Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul outlines New York’s recovery, post-pandemic

White Plains, N.Y. (February 26, 2021)— Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul shared New York’s pandemic recovery strategies this morning during a virtual presentation before the Business Council of Westchester.

Lt. Gov. Hochul outlined the state’s precarious finances and the continuing health challenges posed by Covid-19. Proposals to confront the state’s projected two-year deficit include legalized marijuana, legalized online sports betting, $306 billion in public works projects and $15 billion in financial aid from the federal government.

“It’s very fair to say that when we were absolutely at our worst—our lowest point in terms of just feeling knocked back on our heels when the whole world was watching how we handled this—we really showed our best,” said Hochul. “That’s something that we need to lean into, our resiliency and our strength.”

Hochul outlined the proposed 2022 budget’s initiatives that include a $306 billion public works plan to improve airports, roads and other infrastructure; $29 billion in public and private green economy investments; and $20 billion to create or preserve 100,000 units of affordable housing.

On Jan. 19 Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled two budget options. One envisioned an aggressive post-Covid reconstruction that includes $15 billion in federal aid. Another option envisions drastic service cuts and pain for New Yorkers with only $6 billion in federal aid.

The Business Council of Westchester has asked state lawmakers to resist tax increases to close the deficit.

“The Business Council of Westchester’s members have felt the pain of the pandemic recession and many of our members are struggling to recover, so we are thankful that Lt. Gov. Hochul spoke with us,” said BCW president Marsha Gordon. “We hope that our local, state and federal leaders will devise a recovery package that balances the needs of small and large businesses with sensible tax policy that does not suppress private-sector investment.”

Hochul’s presentation is posted on the BCW’s website.

About The Business Council of Westchester: The county’s largest and most influential business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. In addition, The Business Council of Westchester is actively involved in reviewing federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community and to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interests may be affected. It also acts as an information resource for the business community and government leaders at all levels. Visit www.thebcw.org