Gov. Kathy Hochul shot down Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s push for free MTA bus service, citing the system’s reliance on fare revenue, according to Spectrum News NY1.
Speaking at the Somos conference, Hochul instead backed a phased rollout of universal childcare across New York. But she warned the full plan would cost $15 billion — equal to the state’s reserves — and promised a proposal by January.
Mamdani, facing skepticism over his democratic socialist agenda, found early support from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who signaled openness to his tax plans. Meanwhile, a heated race is unfolding for the next NYC Council Speaker…