(Just The News)—Gov. Kathy Hochul is pledging to cut taxes by more than $1 billion, provide inflationary refunds to New Yorkers and expand child tax credits as part of an ambitious agenda for the coming year.
Hochul used her state-of-the-state address Tuesday to highlight the proposals, many of which would require legislative approval. That includes a proposal to slash taxes by up to 5% across five of the state’s nine tax brackets, which she said would provide relief to more than 8.3 million taxpayers for joint filers who earn up to $323,200. She said the plan would cut taxes for the middle class by more than $1 billion over the next two years.
Hochul, who is up for reelection next year, also touted previously announced plans to make free school meals universal for students, regardless of their income, and a $3 billion tax rebate plan to counter inflation and prevent private equity firms from buying single-family homes.
“Let me say this — a state of the state address can be full of flowery rhetoric and still fail to address the needs of the people,” Hochul said in remarks at the Hart Theater in Albany. “I believe it needs to be much more than just lofty words. It should be a concrete blueprint that will deliver actual results that the people will feel. Our state has to be livable and the people here have to be able to afford to live in it.”
Hochul also highlighted a new proposal to expand New York’s child tax credit in the speech. She said the plan would give 1.6 million New York families an annual tax credit of up to $1,000 per child up to age three and $500 for kids aged 4 through 16.
The first-term Democrat also revived her quest to build more than 100,000 new homes and expand protections for homeowners and first-time homebuyers. She plans to ask lawmakers to approve $100 million for the effort.
“Housing is the number one driver of our affordability crisis, and the only way to decrease housing costs is to increase supply,” Hochul said. “We need to build and build and build some more.”
Hochul also pledged to beef up NYPD patrols along the New York City subway system, which has been roiled by a series of vicious attacks, including a woman burned to death while sleeping on a train in Coney Island and a man who was randomly pushed onto the subway tracks.
She also proposed a raft of new mental health policies, including a controversial proposal to allow the involuntary commitment of the mentally ill. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is pushing for a similar law.
“Our laws must be stronger, and that’s why I’m willing to stand up and say we need to expand involuntary commitment into a hospital,” Hochul said. “That includes someone who does not have the mental capacity to care for themselves, such as refusing help for the basics — clothing, food, shelter, medical care.”
Details of Hochul’s plans are expected to be revealed as part of her preliminary budget plan, which is set to be released next week. The state’s fiscal year begins April 1.
The affordability proposals come as Hochul gears up for a 2026 reelection bid with low favorability ratings among voters, which has spurred potential challenges from high-profile New York politicians, including Reps. Mike Lawler, a Republican, and Ritchie Torres, a Democrat.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.