Government Relations Update – State of the State Recap

News From the Governor’s Office

Governor Hochul presented her 2026 State of the State address today to a broad audience of legislative, community, and municipal leaders. SAANYS Executive Director Jennifer Carlson and Director of Government Relations Cindy Gallagher were in attendance.

SAANYS Executive Director Jennifer Carlson (left) at the State of the State address with leadership from the NYS superintendent’s council and NYSPTA.

Read the full update here.

Key Points:

Economic Outlook and Fiscal Context

  • Revenue Growth
  • Employment
  • Tone

Key Proposals Impacting Education

Early Childhood & Child Care

  • Universal Prekindergarten
  • Universal Child Care
  • 2-Care Initiative
  • Tax Credit Reform

Academic & Instructional Initiatives

  • Back-to-Basics Math
  • Literacy Continuity
  • Empire AI Student Challenge
  • Tutoring Partnerships

Teacher Workforce

  • Teacher Shortage Task Force
  • Accelerated Pathways
  • Extreme Heat Action Plan

& Other Key Areas

Next Steps: SAANYS is currently awaiting the full executive budget briefing books and will continue to expand this information in upcoming Government Relations Updates.