Gov. Kathy Hochul came to the Cheektowaga Senior Center not to reminisce about meeting her husband, Bill, at a softball game in Cheektowaga.
Rather, Hochul on Wednesday morning was kicking off a day-long, state-wide barnstorming tour to not only tout her $260 billion proposed budget but to garner grassroots support for her "affordability" agenda items that will, hopefully, encourage more housing development while updating a 50-year-old environmental review and addressing the rising costs of car insurance.
All have as many supporters as detractors.
"I'm here because I need you, I need your help," Hochul said to the packed crowd.
Encouraging more residential development would help New Yorkers buy a house or rent an apartment.
Hochul noted the age of the average homebuyer across the nation has risen from 30 years of age to 40 years of age because of rising costs.
"Dreams are being deferred," Hochul said.
Hochul pointed to New Rochelle where its mayor is pushing hard for more affordable housing options. It has worked as the tiny city of 80,000 people see 11,000 new housing units either developed or in its development pipeline.
"Rents are coming down," Hochul said.
The governor believes adjusting the state's 50-year-old SEQRA environmental review mandates could spark more housing development.
Hochul wants the onerous SEQRA process adjusted for housing, clean energy and day care developments - something that will help fast track certain projects while also reducing development costs.
"We could unlock so much more housing developments," Hochul said.
Speaking of environment, Hochul said her push to delay CLCPA mandates is because New York needs "a longer runway" when it comes to green energy issues.
Hochul remains a strong advocate for reducing the state's greenhouse emissions and going for more green energy options but she acknowledges more time is needed.
"I'm not repealing, I'm just saying 'give us a longer runway," Hochul said.
Hochul is also pushing for adjusting auto insurance liability laws for drivers, something could reduce annual payments by at least $300.
Hochul blames fraudulent accident claims and related injuries.
"You know who pays for that? You do. We do," Hochul said.
Gov. Hochul pushing for "affordability' measures to be added into state law, budget
