduce the risk of a cyberattack that could disrupt utilities for residents and threaten the water supplies that drive local economies, industries and tourism.

The complete list of recipients and additional program information is available on EFC’s Cybersecurity Hub, where communities can access centralized training and resources and request a one-on-one consultation. The Community Assistance Teams are available to provide no-cost guidance and tools to help water and wastewater systems implement cybersecurity best practices.

New York State Acting Chief Cyber Officer Michaela Lee said, “The recent surge in cyberattacks targeting water systems nationwide is a stark reminder that the threats facing our critical infrastructure are growing, and so must our investments in defending it. Governor Hochul’s proactive $9 million in grants will empower local governments across New York to swiftly harden their defenses, build resilience, and secure the essential services that our communities rely on every day.”

Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Governor Hochul has made protecting New York’s critical infrastructure a priority, and these grants reflect that commitment by providing water systems with resources to mitigate their cybersecurity vulnerabilities before threats become disruptions. EFC is proud to support the Governor’s vision by helping communities assess risks, implement solutions, and build more resilient water infrastructure.”

Nation-Leading Investments

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, providing $3.8 billion in financial assistance for local projects in State Fiscal Year 2025 alone, including $1.1 billion in grants. Governor Hochul’s transformational $3.75 billion water infrastructure investment will bring total State grants to more than $10 billion since 2017.

Governor Kathy Hochul, Gun Violence Prevention, New York State politics, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Hochul Announces New Gun Safety Actions to Protect New Yorkers from Federal Firearm Regulation Rollbacks

Trump Administration’s Proposed Rollbacks Open Door for Dangerous Individuals To Obtain Firearms and Make it Harder to Hold Bad Actors in Firearms Industry Accountable

Governor Takes Immediate Action to Preserve Public Safety by Prioritizing State Police Inspections of Firearms Dealers Linked to Crime and Expanding Scope of Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns

Governor Will Explore Legislative Actions to Require In-Person Sale of Firearms

State Launches Public Awareness Campaign Targeting Gun Dealers to Remind Them of New York State Laws

Governor Kathy Hochul, in 2021, signing landmark legislation to crack down on “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms used by criminals to evade background checks. Gun violence was peaking in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. Now the trump administration is rolling back Biden-era regulations and community violence prevention programs that has resulted in historic declines in gun violence © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Note: The Republican opponent for New York Governor, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, opposed Governor Hochul’s gun safety regulations after the Trump Supreme Court overturned the state’s century-old gun law, and said he wanted to ease access to gun licenses and people should be able to carry guns into religious centers. Governor Hochul, during her term, has worked to reduce the number of guns imported into the state from states with lax gun laws, joining a regional consortium. Trump Administration – and his Attorney General designee Todd Blanche – have declared their love of a Second Amendment without any restrictions or regulation despite the United States having the highest rate of gun violence in the world. An average of 117 to 122 people die from gun-related injuries each day in the United States, according to recent data from the Pew Research Center and public health tracking, a rate that is 26 times higher than peer “developed” countries. This total includes suicides, homicides, accidents, and law enforcement actions.–Karen Rubin/editor@news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced actions in response to the Trump Administration’s proposed rollbacks that would make sweeping and dangerous changes to federal firearms regulations. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced changes to more than 30 rules that will make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain firearms and harder to hold bad actors in the firearms industry accountable. In response, New York State is taking action by increasing enforcement and education and exploring legislative changes that will blunt the effect of many of these changes and preserve public safety.

“Time and time again, we see the Trump Administration concede to the gun lobby, and these rollbacks are yet another giveaway that will have devastating and dangerous effects across the country,” Governor Hochul said.“ While the federal government paves the way for increased firearm trafficking and putting guns in the hands of those who should not have them, New York State is taking action to blunt their efforts by bolstering our nation-leading gun laws and committing to closing the loopholes that put lives in jeopardy.”

Firearm dealers operating in New York must obtain licensure at the federal and state levels, but action against licensees happens almost exclusively at the federal level. The ATF’s proposed rollbacks are a clear abdication of their responsibility to hold bad actors accountable and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals, requiring states to increase their enforcement against bad actors.

Governor Hochul announced the following actions alongside the New York State Police and members of New York’s gun safety coalition, including representatives from Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady United and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence:

Immediate Actions

Prioritizing State Police Inspections of all Firearms Dealers who are Linked to Crime Guns

New York will step up oversight and enforcement to ensure that its state-licensed dealers are complying with the rigorous standards imposed by law. NYSP will prioritize onsite inspections of all dealers who are determined to be the source of crime guns and will work with the Office of the Attorney General to increase enforcement on dealers who are repeatedly traced to crime guns when appropriate.

Expanding the Scope of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns

Originally convened by Governor Hochul in 2022, New York’s Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns includes local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The scope of this Task Force will expand to combine resources, share information, and develop strategies to combat increased public safety threats. Governor Hochul has directed Task Force members to reconvene to develop a coordinated interstate response to the ATF rollbacks and commit to regular information sharing related to crime guns located in one state that were purchased in another state.

Launching a Public Education Campaign Targeted at Firearm Dealers

New York State is launching a public awareness campaign and increased enforcement operation targeted specifically at gun dealers to remind them that many of New York’s strong laws remain in effect notwithstanding the federal regulations and must be followed despite the federal rollbacks. The campaign, which will feature direct mailers and emails to firearm dealers and firearm licensing officials, will focus on ATF rollbacks that state law prevents from having practical effect. This will be developed by the Division of Criminal Justice Services in close coordination with the New York State Police.

Legislative Actions

Requiring the In-Person Sale of Firearms

The ATF rule changes would allow for online sales of firearms. At the start of the next legislative session, Governor Hochul plans on introducing legislation to amend the penal law to require in-person sale of firearms. This law change would align firearm sales with ammunition sales, which are required to be done in-person.

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has committed more than $4 billion to public safety initiatives and doubled funding to combat gun violence in New York communities. Governor Hochul also partnered with 11 other states to intercept weapons along the I-95 corridor, enhance Red Flag Laws to keep guns away from individuals that are a risk to themselves and others, and strengthened New York’s concealed carry laws in response to the Supreme Court’s reckless Bruen decision. As part of the FY 27 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul sustained record-level investments in prevention, intervention and enforcement, including addressing emerging threats as 3-D printed guns and DIY machine guns.

