From Fortune Magazine:

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her agenda for 2024 in her State of the State address, focusing on housing, crime, and education policies. Her speech at the state Capitol in Albany previewed her action plan to increase housing supply and address retail theft ahead of a pivotal election season.

Hochul has called for an overhaul of literacy education and paid medical leave during pregnancy, and plans to create more affordable housing in New York. With looming political dynamics, she aims to compromise with progressive statehouse Democrats while avoiding attacks from conservatives during election season.

Hochul’s priority in 2024 is to reach a deal with progressives to create more housing in the state, which has historically been challenging. Last year, her housing plan failed in the city’s suburbs, and this year she is proposing a $500 million fund and other measures to support housing construction efforts.

Hochul’s plans also include a tax break for developers and state funding programs that require local governments to prioritize housing growth. She is also moving to respond to Republican criticisms about crime that hurt Democrats during the 2022 election with law enforcement task forces and state police teams.

The legislative session will include a congressional redistricting process that could impact control of the U.S. House. A bipartisan redistricting commission will submit a proposed map and Democrats are expected make an effort to give their party an advantage in crucial districts ahead of the fall elections.

A bellwether for the upcoming election season will be the special election to replace George Santos, the New York Republican who was expelled from the House. The election will be held on February 13th.



Read more: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $500 million housing plan for 2024 avoids the suburbs