New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing giving New Yorkers a one-time payment to help deal with inflation.
The direct payment to residents is the first proposal in her 2025 State of the State address, which she will deliver on Jan. 14.
Under Hochul's plan, New Yorkers would begin receiving the checks in the fall. The state will pay for the initiative using excess sales-tax revenue Hochul said.
Families making as much as $300,000 will get $500 while individuals earning $150,000 or less will receive $300, Hochul said.
"Because of inflation, New York has generated unprecedented revenues through the sales tax — now, we're returning that cash back to middle class families," Hochul said in a statement. "My agenda for the coming year will be laser-focused on putting money back in your pockets."
Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., a critic of the governor, is weighing a primary challenge against her in 2026. He spoke out against the proposal.
"A one-time check will not compensate for the double-digit increases in inflation that New Yorkers have suffered during the Governorship of Kathy Hochul," Torres said on social media. "For three years, the Governor has ignored the millions of New York families crippled by the crushing cost of groceries and gasoline. New York has a Governor who gives with one hand while taking with the other."
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
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