“Here in New York, I’ve been laser focused on this since I was elected back in 2022,” Governor Hochul stated. “Top priority. Crime was off the charts back then. I said, “It is unsustainable. We cannot keep this, this violence in our streets, the bloodshed, it has to stop. Today.” We now have gun violence at an all-time low in New York State. All-time low. It’s not an accident. It’s about investments in public safety and police, historic investments. Smart, targeted law enforcement — seizing illegal guns at record rates, going after emerging threats like those 3D-printed ghost guns. We banned those. We banned those. You know what we also did in our budget? We also banned the sale of the 3D printers in the state of New York, so even if you wanted to make your kitchen table into a munitions factory, you can’t do that anymore without facing down the law of the State of New York. Okay? So that was just done a couple months ago.

“But also, I believe one of the reasons we’re safe is because we’ve made investments and support our advocates in the streets…

“New Yorkers are safer today, more than they were just a few short years ago. But I’m not going to let the rogue cops in Washington undermine our progress.

“My administration will make sure our laws are enforced, and today, I’m announcing that New York State Police will ramp up on-site inspections at all gun dealers — you are on notice — that are linked to firearms and recovered at a crime…

“A background check is everything, it’s so critical. Also, mental health screening — we need to know. There’s people who should not have a gun in their hands, and the federal government doesn’t give a damn. But we do, we do. So you’re not going to be able to give someone a gun, sell a gun to someone without a mental health screening, because you’re going to be in for a rude awakening. This is New York. Welcome to a state that actually likes keeping people alive. We like keeping people alive in this state. So if you don’t follow our laws, oh, boy, consequences. Our police will work directly with our Attorney General, Tish James, and our District Attorneys to shut you down…Follow the laws or we’re shutting you down. And we’re not stopping at our own state borders. No, in New York, 80 percent of the guns recovered at crime scenes originate in other states — 80 percent, 80 percent. So to help fill the void, what I’m going to do is reconvene our Interstate Task Force on illegal guns,” Hochul said.

State Senator Zellnor Myrie said, “As the federal government rolls back common-sense public safety measures, New York is stepping up to protect our communities. I was proud to write the first state law in the nation taking on reckless and irresponsible gun dealers, and today’s actions build on our work to hold bad actors accountable. We will always put safe streets, subways, schools and neighborhoods ahead of the gun industry’s profits.”

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, “Our safety should never be compromised, especially not because of weakened federal oversight. As Washington rolls back basic and commonsense firearm regulations, New York is stepping up to protect our communities and to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger. These actions will reinforce our state’s longstanding commitment to preventing gun violence while at the same time respecting responsible gun ownership. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for being clear-eyed and proactive on this issue.”

Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman said, “As the Co-chair of the Subcommittee on Anti-Gun Violence of the NYS BPHA Caucus I stand with my colleagues along with the Governor to do all we can to advance gun safety legislation. We will not stand idle while the federal government rolls back common sense gun safety law. We will continue in the effort to keep our communities safe by keeping illegal guns off the streets, increasing interstate partnership, enforcement, and the education on best gun safety practices. In addition we will continue to advocate for more investments in wrap around services for our youth and families. That includes expanding access to safe spaces like Community Center Concepts in schools, afterschool programs, and stronger support for survivors. We understand that public safety requires common sense legislation and investments in prevention through youth programs, community spaces, and services that help survivors heal and rebuild.”

Senior Firearms Industry Advisor at Everytown for Gun Safety and Former Associate Assistant Director of Field Operations at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives Marianna Mitchem said, “These changes proposed by the ATF prioritize gun industry profits over human lives. They will exacerbate our national gun violence epidemic and undermine public safety in communities across New York State. I want to thank Governor Hochul for the steps New York is taking to protect its communities from gun trafficking and I want to encourage all local and state leaders to step up and follow her example. It is deeply disappointing that the agency I dedicated my career to has decided to cater to the gun industry rather than properly regulate it. But I am hopeful that with actions like those announced today, our communities will not be the ultimate victims of this Administration’s dangerous decisions.”

GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown said, “The Trump administration says it’s tough on crime, but its record says otherwise. They are de-funding law enforcement, dismantling commonsense gun safety rules, and making our communities less safe. With these ATF rule changes, the administration’s actions threaten to undermine years of progress in reducing gun violence, meaning it’s more important than ever for state leaders to take bold action and fight to protect public safety. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership on public safety, and her continuing the fight to keep New Yorkers safe.”

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Executive Director Rebecca Fischer said, “At a time when the ATF is rolling back critical gun safety regulations that help prevent illegal gun trafficking and keep firearms out of dangerous hands, Governor Hochul is making it clear that New York will not lower its standards. While Washington weakens protections, New York is strengthening them. These proactive actions will help protect New Yorkers, reinforce our nation’s strongest gun safety laws, and send a clear message that public safety comes before politics. New York has proven that strong gun safety laws save lives, and we’re proud to stand with Governor Hochul as she continues to lead the nation in preventing gun violence.”

Brady: United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown said, “The proposed changes to the ATF will categorically put communities across the country in danger. They are not technical adjustments — they are sweeping structural changes that will reshape how guns are bought and sold in America, a country where gun violence is the number one killer of kids. Rolling back common-sense gun violence prevention measures will make it easier for prohibited purchasers to obtain guns, harder for law enforcement to solve and prosecute gun crimes, and increase the likelihood for ‘mass casualty events.’ We cannot stand idly by and let this happen. We thank Governor Hochul for taking action with us to prevent fallout from these proposed changes and to keep New York communities safe.”

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “I commend Governor Hochul for taking bold action to protect New Yorkers from gun violence. The proposed changes to federal firearm regulations threaten the progress our state has made in keeping our communities safe. Allowing firearms to be sold online without requiring an in-person transaction undermines responsible gun safety measures and puts lives at risk. I support the Governor’s effort to codify the requirement for in-person firearm sales into New York State law. In the Bronx, we know all too well the pain and devastation that has struck so many families. Just last weekend, an innocent 12-year-old child was tragically killed after being caught in the crossfire. We must continue advancing thoughtful, commonsense legislation that strengthens public safety, protects our neighborhoods, and helps prevent more families from experiencing trauma and loss from gun violence.”

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon said, “At a time when Staten Island and New York City have witnessed historic decreases in homicides and acts of gun violence, the federal government’s decision to roll back firearm safety regulations is the wrong decision at the wrong time and needlessly jeopardizes public safety. These sweeping changes would weaken background checks, make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain and traffic deadly firearms, and undermine the progress we have made in the fight against gun violence. Simply put, the ATF’s proposed rollbacks are bad for public safety and for the communities my office is tasked with protecting, and I commend Governor Hochul for her swift efforts to counteract these dangerous policies and protect New Yorkers across our State from the deadly scourge of gun violence.”

