Delgado advocates for universal healthcare, while distancing himself from Hochul

In the race for New York's governorship, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has outlined his key policy proposals, focusing on significantly expanding affordability and access to essential services such as child care, health care, and housing.

While specific details on Delgado's universal child care proposals are yet to be disclosed, his overall progressive platform suggests support for expanded social programs. Regarding universal health care, no direct policy details have been found for Delgado or Gov. Kathy Hochul.

On the Housing Voucher Access Program (HVAP), Delgado criticises the current approach under Gov. Hochul, which includes only a $50 million pilot program. He argues this funding is "hardly enough" given the large unmet need, with seven out of ten eligible New Yorkers not receiving federal rental assistance. Delgado calls for a statewide rental assistance program that directly invests in tenants to provide economic security, emphasising urgent short-term relief over slower supply-side housing fixes.

| Policy Area | Antonio Delgado's Proposal | Gov. Kathy Hochul's Current Policy | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Universal Child Care | No specific details found; likely progressive expansion | No explicit information available | | Universal Health Care | No details found | No details found | | Housing Voucher Access Program Funding | Calls for statewide expansion beyond $50M pilot, direct aid to renters | $50 million pilot program |

In contrast, Gov. Hochul's administration has so far focused on a smaller-scale pilot rather than a broad expansion of rental assistance funding.

Delgado advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund social programs, including potentially the expanded housing assistance he supports, amid looming state budget deficits that Hochul's administration is managing with measures like rebate checks, which Delgado criticises as fiscally irresponsible.

Delgado has proposed raising the statewide minimum wage to $22 and increasing the annual income limit for the Essential Plan from the current $47,000. He has also expressed support for universal health care, similar to the New York Health Act.

Delgado's stump speech includes several policies that expand or go beyond anything Gov. Hochul has been willing to back thus far, resembling that of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. However, Delgado's gubernatorial campaign has not yet revealed many concrete policy plans.

Delgado has suggested a platform that identifies as a capitalist, believing that bold, decisive leadership is needed to right New York's ship. He has not called for the passage of specific legislation other than increased funding for HVAP, which was included in this year's budget by Gov. Hochul, from $50 million to $250 million.

As the race for New York's governorship heats up, Delgado's proposals for expanded social programs and funding contrast sharply with Gov. Hochul's more cautious and smaller-scale programs.

Delgado advocates for universal healthcare, while distancing himself from Hochul