ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul is outlining her initiatives for 2025 in her State of the State address on Tuesday, including on crime, education, and tackling inflation.

A new initiative offering free tuition for adults aged 25 to 55, setting it apart from other tuition programs that typically target recent high school graduates. This program provides a free associate degree at a SUNY or CUNY school in high-demand fields such as nursing, engineering, teaching, and technology.

The state will cover all costs, including books, housing, and transportation, making the entire educational experience free for students. The governor emphasized the program as an opportunity for those who may not have previously attended college or wish to return.

“Think about this: You want to change jobs, not sure what to do? You can go back to school on us, for essential industries,” the governor stated.

Monroe Community College expressed support for the initiative, saying they commend these efforts and look forward to preparing even more students for success with the free tuition program.

The state already offers free tuition to students who have a combined federal household income of $125,000 or less, through the Excelsior Scholarship. Applications are still open for the spring of 2025.

Other key initiatives include a $3 billion inflation refund for 8.6 million New Yorkers and the establishment of a new collaborative crime analysis center, touted as the first of its kind in the country.

Gov. Hochul recently held a “fireside chat” with high school and college students, discussing her policies on education, early careers, youth mental health, and family life. These topics are expected to feature prominently in her address.

On the family front, Hochul plans to create homeownership incentive programs, invest over $100 million in childcare, and enhance education and youth mental health. She also aims to expand the child tax credit to up to $1,000 and push for universal free school meals.

“When a child grows up hungry, that carries with them the rest of their life. It’s a sense of insecurity of never feeling fully nourished, in spirit or mind. It’s hard for kids to focus. It’s hard for adults to focus,” Hochul said in a previous address.

Compared to last year, the governor is still focused on fighting crime, supporting youth and family services, and addressing housing issues. However, this year there seems to be a shift towards getting money directly to the people, rather than solely through initiatives.

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