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “I’m extremely grateful to Governor Hochul for her plan to stop the flow of illegal guns into New York through the infamous ‘Iron Pipeline.’ While Donald Trump is making it easier for trafficked weapons to hit the streets of New York City, Governor Hochul is fighting back at the state level. The Governor will blunt the impact of Trump’s dangerous changes to our gun laws at the federal level by prioritizing State Police inspections of all firearms dealers linked to crime guns, expanding the scope of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns, aligning requirements for firearm background checks with ammunition requirements, and exploring a number of legislative fixes in Albany. The result will be a safer Manhattan and New York City.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Gun violence and the proliferation of guns in our neighborhoods is a public health crisis that is affecting communities across our state that requires our immediate action and attention. Every day, families in the Bronx are forced to confront unimaginable grief, and far too many of our young people are growing up in fear instead of opportunity. Despite this White House administration’s attempts to roll back progress, I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to keeping our streets safe. Together, we must continue fighting to protect our children, support impacted families, and ensure that every youth in our city can thrive without the shadow of gun violence.”

Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul launched a statewide public service announcement (PSA) campaign to promote secure firearm storage and raise awareness about safe storage options and how to prevent firearm misuse. Led by the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) within the Division of Criminal Justice Services and developed in partnership with Brady: United Against Gun Violence and the Ad Council, the campaign is part of New York’s comprehensive approach to strengthening public safety and reducing firearm deaths and injuries.

Biden-era gun regulations, instituted when gun violence hit new peaks during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as Hochul’s efforts to reduce gun violence have been successful.

“New York continues to make historic progress reducing gun violence and making our communities safer,” Governor Hochul said. “At the same time, we know too many firearm tragedies happen in homes and involve family members, children and loved ones. This public education campaign will empower gun owners with information and resources on how to securely store their firearms, helping protect their families and prevent needless injuries and deaths.” 

See also: Governor Hochul Launches Secure Firearm Storage Education Campaign, as Gun Violence Continues to Decline Across NYS

Climate Action, Governor Kathy Hochul, Jobs, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS Governor Hochul Announces $13 Million in NYPA Funding to Support Clean Energy Workforce Development

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) approved $13 million in funding to support clean energy workforce development across New York State © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) approved $13 million in funding to support clean energy workforce development across New York State. The funding, approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees, includes $3 million to be directed to six workforce development programs that will equip more than 450 New Yorkers with the training, job placement resources and technical skills needed for careers in New York’s growing clean energy economy. The awards also include $10 million will support the New York State Department of Labor’s (NYSDOL) expanded training and retraining initiatives to prepare workers for employment in clean energy careers.

“Our clean energy future depends on the people who will build it, and we’re committed to preparing them for the good‑paying careers of tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “This $13 million investment will open doors for New Yorkers, expanding access to valuable training, strengthening workforce pathways and helping communities across the state benefit from the momentum fueling our clean energy economy.”

New York is leading the nation in developing a green economy, with nearly 185,000 clean energy jobs already created. Building further on that statewide progress, the NYPA Board of Trustees approved funding awards to the following organizations and institutions:

Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) – $520,000: EIP designs and delivers energy efficiency and clean energy programs for utilities and public agencies. The funding will support building operations and energy efficiency training for staff members of the Settlement House, a NYC based nonprofit.

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 17 – $500,000: LiUNA Local 17 in the Hudson Valley will use the funding to strengthen pre-apprenticeship pathways in the construction trades, offering foundational training and support services to prepare participants for union careers.

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 210 – $540,000: LiUNA Local 17 in Buffalo will use the funding to support a pre‑apprenticeship program that provides certification‑based training for participants.

Both LiUNA programs build on proven models to expand access to skilled labor opportunities.

Last year, NYPA allocated more than $1 million in funding support to LiUNA’s existing workforce training initiative, stimulating the expansion of its pre-apprenticeship program, which prepares members of disadvantaged communities for careers as union construction craft laborers in Buffalo, the Hudson Valley and the Capital Region.

Northland Workforce Training Center – $500,000: Northland Workforce Training Center provides workforce training and career pathways for Western New Yorkers pursuing jobs in advanced manufacturing and energy. The funding will support training for participants in HVAC and building maintenance certificate programs at the Center’s new Clean Tech Lab, along with wraparound services including career coaching, transportation assistance and job placement support.

NYPA has supported Northland since its inception, initially providing $15 million in funding to support its development in 2016. In 2023, NYPA awarded Northland more than $1.1 million to support the development of the center’s state-of-the-art auto tech lab, and donated a 2017 Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle (EV) charger and a mix of associated EV shop tools to Northland for use in its clean energy center.

Renaissance Technical Institute (RTI) – $500,000: RTI, a New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities through free vocational education and training, will train participants in energy‑efficient systems and electrification. NYPA, in collaboration with NYSDOL, previously allocated $500,000 in funding to RTI in East Harlem to support workforce programming and career development for young adults from under-resourced communities.

State University of New York (SUNY) Canton – $440,000: SUNY Canton will train students through credit‑bearing micro‑credentials in heat pumps, drone operations, and mapping and logistics. The initiative expands access to industry‑aligned clean‑energy training for Northern New York and disadvantaged communities, preparing graduates for high‑quality career opportunities in the clean‑energy sector.

Of the $10 million in funding awarded to NYSDOL approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees, $8 million will support the expansion and development of the Growing the Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative, which provides grants to organizations for the development or expansion of training programs. The remaining $2 million will be allocated to the NYSDOL Renewable Energy Training Initiative (RETI) program, which supports inclusive clean‑energy workforce development by funding upskilling and reskilling for workers transitioning into clean‑energy roles and by providing essential wraparound services.

New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “By supporting organizations that provide apprenticeships and technical training, NYPA is strengthening New York’s talent pipeline and expanding opportunities for workers in communities across the state to gain the skills needed for high‑demand jobs in the growing clean energy economy.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The $13 million in workforce investments will help ensure New Yorkers have the skills required to maintain and expand the state’s clean‑energy infrastructure. NYPA is doing more than simply providing funding; it is delivering real opportunities for New Yorkers by opening vital career pathways in the state’s rapidly growing energy sector.”

Connecting New Yorkers to Opportunities in Clean Energy

The Power Authority’s support for clean energy workforce training stems from a commitment of up to $25 million annually, as outlined in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget, and largely supports the efforts of the New York State Department of Labor to connect workers to job opportunities in the clean energy economy. Many of the upskilling and training initiatives have a focus on serving those who are traditionally underrepresented, especially within disadvantaged communities.

