Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday that inflation rebate checks still will be mailed to about 8 million New Yorkers despite the federal budget dealing New York a financial hit.

The state had a cash surplus last year and there is no reason not to return the money to state residents, Hochul said.

"This is New Yorkers’ money," Hochul said after cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the annual State Fair in Syracuse.

The state had a surplus of $3 billion during the 2024-25 fiscal year, largely due to "unanticipated revenue because of inflation," the governor said.

"We collected more money than we expected to collect because of inflation," Hochul said. "And that came off the backs of hardworking families in New York. So my view is: Give it back to them."

An estimated 1.25 million Long I

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