(ALBANY, NY) - Today Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) attended Governor Hochul’s 2026 “State of the State” address to hear firsthand her priorities for New York State and the Greater Rochester region in the coming year. Many of the Governor’s priorities aligned with Senator Cooney’s goals for Rochester, namely her focus on making our state more affordable, prioritizing the needs of the next generation, and supporting new and emerging technologies in the transportation sector.

“For me, the theme of this year’s legislative session is New York Leads,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “Where Washington fails to meet the needs of Americans, New York will deliver for its citizens. I look forward to working with the Governor and my legislative colleagues to ensure our state is more affordable, strengthens our infrastructure, and embraces innovation for future growth.”

Below is a list of some of Governor Hochul’s proposals that align with Sen. Cooney’s priorities:

Expanded Childcare Access - Governor Hochul announced her plan for universal childcare in New York City, universal pre-k across the state, and new investments to make childcare more affordable and accessible for upstate New Yorkers. Senator Cooney strongly supports this initiative for upstate communities, like Monroe County, where childcare access is limited and costly. He said he will fight to bring the Governor’s pilot model for infants and toddlers to Monroe County for implementation next year. 

“While President Trump is withholding child assistance dollars in New York State; Governor Hochul is doubling down. She and I both know, our parents and caregivers can’t wait.

Bringing Autonomous Vehicles to Upstate - Senator Cooney has been the lead proponent of increased testing for autonomous vehicles in his role as Transportation Chair in the Senate (S344A), having first entered the authorizing legislation in 2021. His bill would allow full autonomous for-hire car services to safely operate within our state, like we are seeing in cities from Los Angeles to London. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, the Senator applauded Governor Hochul’s support for preparing upstate New York for autonomous vehicle usage to create safer streets for drivers and pedestrians alike. 

“This isn’t just futurism, it’s about saving lives and proving the model in New York.”

Reigning in Car Insurance Costs - Governor Hochul announced that she was cracking down on fraud and loopholes in the car insurance industry in New York, including limited access to payouts for individuals engaged in criminal activity at the time of an incident and drivers who are deemed mostly at fault for an accident, and requiring insurers to provide explanations for increases to premiums. Senator Cooney is supportive of this initiative, given New Yorkers pay the highest car insurance rates in the nation. 

“New Yorkers pay the most for car insurance, but the risk is driven by a limited number of bad actors. Let’s fix the system and save our residents thousands of dollars, making New York more affordable for all.”

Lowering Utility Costs - In a continued mission to make our state more affordable for New Yorkers, the Governor also proposed reforms to New York’s Public Service Law to tie executive pay to customer affordability, restricting certain price increases, and removing hidden fees. Amid proposed rate hikes, Senator Cooney applauded these efforts to keep costs low for consumers. 

“No New Yorker should have to fear whether they can keep the heat on at the end of the month. It’s time to reel in prices and bring common-sense to utility rates.” 

No Taxes on Tips - The Governor has proposed eliminating state income taxes on tips for tipped income up to $25,000. The Senator is supportive of this measure to keep money in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers, but he will continue to work with the Governor to determine how the loss in state revenue will be made up to continue to support other vital state programs. 

“Workers relying on tips deserve to hold onto the money they have rightfully earned. Alongside the Governor’s other proposals, this will create a huge boon for affordability throughout New York.” 

Counting Every New Yorker in the 2030 Census - Senator Cooney has spearheaded efforts to prepare New York for the next Census with his New York Counts Act (S6898). New York has lost federal representation in every Census since 1950, and lost a seat in the 2020 Census by an undercount of a mere 89 individuals. Senator Cooney’s bill would establish a state Census Commission, and Governor Hochul noted her support for this initiative in her address. 

“We know that every New Yorker counts. It’s time to make sure the federal government does, too, so that we have strong representation in Washington.” 

Protecting Against Abuses by Federal Agents - Senator Cooney noted his support for the Governor’s proposal to allow individuals to bring state-level civil action against federal agents who violate an individual’s Constitutional rights. Given witch hunts led by ICE in New York and throughout the nation, the Senator explained that accountability and protections for New Yorkers are needed now more than ever. 

“What happened to Renee Good in Minneapolis was a brutal killing of a mother in our streets, and ICE was responsible. We have to do more to protect our community members and hold agents accountable if they act with impunity in New York State.”

Mental Health for NYS Police - Senator Cooney passed legislation that would create mandatory paid leave when troopers are called to a “critical incident” that results in death or serious bodily harm. Governor Hochul announced her support of this mental health initiative in her budget priorities.

“Our law enforcement officers bravely put themselves in bodily harm every day. But we have failed to address their mental health by asking them to return to work after experiencing tragedy. New York now will lead the nation in how to best holistically protect our law enforcement officers.”

Protecting Highway Workers - Senator Cooney has introduced legislation that would enhance assault protections for highway workers. The NYS Department of Transportation alone has seen 40 incidents of harassment or assault since 2022. Governor Hochul announced her support for highway workers and for more measures to encourage safe driving and safer roads. 

“Everyone deserves to get to their destination safely. That’s what keeping our roads safe is all about.”

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