NYPA actively engages with each community training organization to ensure skills training is matched with in-demand positions and participant success through supportive wraparound services. Additionally, the Power Authority advises on the classroom and hands-on technology curriculum.

Including this round of awards, NYPA has obligated more than $63 million for clean energy training programs, supporting thousands of trainees and more than 45 workforce training organizations statewide.

Separately, as part of Governor Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York Initiative, NYPA recently issued a Request for Application, targeting technical schools, colleges, unions and manufacturers, among other groups, to access $40 million in NYPA nuclear workforce development funding. The investment aims to build a skilled workforce ready to support the deployment and operation of new advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York.

More information on the Power Authority’s support for clean energy training can be found on its workforce development webpage.

New York State Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon said, “Creating clean energy infrastructure is both necessary and an economic opportunity for our state, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening local economies. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to New York’s clean energy future. The New York State Department of Labor stands ready to provide the training and resources necessary to ensure our workforce is prepared to support the state’s clean energy development.”

State Senator April N.M Baskin said, “When we invest in people, we strengthen our economy. These awards will help LiUNA Local 210 and the Northland Workforce Training Center prepare more Western New Yorkers for careers in the growing clean energy economy, opening the door to good-paying jobs while building the skilled workforce our region needs. I thank Governor Hochul and NYPA for continuing to invest in our workforce.”

The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Substack.

Affordability, Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State politics, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, Public Safety-Crime-Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Health

Governor Hochul Signs Budget that Makes New York More Affordable, Keeps New Yorkers Safe, Expands Opportunity for All

Putting New York on Path to Statewide Universal Childcare

$1 Billion in One-Time Energy Rebate Checks

Puts Ratepayers First in Push To Reduce Utility Costs

Protecting New Yorkers From ICE Overreach

Making More Than $900 Million Record Investment in Public Safety Funding To Continue Driving Down Crime and Keeping New Yorkers Safe

Advances First-in-the-Nation Legislation To Ban Illegal, Homegrown 3D-Printed Ghost Guns and DIY Machine Guns

Measures To Reduce Insurance Rates for Drivers

Offsets Rising Costs for Farmers Due to Federal Tariffs

No Tax on Tips for Hardworking New Yorkers

Improving Transparency in the Residential Property Insurance Market

Governor Kathy Hochul signed her FY 2027 Budget making New York more affordable, keeping New Yorkers safe and expanding opportunity for all © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul signed her FY 2027 Budget making New York more affordable, keeping New Yorkers safe and expanding opportunity for all. The Governor delivered sweeping measures to lower costs including putting New York on a path to universal childcare, reducing utility costs and delivering energy rebate checks, and bringing auto insurance rates down for drivers. She also implemented a surcharge on luxury New York City second homes, generating much needed revenue for the City without impacting everyday New Yorkers. Additionally, the Governor continues to build on her unprecedented investments in public safety with more than $900 million in funding, measures to crack down on illegal 3D printed guns, and a nation leading package of immigration protections that keep New Yorkers safe.

“Every proposal included in this Budget was a fight for New Yorkers and their future. Working with my partners in the Legislature, we delivered an ambitious agenda that will lower costs for hardworking families, keep New Yorkers safe and create opportunity for all,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington continues to make life more difficult for New Yorkers, I’m doing everything in my power to make real, tangible progress on the issues New Yorkers are facing and I will always fight for the people who call this great state home.”

Delivering Universal Childcare

Governor Hochul is putting New York State on a pathway toward universal childcare, beginning with committing to investments that will support the delivery of affordable childcare to up to nearly 100,000 additional children.

The Governor’s landmark investment will increase funding by $1.7 billion bringing the total FY27 investment to $4.5 billion for childcare and prekindergarten services statewide.

These investments will:

  • Make Pre-K truly universal statewide by making funding available to provide high-quality pre-k seats for all four-year-olds in the State by the start of the 2028-29 school year.
  • Partner with New York City to launch the Mayor’s signature 2-Care program and finally realize the promise of universal 3K access in New York City.
  • Support counties in building out New York’s First 3 Program providing high-quality affordable childcare to families across the state regardless of income.
  • Expand childcare subsidies to tens of thousands of additional families.
  • Support the workforce through early childhood educator preparation.
  • Launch an Office of Childcare and Early Education to steer the implementation of high-quality, universal childcare for New York families and will work to enhance awareness of the Child Tax Credit to ensure as many New Yorkers as possible benefit from the Governor’s historic expansion of the program that increased the credit from $330 per child to $1,000 annually for children under four.

Tackling Utility Costs

New Yorkers deserve reliable energy at a price they can afford, which is why Governor Hochul is proposing a sweeping set of reforms to modernize the Public Service Law, demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities and empowering the State to fight more effectively for lower bills.

In her FY27 Budget, the Governor is putting ratepayers first by:

  • Issuing one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) checks to help provide needed relief. The POWER program will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Tying executive pay directly to customer affordability,
  • Requiring utilities to present a budget constrained option when requesting a rate increase to ensure efficiency and affordability are prioritized,
  • Ensuring customers do not foot the bill for hidden costs like lobbying, political contributions and unnecessary executive travel.
  • Allowing for the installation of an “Affordability Monitor” within any utility company when the average residential bills creep too high.
  • Modernizing the way utility rate cases are reviewed to help keep prices manageable.
  • Incentivizing the use of smart thermostats to help reduce energy usage and lower bills.
  • Establishing the RATES commission, bringing together consumer advocates and energy experts to investigate the root causes of surging utility bills, evaluate utility profits, review energy market designs and recommend actionable, transparent reforms.

Pied-à-Terre Tax on Luxury Second Homes in New York City

Governor Hochul’s Budget includes a pied-à-terre tax, a surcharge that will apply to high-value – $5 million or more – second homes within New York City. The tax ensures that those who own luxury properties as their second homes are still fairly contributing towards the funding of essential services like policing or parks that make New York City a global destination.

Given the complexity of New York City’s property tax system, the pied-à-terre surcharge makes accommodations in the short term transition phase for the ways in which different property types are currently valued in New York City, while ensuring the surcharge is applied fairly and immediately to luxury properties. The proposal is expected to generate at least $500 million a year in recurring revenue for New York City without impacting everyday New Yorkers.

Protecting New Yorkers From ICE Overreach

Governor Hochul has enacted a sweeping set of laws to protect New Yorkers against aggressive federal immigration enforcement as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget.

