Hochul bets centrist affordability plan to blunt cost-of-living backlash

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing a wide-ranging affordability agenda—reforming car insurance, easing housing construction, and curbing the climate law’s cost—to lower future utility bills, even as she clashes with Albany’s left and NYC Mayor Mamdani over taxes. While Sen. Bernie Sanders pressures Hochul to back higher taxes, the governor argues a consumer-friendly, no-tax-hike approach will win votes and provide relief, helping drive a national-left split on affordability. The plan has in part delayed the state budget as Hochul leverages the issue to bolster her reelection bid, with lawmakers and critics weighing the best path to relieve pockets and shore up support for down-ballot Democrats.