New York Governor Kathy Hochul on school costs: 'The White House could learn a thing or two'

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has asserted that the White House could learn valuable lessons from her administration's approach to managing school costs, particularly in light of rising expenses for families across the nation. Hochul highlighted that New Yorkers have collectively saved over $450 million during the new 2026-2027 school year, largely attributed to the state's initiative to provide free school lunches to all students.

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The expenses have skyrocketed thanks to the Trump administration. Meanwhile, New York saved families $450 million per month by offering free school meals to all students.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Hochul shared an article from The 19th News detailing increased school costs. She contrasted New York's fiscal management with what she described as the "Trump administration's" spiraling expenses. "Meanwhile, New York saved families $450 million per month by offering free school meals to all students," Hochul stated, adding pointedly, "The White House could learn a thing or two."

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The White House could learn a thing or two.

Among the measures implemented by the Hochul administration is the School Tax Relief (STAR) program. On June 16, she announced the distribution of over $2 billion in tax relief to New Yorkers. "The start of summer also marks the beginning of the STAR tax relief season for millions of people," she said at a press conference. "From energy tax credits and rebates to our expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts, we continue to put more money back into people's pockets."

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The start of summer also marks the beginning of the STAR tax relief season for millions of people.

According to an analysis by Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation, presented by The 19th News, families are estimated to spend $4,000 per child for school supplies and meals in the 2026-2027 period. This represents a 10.7% increase from the previous year. The average cost for a typical school supply list is expected to range between $173.45 and $175, a 7.7% rise. Preparing a lunchbox is projected to cost over $3,800 annually, an increase of nearly $400, or 10.9%, from last year. Items like blueberries and sandwich bread have seen significant price hikes.

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From energy tax credits and rebates to our expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts, we continue to put more money back into people's pockets.