These new laws will expand protections by:

  • Prohibiting state, local and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public.
  • Prohibiting local governments, state and local police and state and local corrections from entering into 287(g) Agreements or similar agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local law enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes.
  • Establishing a state law under which New Yorkers can bring a lawsuit against federal, state and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights.
  • Prohibiting the use of state and local civilian agencies and public school resources, including employee time, for immigration enforcement activities.
  • Prohibiting civilian state, local and school employees (including higher education and K-12) from permitting access to any non-public area of a state-owned or operated facility to immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, meaning any state or municipally owned, or operated facility including housing accommodations, parks, childcare facilities, preschools, hospitals, schools, dorms, healthcare facilities, community centers, libraries and shelters, cannot grant or facilitate access to any non-public areas of their facilities to immigration authorities without a warrant.
  • Ensuring immigrant students can access education, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status.

Record Investments in Public Safety

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has invested more than $3 billion in public safety initiatives. The funding has provided record support for local and state law enforcement that has contributed to gun violence reaching record lows, reduced subway crime and combated pandemic-era surges in motor vehicle and retail thefts.

This Budget adds more than $900 million to those record investments and strengthens public safety by:

  • Prioritizing New Yorkers’ safety throughout the transit system. The Governor secured an additional $77 million to support the deployment of NYPD officers across the subway system and $25 million for expanding the Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams initiative to respond more quickly to individuals in acute distress.
  • Establishing a pilot program for New York City requiring the installation of Intelligent Speed Assistance devices in the vehicles of so-called “super speeders,” drivers with a documented pattern of flouting speeding laws and putting New Yorkers at risk.
  • Advancing a comprehensive approach to both prohibit risky drone use and expand responsible use of drones as first responders by creating a crime for dangerous drone use and flying in and around restricted areas, and authorizing the use of detection and mitigation efforts by qualified law enforcement officers.
  • Protecting safe access to worship — creating a new crime for knowingly and intentionally interfering with a person seeking to enter or exit a place of religious worship or acting in a way that makes a person within 50 feet of a place of worship fear for their safety.

Stopping Illegal Homegrown Guns

Governor Hochul has passed the strongest gun laws in the nation and made record investments in gun violence prevention, resulting in New York having the fewest shooting incidents statewide in 2025 in recorded history.

Governor Hochul’s FY27 Enacted Budget will:

  • Require first-in-the-nation minimum safety standards for 3D printers sold in New York to be equipped with basic technology that prevents the unlicensed, illegal production of lethal firearms and firearm parts.
  • Require the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to lead a task force of experts to recommend regulations that will ensure New Yorkers are protected from these dangerous weapons. Following the implementation of the resulting regulations, state law will allow for recourse against any actor who sells a 3D printer in New York without equipping it with such technology.
  • Criminalize the unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of blueprints that allow the printing of illegal guns and gun parts, and the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms.
  • Prohibit gun manufacturers and firearms dealers from selling pistols that can be quickly and easily converted into machine guns using common tools.

Lowering Car Insurance Rates for New Yorkers

Fraud is a major driver of elevated auto insurance premiums. Increasingly sophisticated actors stage elaborate accidents, designed to allow for “jackpot” payouts from insurance companies or jury awards. These schemes imperil the safety of honest drivers, cause property damage, and increase rates for drivers across the state. Increasingly, scams go beyond just one bad actor at the wheel and are orchestrated by organized criminal rings.

The Governor’s plan will:

  • Cap payouts for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of the incident, including uninsured motorists, drunk drivers, and drivers in the act of committing a felony.
  • Better define what actually constitutes a ‘serious injury’ so that damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress are reserved for those able to objectively demonstrate that they have suffered a serious injury.
  • Ensure that if a driver is found to be mostly at fault for causing an accident, they cannot claim outsized payments for damages.
  • Prevent insurance companies from exorbitantly raising rates by setting a legal threshold that prevents excess profits and returns savings to consumers.
  • Create new regulatory safeguards to prevent insurance companies from raising rates without seeking express approval from the Department of Financial Services.
  • Protect consumers by prohibiting insurance companies from setting rates based on extraneous, personal factors like homeownership status, occupation, education level or zip code.
  • Enable prosecutors to seek criminal penalties against any individual responsible for organizing a staged accident, not just the particular individual behind the wheel.
  • These measures come in addition to the Governor’s whole-of-government approach to combatting fraud by tasking DFS, DMV, DCJS and NYSP with a more proactive and coordinated approach to enforcement.
  • The Governor’s plan also includes transparency for auto insurance policyholders by requiring insurers to notify policyholders about rate changes.

Protecting Vulnerable Renters and Homeowners

High prices and unscrupulous landlords are driving too many tenants out of their homes and making it harder for vulnerable homeowners to make ends meet. Governor Hochul has secured agreements to help address these issues in the FY27 Budget including:

  • Protecting renters by clarifying anti-harassment laws.
  • Enacting stiffer criminal penalties for landlords who engage in systemic harassment of rent-regulated tenants across multiple buildings or who are repeat serious offenders of existing anti-harassment laws.

To ensure that housing remains affordable for both seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities who are living in rent-regulated housing and Mitchell-Lama affordable housing, Governor Hochul’s final FY27 Budget:

  • Increases income eligibility limits for New York’s Rent Freeze Program for both the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption and Disability Rent Increase Exemption from $50,000 to $75,000.
  • Authorizes raising the eligibility for the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption and Disabled Homeowner’s Exemption from $50,000 to $75,000.
  • Adds notice requirements to make more elderly and disabled rent-regulated tenants aware of the SCRIE/DRIE rent freeze programs.

Consistent with current practice, New York City and other communities may opt into both the SCRIE/DRIE and SCHE/DHE programs.

Improving Transparency in the Residential Property Insurance Market

Homeowners and housing providers across the state are contending with escalating home insurance premiums and shrinking options for coverage, which threaten the affordability of New York’s single and multi-family homes. While single family home insurance rates in New York are on average lower than many other states — thanks to New York’s tightly regulated market — year over year increases in insurance rates still threaten to sap money from families’ pocketbooks and make multi-family housing less and less affordable for homeowners and renters. For years, New Yorkers have not been properly informed about the reasons for rising premiums. This year, the Governor’s reforms will increase transparency for consumers and give the Department of Financial Services (DFS) a better understanding of the multi-family market with new data from insurers.

 Governor Hochul is tackling this problem head-on by:

  • Requiring insurers to provide detailed information to DFS on how they price policies for multifamily residential buildings.
  • Increasing transparency for home insurance as well as auto insurance by requiring insurers to notify policyholders about rate changes.

