This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her fourth State of the State speech.

The address took on a different tone from one's prior.

Hochul laid out ideas to reduce the burden of inflation and make the state more affordable, improve public safety efforts and enhance public transit options.

Pace University clinical assistant professor of political science Laura Tamman said it was clear in the speech that the governor was focused on issues that affected Democrats during the 2024 general election as Hochul, herself, prepares to run for reelection next year.

"It all felt very much like a launch of a political campaign rather than a formal government speech," Tamman said.

Republicans offered their own response to the speech.

Many, including state Sen. Rob Rolison, said the speech hit on several ideas that Republicans had been pressing for years.

He called on the governor and Democrats in the state Legislature to act more collaboratively to pass bills into law this session.

"What we truly need are sweeping, fundamental reforms based on common sense, responsible leadership, and fiscal reality, which are the plans we have set forth in our Conference’s legislative agenda," he said.