New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to offer free tuition at city and state colleges.

Governor of New York. Kathy Hochula Democrat announced a plan Tuesday to offer free tuition for certain degree programs at state and city colleges.

The governor announced his education proposal during his State of the State address, where he would give students free school meals, make it harder for hedge funds to buy homes, cut taxes for the middle class and expand the child tax. credit.

Under the free tuition plan, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 enrolled in associate degree programs in nursing, teaching, technology, engineering and other fields at colleges operated by the State University of New York and the City University of New York would pay tuition.

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Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Albany, NY (New York Governor’s Office via Mike Groll/AP)

The state will also cover the cost of books and other college fees.

“When my dad went to college, our whole family got a chance at a better life — and I want every New Yorker to have that opportunity,” Hochul said. “Under my plan, every New Yorker will have access to free education at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow.”

Other states have similar tuition programs, and several others offer different tuition discounts public colleges.

New Yorkers already receive discounted tuition at an extensive network of state and city colleges, which includes nearly 90 schools, and a program that already provides free tuition at institutions for residents earning less than $125,000 a year.

Governor Kathy Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Albany, NY

Hochul also said he wants to address the smartphone problem in K-12 schools by creating a statewide standard for distraction-free learning.

In addition, Hochul said he will work to fight crime, expand mental health treatment services and strengthen security in the New York subway system after a rise in violent crime on the subway. This includes plans to add police patrols on night trains and install barriers and better lighting on platforms.

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State University of New York at Brockport. (SUNY Brockport)

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The governor’s proposals will be discussed The state legislature, which is controlled by Democrats.

He is expected to run in next year’s Democratic primary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.