Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a series of proposals aimed at protecting New Yorkers from what she described as harmful federal government actions. In her 2026 State of the State address, Hochul outlined measures intended to support working families in response to recent federal policies that she said have negatively affected healthcare, food assistance, and other essential services.
“Today, New York is facing strong headwinds as a result of the reckless actions of Washington Republicans,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether it’s protecting New Yorkers from unprecedented escalations in federal immigration enforcement, ensuring families have access to health care, or supporting small businesses bearing the brunt of Trump’s tariffs, I will continue standing up for New Yorkers no matter what happens at the federal level.”
One proposal would allow individuals in New York to file state-level civil lawsuits against federal officers accused of violating constitutional rights. This legislation seeks to hold federal officials accountable under legal standards similar to those already applied to state and local officers.
Another measure addresses concerns about aggressive immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. Hochul intends to introduce legislation requiring judicial warrants for civil immigration enforcement actions in these areas. The goal is to maintain stability and trust within communities by preventing disruptions in essential spaces like child care centers and places of worship.
The governor also emphasized the importance of accurate census counts for securing federal funding and representation. Following a narrow loss of a congressional seat after the 2020 Census, Hochul plans early preparation for the next census by establishing a state commission dedicated to strategic planning and outreach. The initiative aims to ensure all residents—including groups that are often undercounted—are represented.
To counteract the impact of federal tariffs on agriculture, Hochul announced a $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program. This initiative will provide direct payments to specialty crop growers, livestock producers, and dairy farmers who have faced increased costs due to trade disputes with international partners.
Student loan policy changes at the federal level are also prompting action from the state. The Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP), which has helped save New Yorkers $48 million since 2019, will expand its services through partnerships with colleges and universities. The Department of Financial Services will launch new educational efforts about predatory lending practices.
In response to food insecurity exacerbated by recent government shutdowns, additional investments will be made in hunger prevention programs managed by the Department of Health. These resources aim to strengthen operations across approximately 2,700 food banks and related organizations statewide. Additionally, electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used for food assistance will be upgraded with chip-based technology designed to prevent theft through card skimming.
Hochul addressed concerns over healthcare coverage following substantial reductions in federal funding for New York’s Essential Plan program. She directed the Department of Health (DOH) to seek approval from federal agencies allowing a transition back to a Basic Health Program model that would maintain coverage for 1.3 million residents reliant on premium-free insurance options.
To lower prescription drug costs amid rising prices nationwide, DOH will begin direct negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers targeting high-cost medications used by Medicaid recipients.
Finally, Hochul proposed legislation empowering state health authorities—rather than relying solely on federal guidelines—to set immunization requirements based on scientific consensus and public health needs. This change is intended to provide clarity for providers while maintaining vaccine access across New York communities.
