Albany, NY (WRGB) -- Governor Hochul is rallying support across Upstate New York for her proposed state budget, emphasizing affordability and support for working families.
The governor made stops in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, where she was joined by local leaders and elected officials to promote her fiscal year 2027 Executive Budget plan.
Hochul says the proposal focuses on lowering everyday costs while investing in housing, child care and infrastructure.
Governor Hochul said, "My state budget proposals will make New York stronger and more affordable for millions of working families, and now it's time to get this done. I'll never stop fighting for your family - and that means building more housing, lowering auto insurance rates, expanding access to child care, and taking action to address rising utility costs for working families across the state."
The governor's plan includes several initiatives aimed at reducing costs for New Yorkers, including lowering auto insurance rates, expanding access to child care and addressing rising utility bills.
Officials say New Yorkers currently pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country, driven in part by fraud and legal loopholes. Hochul's proposal aims to crack down on those issues and prioritize consumers.
The plan also includes efforts to control energy costs through changes to the state's climate law while maintaining a commitment to clean energy.
Hochul highlighted continued investments in child care, building on more than $8 billion already committed since she took office.
The proposed budget includes $4.5 billion for child care and early education, including funding to expand subsidies and move toward universal pre-K.
The plan also supports pilot programs in several counties to increase access to affordable child care, particularly for children under age three.
Another key piece of the proposal is the governor's "Let Them Build" agenda, which aims to streamline the approval process for housing and infrastructure projects.
The plan would update the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to exempt certain projects that meet environmental standards from lengthy reviews, allowing construction to move forward more quickly.
Officials say those changes could help reduce costs and address the state's housing shortage.
Several local officials voiced support for the governor's plan, saying it would help communities grow while easing financial pressures on residents.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said the budget proposal "underscores her commitment to Upstate," while Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said it delivers "affordability for our residents" and supports economic growth.
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens also praised the proposal, saying it balances climate goals with cost concerns for families and businesses.