Governor Kathy Hochul, joined by business and union leaders, announced the successful payoff of New York State’s nearly $7 billion federal Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt as part of the FY26 Budget, restoring the fund’s solvency, raising unemployment benefits, and reducing costs for employers. The move increases the maximum weekly benefit for unemployed New Yorkers…
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of first-of-their-kind AI-focused bachelor’s degrees and minors at the University at Buffalo (UB) starting fall 2025, funded by a $5 million State investment through SUNY’s new Department of AI and Society. These programs will integrate artificial intelligence with diverse disciplines such as communication, economics, geography, linguistics, philosophy, and…
Governor Kathy Hochul chaired the New York State Financial Control Board’s 50th anniversary meeting, emphasizing New York City’s robust financial stability. She highlighted the city’s balanced budget, absence of operating deficits, and disciplined fiscal management, noting that none of the five statutory triggers for a control period have been met. Hochul praised collaborative efforts with…
Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Freida D. Foster as Chair and Renee Delgado as Vice Chair of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Foster, a Board member since 2009 and former Vice Chair, brings 16 years of experience, having reviewed thousands of appeals and contributed to modernizing WCB systems, including implementing NYS Paid…
Summary: Governor Kathy Hochul announced the second round of the NY SWIMS Initiative, offering $53 million in grants to help municipalities and nonprofits build, renovate, and improve swimming facilities across New York. The program aims to increase access to safe swimming—especially in underserved communities—by funding pools, natural swim areas, safety amenities, and accessibility features. With…
During her August 10, 2025 appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Governor Kathy Hochul passionately defended New York’s approach to governing, prioritizing public safety and affordability for residents. Hochul criticized failed policies from Donald Trump and Republican leaders, pointing to rising costs, loss of jobs, and threats to healthcare as key issues troubling New Yorkers. Addressing…