ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Some local moms got some face-to-face time Friday with Gov. Kathy Hochul over lunch, talking about their concerns and some of their biggest stressors.
Hochul is highlighting her 2025 State of the State Affordability Agenda, which is full of proposals she says are designed to make life easier for folks trying to keep up with high prices and inflation.
She met with a few mothers at Fox’s Deli in Brighton, just outside of Rochester.
The moms shared their concerns with the governor about their biggest worries. Hochul says that she wanted to reassure them and explain that she has plans to help.
“The costs keep going up and up and up," she said. "So, I just wanted to assure them that I've heard their cries for help. I knew this, and that's why my budget, just unveiled a few weeks ago, really talks about what I want to do, which is — your family is my fight. And so, what does that mean? Putting more money back in your pockets countless ways.”
Here are some of the proposed solutions in Hochul's affordability agenda:
- Providing $1,000 to some families for each child under the age of 4
- Middle-class tax cut
- Inflation rebate of $500 per person
- Covering the cost of breakfasts and lunches for school-aged children
- Looking at ways to make rent more affordable
These are all things the moms say are important and welcome, including single mom Keana DuBoise.
“I think that it's hard to find like really good housing for a great price," she said. "I mean, I don't expect to get a mansion for $2, but I also want it to be safe and I want it to be well taken care of as far as the maintenance of it. And affordable, because it is hard when you're doing everything by yourself as a single parent, whether that be mom or dad. And you're trying to make ends meet with grocery prices, as well as trying to make rent on time and also trying to afford child care.”
The mothers expressed their appreciation to the governor for taking the time to listen to their concerns.
Hochul saying her proposals would add up to about an additional $5,000 for families. Her State of the State Affordability Agenda needs legislative approval.