Hochul won’t rule out tax hikes after election as questions swirl over universal child care funding

Gov. Kathy Hochul wouldn’t rule out future income tax hikes in the Empire State on Tuesday – as questions swirl over how the state will fund its promised universal child care program.

The Democratic governor, who is up for re-election this year, stood by a pledge not to slam taxpayers with an increase this year but wouldn’t rule out future increases as she faces mounting pressure to fund a freebie-filled agenda favored by the liberal wing of her party and city Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Now just 15 days into the Mamdani administration, Hochul appeared to be softening her stance and pointed the finger at the Trump administration as possible justification.

Obviously we have to look at if Donald Trump eviscerates half our budget or some cataclysmic circumstance in the future, I have to keep all options on the table,” Hochul said pressed by The Post on how her vision of universal child care would be funded after this year’s initial $4.5 billion investment.

Hochul said she will not raise taxes this year in order to fund the new investments for 2,000 initial seats in a new “2-care” program for Big Apple 2-year-olds.

Outside groups have put forward rough estimates that a fully realized universal childcare program could run upwards of $12-$15 billion.

“I don’t support raising taxes just for the sake of raising taxes,” Hochul added.

This is a developing story, please refresh for updates.