New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, announced Tuesday a plan to provide free tuition for certain degree programs at state and city colleges.
The governor announced the education proposal in a State of the State speech where she also vowed to provide free meals in schools, make it more difficult for hedge funds to buy homes, cut taxes for middle-class earners and expand the child tax credit.
Under the tuition-free program, New York residents ages 25 to 55 will have their tuition reimbursed for associate's degree programs in nursing, teaching, technology, engineering and other fields at colleges run by the State University of New York and the City University of New York. .
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Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Albany, New York (Mike Grohl/New York Governor’s Office via AP)
The state will also pay for books and other college expenses.
“When my father received a college education, our family had the opportunity to live a better life — an opportunity I want every New Yorker to have,” Hochul said in a statement. “Under my plan, every New Yorker will have the opportunity to pursue a free degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill future in-demand jobs.”
Other states have similar tuition programs, and several other states offer various tuition discounts to state universities.
New York residents already receive tuition discounts at a vast network of state and city colleges of nearly 90 schools, and a free tuition program is already in place for residents making less than $125,000 a year.
Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Albany, New York
Hochul also said she hopes to address the smartphone issue in K-12 schools by developing statewide distraction-free learning standards.
In addition, Hochul said she will work to address crime, expand mental health treatment services and enhance security on New York City's subway system after a surge in violent crime on the subways. This will include plans to increase police patrols on night trains and install barriers and better lighting on platforms.
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SUNY Brockport. (SUNY Brockport)
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The governor's proposal will be debated in the Democratic-controlled state Legislature.
She is expected to face a competitive Democratic primary next year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.