Governor of New York Cathy HochulA Democrat, he announced Tuesday a plan to offer free tuition for certain programs at state and city colleges.
The governor announced the education proposal during her State of the State address, in which she also pledged to provide free meals to students in schools, make it more difficult for hedge funds to buy homes, cut taxes on middle-class owners and expand the kid tax. credit.
Under the free tuition plan, New York residents between the ages of 25 and 55 can enroll in associate's degree programs in nursing, teaching, technology, engineering and other fields at colleges run by the State University of New York and the City University of New York and will have their tuition covered.
Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State address, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Albany, New York (Mike Grohl/New York Governor's Office via AP)
The state will also cover the cost of books and other university fees.
“When my father got a college education, our entire family had a chance at a better life — and I want every New Yorker to have that chance,” Hochul said in a statement. “Under my plan, every New Yorker would have the opportunity to earn a free degree at SUNY community colleges and CUNY colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of the future.”
Other states have similar tuition programs, and many other states offer various discounted tuition fees State colleges.
New Yorkers already get discounted tuition at the vast network of state and city colleges, consisting of nearly 90 schools, and a program that already provides free tuition at institutions to residents who make less than $125,000 a year.
Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State address, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Albany, New York
Hochul also said she wants to address the issue of smartphones in K-12 schools by creating a statewide standard for distraction-free learning in the state.
In addition, Hochul said she would work to address crime, expand mental health treatment services, and strengthen security in the New York City subway system after a surge in violent crimes on the subways. This will include plans to add police patrols on night trains, install barriers and improve lighting on platforms.
State University of New York at Brockport. (SUNY Brockport)
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The governor's proposals will be discussed in The state legislature is controlled by Democrats.
She is expected to face a contested Democratic primary next year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