Protecting New York Farmers from the Disruption of Federal Tariffs

Agriculture is a cornerstone of New York’s economy, yet the federal government’s tariff policy has threatened the competitiveness of our farmers. Federal actions have driven up the cost of essential resources — like seeds, fertilizer, and necessary machinery — while creating market instability. Although the USDA recently announced a national assistance program, it is fundamentally flawed for New York since it leaves specialty crops and the dairy sector with no meaningful support. 

To relieve farmers from the adverse impacts caused by federal tariffs, Governor Hochul will:

  • Create the Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program, which will provide $30 million in direct payments to New York specialty crop growers, livestock producers, aquaculture, and dairy farmers.
  • This initiative will quickly distribute much needed support to offset rising costs caused by tariffs.
  • This program reinforces New York’s commitment to our agricultural community, while safeguarding local jobs and ensuring our farmers have the certainty needed to compete in a volatile global marketplace.

Helping New Yorkers Put Food on the Table

The recent shutdown of the federal government reminded the nation of how precarious our nutrition safety net is and how many New Yorkers contend with food insecurity. In response to the shutdown, Governor Hochul rushed an additional $65 million toward food assistance programs that delivered meals to tens of thousands of New Yorkers in their hour of need. To build on these actions and further reinforce our emergency food system:

  • Governor Hochul is announcing a $51 million investment in the Department of Health (DOH)’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) program, which will help New York’s network of about 2,700 food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens reach more New Yorkers in need. An additional $15 million will strengthen and expand operations, allowing them to reach more people with healthier options.
  • The Enacted Budget also includes $55 million for the Nourish New York Program, which reroutes surplus agricultural products to those who need them most through the state’s food banks.

Theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is an epidemic across the United States, with hundreds of millions of dollars illegally stolen from families’ EBT cards nationwide using illegal “skimming” devices. Governor Hochul’s FY27 Budget will protect New Yorkers from this predatory behavior by:

  • Upgrading New York’s EBT cards to secure chip-based technology that makes cards virtually impervious to skimming. While the federal administration tries to strip SNAP benefits from as many New Yorkers as possible and turns a blind eye to criminals taking food from vulnerable families, transitioning to chip-based EBT cards will help safeguard the SNAP dollars that New Yorkers depend on.

The Governor’s plan will also:

  • Establish New York PLATES, a statewide competitive $10 million grant program for eligible food pantries that will fund capital projects, to increase the capacity of these critical organizations and enable food pantries to safely store, transport and distribute food to more families.
  • Support localities in expanding free summer meal sites.

No Taxes on Tips for Hardworking New Yorkers

Tipped workers — New York’s bartenders, servers, and deliveristas — are the backbone of the state’s service economy. In jobs that demand long hours and daily dedication, every dollar is hard-won. Governor Hochul is committed to making sure tipped workers can hold on to more of what they earn. The Governor passed legislation that eliminates state income taxes on up to $25,000 of tipped income in tax year 2026, consistent with federal tax guidance.

Governor Hochul’s FY27 Budget builds on her efforts to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets. To date, her administration has:

  • Cut middle-class taxes to their lowest rates in 70 years, ensuring families keep more of the paychecks they earn.
  • Raised New York’s minimum wage and tied future increases to inflation so a day’s work covers a day’s needs.
  • Implemented an historic expansion of New York’s Child Tax Credit, also known as the Empire State Child Credit, to provide families up to $1,000 per child under the age of four beginning in 2026, and up to $500 for school-aged children beginning in 2027, substantially increasing the previous maximum of $330.
  • Made school meals free for every student, saving families $1,600 per child every year and making sure no child goes hungry at school.
  • Sent Inflation Refund checks to 8.2 million New Yorkers — up to $200 for individuals and up to $400 for families.
  • Increased the maximum weekly unemployment benefit by $300 a week so people can focus on finding work, not keeping the lights on.
  • Established a nation-leading birth allowance — the New York State BABY Benefit (Birth Allowance for Beginning Year Benefit) — providing $1,800 to new parents receiving Public Assistance when they have a new baby.
Affordability, Governor Kathy Hochul, Infrastructure, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, travel and transportation, Workers Issues

Governor Hochul Announces End to LIRR Strike

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a resolution to the Long Island Railroad strike that ensures 3,500 workers are paid fairly, without compromising affordability for Long Islanders by causing fares or taxes to rise. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Hochul: “I also would not accept a deal that would compromise affordability for Long Islanders. At a time when everything is going up, we all know the story, I was not going to allow taxes or fares to go up. And that’s why we stood firm for a deal that would not require any additional fare increases or tax increases, period. Full stop. Got it done.”

Hochul: “Now, this contract will ensure that 3,500 Long Island Rail Road employees will be paid fairly for their labor. I want them to know this, I deeply value and respect the hard work they do. They’re out there every single day making sure the job gets done. Their work is critical for the entire region, and they deserve a fair wage.”

Late Monday night, after the first full work day with the Long Island Railroad, the busiest commuter railroad in the country, on strike, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a resolution ending the strike: Here are her comments:  

 Good evening, everyone. I’m truly pleased to share that the five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were able to come together and reach a fair deal this evening.

 Now, negotiations are rarely easy, but I have a lot of respect for the collective bargaining process that unfolded over the last few days. And I always believed that we could reach a good, fair compromise, a contract that achieved two principles: Number one, protecting affordability for Long Islanders and commuters while giving fair wages to the employees. And by working and negotiating together, we have reached that kind of deal.

Now, this contract will ensure that 3,500 Long Island Rail Road employees will be paid fairly for their labor. I want them to know this, I deeply value and respect the hard work they do. They’re out there every single day making sure the job gets done. Their work is critical for the entire region, and they deserve a fair wage.

I also would not accept a deal that would compromise affordability for Long Islanders. At a time when everything is going up, we all know the story, I was not going to allow taxes or fares to go up. And that’s why we stood firm for a deal that would not require any additional fare increases or tax increases, period. Full stop. Got it done.

Now, the Long Island Rail Road service will resume tomorrow at noon, with the full service time, expected in time for the evening rush hour, and yes, in time for the Knicks game. Knicks fans will be able to take the trains to MSG tomorrow in time for game one of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Finally, I want to thank so many people. I want to thank New Yorkers, Long Islanders particularly, who made all the accommodations, who had to work from home, who sacrificed, who had to put up with inconveniences. We are so grateful for their patience and understanding. And for those who helped us weather the storm over the last few days, to their employers who made the accommodations, helped get this done, the elected officials who helped get the word out.

