For Gov. Kathy Hochul, it’s still about affordability.

The Democrat put several proposals to address the elevated cost of living at the center of her State of the State message. To help spur construction and lower housing costs, Hochul is proposing changes to the state’s environmental review laws for certain residential projects. She earlier announced plans to increase subsidized childcare and add funding to a state heating assistance program.

“This year while Washington takes a machete to our safety net, I’m doubling down on the fight for a more affordable New York,” Hochul said. “I want New York to be the No. 1 place for anyone to start a family and build their future right here.”

This is Hochul’s fifth State of the State speech, but it comes as she seeks a second full term in office in November. The moderate governor is facing challengers attacking her from the left and right, and she must grapple with the progressive agenda laid out by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office this month.

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“It’s the same talk, different year,” said Brooklyn state Sen. Steve Chan in the party’s official rebuttal.

Chan warned of higher taxes to pay for signature programs like universal child care. “The governor is not steering the ship,” he said. “She is being steered by extremists, socialists, who are promising everything to everyone for free.”