“In her 2024 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined a bold agenda with initiatives that align with the priorities put forth in our strategic policy statement to build a better and stronger Bronx. From healthcare to housing discrimination, employment for historically marginalized New Yorkers, public safety, swimming access, and so much more that will help eliminate barriers that have often affected our most at-risk residents.
With health being a central pillar of my administration, I am proud to have a partner in Albany who understands the importance of holistic wraparound services that care for New Yorkers’ mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By establishing the first-in-the-nation statewide paid prenatal leave and expanding access to doula services, Governor Hochul is prioritizing the well-being of our mothers; particularly Black mothers in our borough who are disproportionately affected by high rates of maternal and infant mortality. This is a crisis that requires partners at all levels of government to combat and alongside our Maternal Health Consortium, something we will continue to fight against.
New York is also experiencing a housing crisis with many of our residents struggling to find safe and quality housing. Under the Governor`s proposal, there would be incentives for the construction of affordable housing and increased protections for low-income New Yorkers with Section 8 vouchers. As we are seeing increased development in the Bronx, it is our priority to ensure our residents can afford to live and raise their families here. This plan will help ensure the creation, preservation, and improvement of affordable housing across our state.
Governor Hochul also outlined flood resiliency plans for our homeowners as the prevalence of coastal storms increases, investments in gender-affirming care, and improving health services for our veterans that I believe will make our Borough, City, and State stronger. I thank Governor Hochul for outlining this important agenda for our State and look forward to working with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and our State Colleagues to ensure the Bronx has the resources and programs needed to uplift our families and strengthen our communities.”