Governor Hochul Delivers Budget Address
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her Budget Address. She offered an array of initiatives to help New York move forward. Her budget proposal marks the beginning of work with our legislative leaders to adopt a new state budget by the April 1 deadline.

Much has changed since last year at this time. Although many challenges remain, historic investments are also on the horizon. She outlined the continued effort to realize the economic impact of the landmark Micron investment in Central New York. Governor Hochul laid out how to rebuild and expand our economy while addressing community needs. Over the next couple of weeks, we will outline MACNY’s position regarding many of these critical initiatives. Let me start this week by addressing a few significant areas that impact the success of the manufacturing and business sectors.

Governor Hochul set forth strong recommendations to develop a better-skilled and more inclusive workforce. We are excited to see the commitment to creating more workforce development, including apprenticeships. As a state leader in manufacturing and tech apprenticeships, these comprehensive sets of investments will make our work and the work of the manufacturing sector even more accessible as they invest in workers and their future. Registered apprenticeships serve as critical paths to growing our middle-skills and high-tech jobs of the future. We applaud the Governor for her focus on crucial investments in the workforce.

In my role as CNY REDC Co-chair, I am also pleased by the Governor’s commitment to supporting regional jobs and workforce approaches. She also pledged to expand the state’s commitment to locating semi-conductor fabs and facilities in New York State. These actions will significantly assist our region. Governor Hochul also committed to expanding the groups of individuals who will be educated and trained for our future jobs. Her commitment to increasing access to childcare and helping those with barriers to employment gain valuable job skills necessary to thrive is both critical and inspiring.

There is so much to talk about in the 2023-2024 Governor’s Budget Proposal that I could not possibly do it here. Suffice to say that it is encouraging. I have worked with Governor Hochul for many years. When she was Lieutenant Governor, she was committed to manufacturing and tech business competitiveness, inclusive job growth, and community-focused investment during our close work together. She has demonstrated this same level of passion for manufacturing as Governor. In addition, she cares deeply about the future of New York State.

I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul, her team, and our state’s legislative leaders to create momentum for our future during this legislative session as they invest in our future with next year’s budget. Together we can create a better tomorrow.

To learn more about what was proposed by Governor Hochul during the Budget Address, click here. In addition, the full New York State of the State Budget Book can be found by clicking here.