Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) attended the 2026 State of the State Address presented by Governor Kathy Hochul today in Albany. This year’s event opened with a performance by the Syracuse University Marching Band and members of the clergy expressing the importance of unity in addressing concerns in our communities. The Governor outlined her administration’s agenda for the coming year, acknowledging the affordability crisis facing New Yorkers and outlining several other key priorities for the year, including public safety, investment in infrastructure, and cutting bureaucratic red tape.

“As Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Small Business, I will continue to support small businesses and bring their voices to the state capital. Additionally, I agree that these are priorities for all but have questions as to their implementation.”

Governor Hochul committed to putting New York on a path to universal childcare, including by expanding Universal Pre-K statewide. Assemblywoman Buttenschon agrees that this is important, but urges that the solutions must have a tangible impact on the families of the Mohawk Valley.

“The Governor speaks of access to childcare and expanding Pre-K, but we need a clear and sustainable path forward. In the 119th Assembly District, we have a severe shortage of childcare workers. We also need to get back to the basics on education. I look forward to working with the Governor and her team on addressing these and many more urgent needs in the Mohawk Valley.”

Sharing the sentiment of Assemblywoman Buttenschon, Governor Hochul identified public safety as a top priority. Assemblywoman Buttenschon sponsors and advocates for legislation that protects our communities and the first responders who serve them.

“I commend the Governor for her focus on public safety, but if we are going to solve this issue we must first seek input from our first responders. Our residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities.”

Assemblywoman Buttenschon emphasized that her attention remains on achieving tangible results for the Mohawk Valley. She will continue to prioritize additional focus areas for her district, including comprehensive long-term mental health resources in schools and communities, strengthening access to affordable and quality healthcare, and partnering with local law enforcement and community organizations to implement programs that reduce crime and enhance safety.

“The Governor laid out a set of priorities today, however I still remain committed to finding realistic and sustainable solutions to the issues that she raised. Any plans that we implement must have the necessary state resources and the support of the people of the Mohawk Valley,” Buttenschon remarked. “I want to thank Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Utica Mayor Michael Galime for coming to Albany for the State of the State, as well as the Syracuse Marching Band and the religious leaders who were in attendance. I look forward to continuing to work with local and state leaders to deliver meaningful results for our communities.”