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New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Tuesday in Albany, focusing on affordability and safety. She announced a $1.7 billion investment to achieve universal, affordable childcare and statewide Pre-K, aiming to make childcare accessible for nearly 100,000 more children. The plan includes partnering with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to launch the 2-Care program, offering free childcare for two-year-olds in high-need neighborhoods.
Hochul also addressed public safety, proposing measures to crack down on ghost guns made with 3D printers. The proposal includes criminal penalties for unlicensed manufacturers and sellers of these unregistered firearms, which are considered a growing threat to gun safety.
In addition, Hochul unveiled initiatives to protect children online. She proposed legislation to block direct messages from potential predators and disable harmful AI chatbots. The governor's plan also includes expanding Teen Mental Health First Aid training to all 10th graders across the state, equipping them with skills to support peers facing mental health challenges.
Governor Hochul emphasized that these initiatives will position New York at the forefront of online child safety and mental health education. Her address highlighted the state's commitment to making life more affordable and safe for all New Yorkers, stating, "The state of our State is strong — and we’re just getting started."
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