Gov. Kathy Hochul defended her policy priorities—from a proposed cellphone ban in schools to congestion pricing—during an exclusive interview on “Mornings On 1” this week.

One of Hochul’s key proposals, banning smartphones in schools, gained a new ally in Tech:NYC, a nonprofit representing social media, AI and tech companies. Its CEO, Julie Samuels, joined the governor in calling for lawmakers to back the measure.

“I went on a journey about a year ago to go around the state convening roundtables with students and parents and administrators, principals, and just asking, what is going on here?” Hochul said. “Because we're seeing very high rates of depression, suicidal thoughts among our teenagers, and part of it is still the aftermath of the pandemic, I believe. But also, the rise of social media algorithms that are addictive, and kids are just not being kids again.”

Hochul said the issue became personal after hearing directly from students.

“One child said to me, ‘You’ve got to save us from ourselves. We can’t put them down ourselves.’ I’m a mom, I’m the New York governor, and when you say that to me—‘Save us from ourselves’—I’m like, ‘I’m here, sweetheart. I’m going to help you.’”

Samuels echoed the governor’s concerns, saying that while technology can be a useful tool, it can also be a distraction in schools.

“We want people to have a healthy relationship with technology,” Samuels said. “But for all of the reasons the governor just put out, they shouldn’t be in school while kids are in class. They shouldn’t be in school when kids should be talking to teachers and to their classmates.”

Hochul said she is “working hard” to secure legislative support for the measure.

The governor also weighed in on President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, warning they could drive up costs for New Yorkers.

“To think that New Yorkers, at a time when I’m working so hard to reduce costs and put money back in people’s pockets… at the same time, if the costs go up $3,500 a year because of the cost of everything going up because of the tariffs, now we’re hurting New Yorkers,” Hochul said.

As for congestion pricing, Hochul said she’s encouraged by early reports showing less traffic congestion in Manhattan.

“I believe they’re trending better than even people could have expected,” she said. “I speak to people all the time. I was just in a diner before I came here. I live in the city three, four, five days a week. I have an apartment. I walk the streets of New York all the time. I can see myself if there has been a change.”

The governor acknowledged Trump has voiced concerns about congestion pricing, but said it’s unclear if he will try to block it.

“Time will tell,” Hochul said. “He has a lot of people trying to influence him to eliminate it. He does have enormous power. Of course, he’s the president. There’s different ways to do this, but I have to be able to convince him, and I’ll do my best.”

However, Hochul expressed confidence that congestion pricing will move forward.

“I do not believe they do,” Hochul said when asked if the federal government has legal authority to intervene. “I believe that this is set. It’s been established—all the requirements of the federal government. We have the approvals signed, sealed and delivered.”

Though, she added, “But on the other hand, who knows.”