Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on WABC Radio’s “Cats Roundtable Radio Show” to discuss her outlook for New York in 2026 and reflect on the past year. The conversation with host John Catsimatidis covered public safety, affordability, economic development, and energy initiatives.
Governor Hochul began by wishing listeners a Happy New Year and expressing optimism about the coming year. She noted that while New Yorkers still face concerns about inflation and rising costs, her administration remains focused on family well-being, safety, and affordability.
She highlighted improvements in subway safety over the past year: “We now have the lowest crimes in the subway. The second safest year on record was 2025. You know, we surged police officers in the subway.” Hochul added that the state will continue to help fund police overtime with an additional $77 million commitment. She also cited efforts to address homelessness through mental health outreach and helping over a thousand homeless individuals secure permanent housing.
Discussing relationships with city leadership, Hochul said she looks forward to working with incoming Mayor Mamdani and praised Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch for remaining in her role. “I worked with my now third mayor. I worked with Mayor De Blassio when I first came into office, I worked with Mayor Adams, and I’ll work with Mayor Mamdani,” she said.
Hochul outlined recent measures aimed at affordability for residents across New York State. “8.6 million people across the State got a check upwards of $400 in time for Thanksgiving at a time when families were struggling,” she stated. She also mentioned upcoming tax credits for families with young children and described a middle-class tax rate cut set to take effect this year—the largest such reduction in 70 years.
The governor pointed to major economic projects underway or planned for 2026, including new housing developments and what she called “the largest private sector investment in American history,” referencing Micron’s semiconductor facility upstate.
On infrastructure improvements, Hochul discussed transit initiatives like the Interborough Express project connecting Brooklyn and Queens as a catalyst for further growth.
Energy policy was another focus of the interview. Hochul described an agreement under which New York City will begin receiving 25% of its power from hydroelectric sources delivered from Quebec via the Hudson River this year. She also spoke about progress toward developing small modular nuclear reactors upstate: “We’re going nuclear in New York…we just announced that 23 companies are interested in doing the project for us.”
In closing remarks, Governor Hochul expressed confidence in New York’s resilience after challenges such as the pandemic and inflation: “The New York spirit means we stay and we fight…there’s a life and vitality here that is so exciting.”
She ended by reiterating her commitment to supporting those who need help: “But as long as there’s people who still need our help, I’ll keep fighting for them.”