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Collaboration Ahead: Hochul Reaches Out to Trump
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently contacted President-elect Donald Trump to discuss potential collaboration on key issues, particularly in infrastructure where state initiatives depend heavily on federal support.
A Diplomatic Gesture Following Tensions
This outreach occurred shortly after a tense press conference featuring Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, where James expressed her determination to “stand firm against any threats from a Trump administration,” emphasizing the need to uphold the rights of New Yorkers and maintain legal integrity.
“The conversation was quite friendly, and I made it clear that I’m open to working with anyone,” Hochul remarked during a political event in Puerto Rico on Friday, as reported by Politico. She noted that congratulating an election victor is standard protocol.
Identifying Common Ground
“I reiterated our shared interests in areas like infrastructure funding, which is crucial for us,” she added, indicating that Trump appears aligned with her priorities.
The Importance of Federal Support
New York’s reliance on federal assistance is underscored by the CHIPS and Science Act, which supports a semiconductor facility near Syracuse—a project jeopardized by recent comments from Speaker Mike Johnson regarding potential repeal of the law. Despite this uncertainty, the Micron plant promises up to 50,000 jobs for Central New Yorkers according to Politico.
Major Infrastructure Projects Under Discussion
The state also aims to extend Manhattan’s Second Avenue Subway line. Hochul emphasized how vital federal funding is for both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and enhancements at Penn Station—the nation’s busiest transit hub—currently facing challenges related to homelessness. Previously described as a “hell hole” by Hochul herself, improvements are urgently needed.
The proposed expansion of Penn Station could involve demolishing several city blocks with an estimated cost nearing $17 billion according to the New York Post. This initiative would coincide with completing the $16 billion Gateway Project aimed at constructing a new tunnel between New York and New Jersey while refurbishing century-old tracks severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
A Vision for Improvement
“I envision Penn Station becoming something we can all take pride in; it can be beautiful,” she stated about her discussion with Trump regarding these plans.
Navigating Funding Challenges Ahead
The future of MTA funding may depend significantly on Trump’s support as Hochul has suggested implementing congestion pricing—a plan projected to generate an additional $1 billion for MTA operations—despite Trump’s previous commitment against such measures. The controversial pricing strategy was postponed last summer just before its anticipated rollout; it would have imposed $15 tolls on vehicles entering Lower Manhattan after receiving over $15 billion in COVID-19 relief funds.
A Call for Change Amidst Political Divides
However, amidst these discussions about collaboration lies Hochul’s commitment: she will remain steadfast in defending New Yorkers’ rights across various issues including abortion access, civil liberties, immigration policies, gun control measures, and LGBTQ+ rights following Trump’s electoral victory last week alongside AG James’ similar vows of protection against potential rollbacks of these rights.
Pledges Made Before Election Day
Prior to election day results being finalized,Hochul warned voters that supporting Trump or Republican candidates equated with being “anti-woman,” ”anti-abortion,” asserting such choices undermine American values fundamentally.
This report includes contributions from Fox News’ Greg Wehner.
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