Summary:

Gov. Hochul acknowledged NYC subway crime in her State of the State address, but critics slammed her proposals as largely symbolic.
A key proposal is to place NYPD officers on every overnight subway train, but details on funding remain unclear.
Other proposals, such as improved lighting and barrier installation in subway stations, are also seen as insufficient.
Hochul's address reflects an attempt to improve her low approval ratings by focusing on economic issues and a middle-class tax cut.
The effectiveness of Hochul's crime-fighting measures and their funding are debated, with criticisms arising from both Republican and progressive groups.

NYC Subway Crime and Hochul's State of the State

In her annual "State of the State" address, Governor Kathy Hochul finally addressed the rising concerns about NYC subway crime and mental illness. However, her proposed solutions have been met with criticism, with many calling them largely symbolic.

Key Proposals and Criticisms

Hochul's plan to place NYPD officers on every overnight subway train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is a significant initiative. Commissioner Jessica Tisch clarified that two officers will be assigned per train. While this addresses immediate safety concerns, critics point to a lack of detailed funding information.

Other proposals include installing LED lighting in all subway stations and barriers in an additional 100 stations. These initiatives, part of the MTA's capital plan, face funding shortfalls and are considered insufficient by some.

Hochul also proposed changes to state "discovery" laws and measures related to mental health care, including expanding involuntary commitment and strengthening Kendra's Law. These proposals have been labeled vague and lack specific details on implementation.

Political Implications

With only 33% of New York voters expressing support for Hochul in recent polls, her address seemed geared towards improving her image and appealing to a broader electorate. Her focus on economic issues and a middle-class tax cut reflects an attempt to address Democratic weaknesses in recent elections.

Republicans criticized her focus on "affordability," highlighting the hypocrisy of presenting herself as pro-working class while simultaneously implementing policies like congestion pricing. Progressive groups also criticized the lack of funding for social programs, urging the need to tax the wealthy.

The Road Ahead

The effectiveness of Hochul's proposals remains to be seen. Her lack of a well-defined political identity and tendency to shift positions on issues could hinder public support. However, her ability to garner support in the Legislature and ultimately improve public safety is a key challenge for her going forward.

Source: New York Post