On January 23, Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on NewsChannel 9’s “Newsmakers” with Andrew Donovan to discuss the recent groundbreaking for Micron’s new facility in New York, as well as other state policy topics.
During the interview, Governor Hochul reflected on her efforts to bring Micron to New York. She recounted her early involvement: “We first pursued this when I was literally Governor of New York for just a couple of days. We heard about this opportunity and I had memories of the executive team from Micron meeting me in Albany — and I heard all about this, and I said, ‘We have to make this happen.’”
She described flying during a snowstorm in January 2022 to meet with Micron’s CEO. “I said, ‘But he’s going to go back to Idaho. I’ve got to talk to the CEO now and convince him to stay in New York.’ So I was so committed to getting this done.” Hochul emphasized that after federal passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, she sought additional incentives for New York: “And we put in the extra money and allowed them to benefit from that. And that’s — I literally just walked off my speech, and Sanjay, the CEO, said, ‘You know we wouldn’t be here without you.’”
Hochul highlighted how significant Micron’s investment is for upstate communities: “And for him to say that and have the largest private sector investment in American history…this is what it’s all about: Creating all those good paying jobs and creating opportunities for those especially young people growing up in the city of Syracuse.”
When asked about political remarks made at the event by a federal official regarding which administration deserved credit for Micron’s investment amount, Hochul responded: “I don’t know. He just came out and declared this was Trump country. I don’t think there was any applause…it just set a strange tone there because we’re celebrating a company…It was always — when Joe Biden stood on that stage, announced it was $100 billion.”
The governor also discussed her plans for expanding nuclear power capacity in Upstate New York. She noted Oswego’s experience with nuclear energy: “Oswego has the experience, the workforce, and we have four nuclear reactors, three sites, in that area.” She explained that new reactors would be technologically advanced compared with older facilities.
Hochul stressed her commitment not only to supporting major employers like Micron but also protecting residents from increased energy costs due to new data centers: “They don’t create jobs and they suck our energy and make costs higher for New Yorkers. And I said, ‘No. If you’re going to come here — you want to come here — you’re going to have to pay and ultimately bring your own energy source.’”
Regarding housing development tied with regional growth spurred by projects like Micron’s plant, Hochul expressed concern over delays caused by environmental laws being used as barriers: “Whenever there’s an important project…there’s always community opposition by at least a couple of people. And they stand on using these environmental laws as a barrier…you can lose two or three years.” She indicated plans are underway “to supercharge our efforts” so Central New York can accommodate expected population increases.
On workforce training related directly to Micron’s needs she stated: “We’ve invested $500 million in workforce training for these industries at the state level as well.” Hochul pointed out that most jobs at Micron will not require four-year degrees.
Switching topics within state policy priorities such as prison reform—particularly changes related following recommendations around solitary confinement (the HALT Act)—Hochul explained actions taken after recent incidents affecting correction officers’ safety: “Immediately I insisted that there be cameras everywhere…So I took steps instantaneously after that horrible tragedy.” She added further reforms are possible during legislative sessions beyond what is included annually in her State of the State address.
Discussing reelection prospects ahead of another gubernatorial race cycle she commented: “We’re working hard. We have an incredible record focusing on public safety and affordability…”
The conversation ended on a personal note when Donovan referenced Hochul’s visit marking Varsity Pizzeria’s centennial celebration—a business where she worked while attending college—underscoring both her local ties and optimism regarding Syracuse’s future linked with current investments.