In her 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul focused on making NY more affordable, supporting innovation with new tech centers for manufacturers (AI, clean energy), lowering utility/housing costs, protecting consumers, and boosting job growth, proposing the Manufacturing Modernization Program to help small businesses with tech adoption and AI integration, while addressing rising energy costs for data centers and consumers alike, alongside broad affordability measures for families

Key Initiatives for Small Businesses & Economy:

• Manufacturing Modernization Program: Centers to help small/mid-size manufacturers adopt AI, get supply chain help, and modernize equipment.

• Innovation Focus: Building on Empire AI, supporting semiconductor design, biotech, and modern manufacturing.

• Energy Costs: Proposing higher utility rates for large data centers to fund consumer energy relief and potentially requiring self-generation for data centers.

• Downtown Revitalization: Continuing programs like DRI and NY Forward.

• Regulatory Relief: Eliminating some restrictions on businesses (e.g., dancing) and modernizing laws like the ABC Law.

• Workforce Development: Connecting SUNY/CUNY students with experiential learning in high-demand fields.