(Albany, NY) - Tuesday, Senator Lea Webb (SD-52) attended Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address in Albany, where she outlined her legislative and policy priorities for the year ahead. 

Said Senator Webb, “I was excited to join my colleagues today to hear the Governor outline her priorities in her State of the State address. As we officially begin this year’s budget season, we face unprecedented challenges as the Trump regime continues to make devastating cuts to  essential services and funding that we all depend on, harming our immigrant communities and other efforts to create divisiveness to our communities. We must work together around a shared agenda that meets the moment and puts New Yorkers first. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address rising utility bills, housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and the overall cost of living. That means going further to protect working families, reduce pollution, and build a more affordable, sustainable, and secure future for every New Yorker.”

Webb applauded the Governor’s focus on protecting ratepayers and addressing the growing impact of data centers on New York’s energy grid. 

Senator Webb continued, “Utility bills are already soaring, and my constituents can’t afford to see a data center drive them up further. As Governor Hochul made clear today, New York’s energy grid is under growing strain, and massive data centers are a big part of that picture. If companies are going to consume enormous amounts of power, they need to pay their fair share for the energy and infrastructure they rely on. This is about fairness, reliability, and protecting ratepayers while we continue to grow our economy responsibly.”

Beyond energy affordability and grid reliability, the Governor also highlighted the need to strengthen the core supports that allow working families and the state’s economy to thrive.

“Reliable, affordable childcare is foundational to whether families can work and whether our economy can grow,” said Senator Webb.” I was encouraged to hear the Governor affirm her commitment to expanding access to affordable child care, including 3-K and Pre-K. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to fight for a statewide guarantee and for sustainable, dedicated funding that ensures child care is reliable and affordable for families in every corner of our state. Expanding child care is about strengthening communities and building an economy that works for everyone.” 

Senator Webb continued, “This year, as we face continued uncertainty and chaos in Washington, it is more important than ever that we meet this moment with strength and resilience. We are ready to do the work that needs to be done to uphold our Democracy, protect voting rights, and care for the most vulnerable members of our community. I am ready for the work ahead and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to center the needs of working families across New York.”   

Webb represents the 52nd Senate District, which includes Cortland County, Tompkins County, and parts of Broome County. She serves as Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Women’s Issues and also serves on the Senate’s Standing Committees on Agriculture, Cities 2, Health, Higher Education,, Mental Health, Procurement & Contracts, the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, and the Select Majority Task Force on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. 

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