I also want to say, the MTA negotiating team, led by Janno Lieber, did an exceptional job. I want to thank every single one of them. And also the preparations that I came down to see over many days, going to the command centers and talking to the people that were deciding how many shuttle buses, how many trains, how many workers need to be out there greeting people. The job was done like a military operation, and I was very impressed with that, Janno, so I want to thank you and your entire team for anticipating the worst and preparing all of our commuters for a better experience than they would have had otherwise.

I also want to thank our labor leaders, who fought hard for a fair deal, and I respect them for that. They’re looking out for their members. Also, Mario Cilento, the state leader of the AFL-CIO, played an integral role in this process as well. I want to thank, finally, the extra people who showed up every single day to make sure this ran smoothly. We got the deal done. It is a very good night for everyone, and I’m really proud of the work that was accomplished by an extraordinary team and our partners in labor. Thank you.

Affordability, Governor Kathy Hochul, Labor and Worker Issues, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, travel and transportation, Workers Issues

Long Island Rail Road Strike!

Great Neck, Long Island. The Long Island Railroad Strike has stranded some 300,000 riders a day, cost millions of dollars of economic activity daily. The Teamsters’ demands would cause fares to increase 8%, and trigger wage and cost increases across the state’s workforce at a time when commuters can scarcely afford it © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

For the first time in 30 years, the Long Island Rail Road, the biggest commuter rail system in the nation, is on strike, causing havoc across the region, as some 300,000 daily riders have to find alternate ways to get to work.

At a time when the air quality is already bad, the increased traffic and emissions will make it worse.

People who normally have to drive for work, to get to doctor, or some emergency are stuck in traffic, at a time when gas prices are reaching new heights, compounding family financial woes.

You look at the vacant cafes and shops around the train station that are normally bustling with people.

The timing is interesting, aimed at hurting Governor Kathy Hochul who is being challenged by Republican Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive.

The Long Island Rail Road strike is exacerbating traffic congestion on the Long Island Expressway, even with the HOV lane jammed © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The NICE buses which are under Blakeman’s control, take only 13,000 people from Long Island train stations, depositing them at subway stations in Queens.

A commute that normally takes 40 minutes can take 2 hours.

The timing of the strike – the first in 30 years – is interesting, especially since the MTA put very favorable terms on the table, and the LIRR workers are already the highest paid in the nation.

I would bet Trump is behind the Long Island Railroad strike in order to boost Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is the Republican challenging Governor Kathy Hochul and thinks the strike makes Governor Hochul look bad and the pain it will cause the 300,000 daily LIRR riders will result in lots of angry votes against her, because of course you blame the Democrat – except it actually makes Blakeman look impotent.

The Long Island Rail Road strike is exacerbating traffic congestion on the Long Island Expressway, even with the HOV lane jammed © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

It also makes it clear that like his idol, Donald Trump, Blakeman is willing to inflict misery and suffering on his constituents in order to benefit himself. The Teamsters, who have supported trump for the unfathomable notion that trump is for workers and for unions (when he has sold workers and unions under the bus at every turn) and that waving the trump flag makes them more patriotic and better Americans than others (radical liberal lunatics who want to be able to afford food, clothing and shelter) are doing this to bolster Blakeman.

The Long Island Rail Road strike is exacerbating traffic congestion on the Long Island Expressway, even with the HOV lane jammed © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Here’s how you know that Blakeman is enjoying seeing Hochul and Long Islanders squirm: he could offer to help organize NICE buses to relieve some of the stress, but instead, uses the opportunity to try to get Hochul to cancel congestion pricing tolls (which he sued to overturn), to be told by Hochul that it is not possible under the federal contract. Instead, the pro-Blakeman NICE unions are urging bus drivers to support the LIRR strikers and not change their schedules to help. (Where were the unions defending the federal workers as they were fired by DOGE?)

The Long Island Rail Road strike is exacerbating traffic congestion when drivers are already slammed by high gas prices © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

But Governor Hochul, while showing respect for unions and workers, has noted that Long Island Railroad workers are already the highest paid in the country, and if the MTA accedes to their fairly outrageous demands, it not only will force a further increase in fares for already hard-pressed Long Islanders, but will trigger similar, unsustainable increases throughout the workforce.

Lining up for the NICE bus from Great Neck train station to Flushing subway: NICE buses can only take 13,000 passengers, versus the 300,000 who ride the Long Island Railroad © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“The LIRR is more stable now than it has been for generations,” Governor Kathy Hochul stated. “The decision by some unions to strike over demands that would threaten that progress is reckless. These unions represent the highest paid workers of any railroad in the nation, yet they are demanding contracts that could raise fares as much as 8%, pit workers against one another, and risk tax hikes for Long Islanders. This is unacceptable. My priority is protecting affordability for riders and ensuring fairness across the workforce.

“The disruption that Long Islanders face starting tonight is the direct result of reckless actions by the Trump Administration to cut mediation short and push these negotiations toward a strike. For weeks, the MTA has attempted to negotiate in good faith and put multiple fair offers on the table that included meaningful wage increases, but you cannot make a deal if one side refuses to engage in good faith.

“Commuters are dealing with unnecessary dysfunction and thousands of union LIRR workers are being forced to go without a paycheck because of decisions made by a small group of union leaders. I stand with LIRR riders and will fight to preserve the long term stability of the MTA. I believe a deal can be done and I urge both the MTA and these unions to return to the table and bargain non-stop until a deal is reached.”

See: Governor Hochul Manages, Mitigates Impacts of LIRR Strike, Calls for Settlement

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Affordability, Governor Kathy Hochul, Infrastructure, Labor and Worker Issues, Labor and Workers, New York State politics, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, travel and transportation

Governor Hochul Manages, Mitigates Impacts of LIRR Strike, Calls for Settlement

The Long Island Railroad Strike has stranded some 300,000 riders a day, cost millions of dollars of economic activity daily. The Teamsters’ demands would cause fares to increase 8%, and trigger wage and cost increases across the state’s workforce at a time when commuters can scarcely afford it © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Long Island Railroad Strike has stranded some 300,000 riders a day, cost millions of dollars of economic activity daily, exacerbated traffic and pollution when air quality is already bad. The Teamsters’ demands would cause fares to increase 8%, and trigger wage and cost increases across the state’s workforce at a time when commuters can scarcely afford it.

Governor Hochul, while showing respect for unions and workers, has noted that Long Island Railroad workers are already the highest paid in the country, and if the MTA accedes to their fairly outrageous demands, it not only will force a further increase in fares for already hard-pressed Long Islanders, but will trigger similar, unsustainable increases throughout the workforce.

