Kathy Hochul on Veto

Governor Kathy Hochul has exercised her veto power actively, rejecting a significant number of bills passed by the legislature, often citing financial concerns or the desire to maintain alignment with federal policy structures. For instance, she vetoed legislation that would have expanded the scope of the New York LLC Transparency Act beyond the revised federal Corporate Transparency Act definitions, stating she would not impose additional burdens on New York businesses not required by federal law. Conversely, she applauded the veto of the LLC Transparency Act expansion by an advocacy group, which viewed the original act as punitive to small businesses. She also rejected bills like those aimed at funding EMS agencies through property tax cap exemptions or toll relief, citing potential higher property taxes or lack of specific budget allocations.

Her use of the veto pen extends to various policy areas, leading to mixed reactions from different groups. She vetoed bills aimed at increasing transparency, such as those modifying Freedom of Information Law deadlines or weakening the Public Campaign Finance Program, decisions that drew criticism from reform organizations. However, she also vetoed legislation such as a bill that would have mandated two-person crews on subway cars, arguing against mandates that could impact operational costs while stating that current practice was already safe. Her justifications often center on fiscal prudence, claiming many vetoed bills required unbudgeted spending, or that the legislation was technically flawed or duplicative of existing law.