'The cost of living is too damn high for Southern Tier families,' Gov. Hochul promises money back in pockets for Southern Tier taxpayers

Yahoo

30-04-2025

SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WETM) — Following a general agreement reached by lawmakers in Albany on the 2026 budget, New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday celebrated the deal to put money back in the pockets of thousands of workers in the Southern Tier.
The budget agreement, which still needs to be voted on by the state legislature, would put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of hundreds of thousands of Southern Tier families over the coming year and beyond, according to a release from the governor's office.
How would this happen?
In the budget agreement for fiscal year 2026, Governor Hochul plans to cut taxes for nearly 215,000 middle-class families in the Southern Tier to the lowest level in 70 years, the release said.
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This plan would cut taxes for more than 78% of all tax filers in the Southern Tier, bringing nearly $23 million in tax relief annually.
Governor Hochul believes that putting money back into the pockets of families in the Southern Tier can help offset the high cost of living.
'The cost of living is too damn high for Southern Tier families, so I promised to put more money in your pockets, and we got it done,' Governor Hochul said. 'Putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of families means helping Southern Tier residents afford the rising costs of groceries, raising kids, and just enjoying life,' She said.
The budget agreement outlines an increase to New York's Child Tax Credit. This credit would expand statewide and help 51,000 Southern Tier families by giving them an annual tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under four years old, and $500 per child ages four to 16, Governor Hochul's office said.
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This would be the largest expansion to the child tax credit in New York's history, benefitting around 89,000 children in the Southern Tier, and helping cut child poverty statewide by around 8%.
Inflation is another thing causing frustration amongst families in the Southern Tier and across the country, but the governor's budget plans to provide some relief.
If passed, the state would send inflation refund checks up to $400 to 251,000 households in the Southern Tier. The state estimates this would put $66.7 million back into the pockets of families who need it the most.
'When I said your family is my fight, I meant it, and I'll never stop fighting for you,' Governor Hochul said.
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