Here are Governor Kathy Hochul’s remarks about the Long Island Railroad strike – Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

“The Long Island Rail Road is essential. Every day it carries nearly 300,000 commuters and without this service, life on Long Island as we know it is not possible.

“As Governor, I have been proud to make historic investments in the LIRR. Working with the MTA, we increased service by 40%, improved safety for riders and workers, secured the railroad’s fiscal future after the pandemic, and delivered transformative projects like the Main Line Third Track and Grand Central Madison.

“The LIRR is more stable now than it has been for generations. The decision by some unions to strike over demands that would threaten that progress is reckless. These unions represent the highest paid workers of any railroad in the nation, yet they are demanding contracts that could raise fares as much as 8%, pit workers against one another, and risk tax hikes for Long Islanders. This is unacceptable. My priority is protecting affordability for riders and ensuring fairness across the workforce.

“The disruption that Long Islanders face starting tonight is the direct result of reckless actions by the Trump Administration to cut mediation short and push these negotiations toward a strike. For weeks, the MTA has attempted to negotiate in good faith and put multiple fair offers on the table that included meaningful wage increases, but you cannot make a deal if one side refuses to engage in good faith.

“Commuters are dealing with unnecessary dysfunction and thousands of union LIRR workers are being forced to go without a paycheck because of decisions made by a small group of union leaders. I stand with LIRR riders and will fight to preserve the long term stability of the MTA. I believe a deal can be done and I urge both the MTA and these unions to return to the table and bargain non-stop until a deal is reached.”

After the strike was underway, Governor Hochul gave a briefing and discussed what was being done to mitigate the disruption in transportation:

I want to give Long Island Rail Road riders the latest updates on the strike. Let me be clear, I did not want a strike. The MTA did not want a strike. The MTA has put fair offers on the table, in fact, many of them. And so despite that, for the first time in 30 years, the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the LIRR are without service because of a strike. We all know that the railroad is the lifeblood of Long Island. Without it, life as we know it is simply not possible. The bottom line is: No one wins in a strike. Everyone is hurt — the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the railroad, and the thousands of unionized workers who are losing out on wages. 

I want to speak directly to the men and women of labor at the LIRR: The work you do is absolutely vital. Absolutely. I value your labor, and I believe that you deserve fair wages and benefits. But this strike has put all that at risk. Just three days of a strike would erase every dollar of additional salary that workers would receive under a new contract. We don’t need to be here. Workers deserve better, but also New Yorkers deserve better. That’s why today I’m urging all parties once again to bargain at the table, and to get a deal done. 

I also want to give an update to the Long Island Rail Road riders who are wondering about work tomorrow. Now, I’ve been in close communication, I’ve been touring the sites. I’m here at the Operations Control Center to talk to the individuals overseeing the lines that we anticipate the highest volume on tomorrow — you’ll hear more about that from our MTA leadership team — and we have a plan to ensure that essential workers can get into the city during the workday commute.

Now, starting at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow, the MTA will deploy shuttle buses to bring essential workers from across Long Island to subway stations in Queens, and those shuttle buses will be standing by to bring those essential workers back home to Long Island at the end of the day, to Long Island and Queens.

For those in Nassau County who absolutely cannot work from home, there continues to be the option of taking a Nassau Inter-County Express bus directly to the subway connections in Queens. They’ll run extra bus service weekdays during the strike, and we’ve encouraged the county to add additional capacity. 

Another option is Citi Field. With the Mets hitting the road tomorrow, you can park there and transfer to the 7 train.

So right here, as I said, in the nerve center of the subway, every day four million New Yorkers rely on this system to get around. This subway system is absolutely vital, even more so tomorrow. And the MTA, as I’ve listened and asked questions, they’re ready to meet the challenge. Extra trains are on standby, and the MTA stands ready to run additional New York City subway service to meet the demand. And for the residents of Eastern Queens, who typically rely on the speed and convenience of the LIRR, the E and A trains are there for you as a great option to get to and from the city at this time.

But let’s face the facts. It’s impossible to fully replace LIRR service. So effective Monday, I’m asking that regular commuters who can work from home should. Please do so. And employers should make every accommodation necessary to allow for remote work. Now, I’ve already directed all state agencies affected to implement telecommuting plans for the state employees who typically commute in from Long Island. But also, we have to maintain essential government services. Now, everyone knows these alternatives are not business as usual. But unfortunately, they’re the direct result of this strike. 

Let me be clear: This strike would not have been possible if the Trump Administration had not taken the highly unusual step last fall of releasing labor unions from mediation. Unfortunately for our commuters, the direct consequence of this action is the strike we have today.

Now, New York, everyone knows, is a pro-labor state. We believe in working men and women receiving a fair wage and benefits. But the MTA cannot agree to a contract that would raise fares as much as eight percent and risk hiking taxes for Long Islanders. I have worked too long and hard to reduce costs for our residents, and I will not allow that to be undone. As Governor, my priority is to fight for affordability for all New Yorkers, and this strike puts that affordability at risk. 

Long Islanders deserve a break, as do all the residents who commute on our lines from Queens and elsewhere. They face tariff prices, price hikes on everything from food to school supplies, and skyrocketing gas prices after Trump’s war in Iran. I will not let this dispute lead to higher prices and less money in the pockets of our residents.

So we’re looking at ways to defray the costs caused by this strike, costs that fly in the face of affordability, and I’ll have more to say about that in the coming days if necessary.

Now, remember this — not long ago when I became Governor, the MTA was barreling off a fiscal cliff. Rider post-pandemic was down, and there were calls to reduce service and slash costs. I took a different approach. I said, “Let’s invest more. Let’s create more reliability. Let’s have a higher level of service.” And those results have borne out. We’ve invested billions of dollars, and I need those investments to hold and not be diminished. And as a result, ridership has surged back, nearly all the way back to the pre-pandemic levels, which is an extraordinary result, and I want to thank all the workers across the lines and at the MTA who’ve been responsible for that success. 

Like I said, I put the MTA on stable financial grounds. I worked hard to do that, and I don’t want that undone. I will not let that be undone. But I believe, I know a deal can be reached to end this strike and end it soon. But to reach the deal, as I’ve said before, the MTA needs a partner. The MTA has made multiple generous offers with real wage increases.

I urge both sides to come together as soon as possible and resolve this to avoid a prolonged strike that’ll disrupt the lives of hardworking New Yorkers and affect the pocketbooks of the union members that their leaders are representing. So getting everyone back to the table is the surest way to resolve this strike, also achieving all of our goals, and getting the trains running once again.

See: Long Island Rail Road Strike!