Governor Hochul Proposes Investments in Education and Youth Mental Health in Fireside Chat with Students

Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed new investments in education and youth mental health at a fireside chat with hundreds of high school and community college students. The proposals build on the Governor’s commitment to making the State a place where residents of all ages have access to the resources they need to thrive. They include expanded access to youth mental health services, launching a college-in-high-school opportunity fund and providing funding for new apprenticeship programs in high demand occupations. Governor Hochul also announced that she will introduce legislation in her FY26 Executive Budget to restrict cell phone use in K-12 education, following on her historic legislative action to protect kids on social media. These 2025 State of the State proposals follow previously announced initiatives to boost the Empire State Child Tax Credit, increase child care options and provide free universal school meals.

“New York’s next generation of leaders deserves the full range of resources it takes to get ahead — and with a creative, ambitious agenda to expand access to higher education and trades programs, improve mental health services and bolster recreational programs, we are opening up brighter opportunities for countless young New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “My State of the State promises to deliver on our commitment to make New York a place where our young people have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Click here for additional information.

Source: The Office of the Governor