ALBANY, N.Y. (WHCU) — Governor Kathy Hochul defended bail reform in her State of the State address. 

The governor says the size of a person’s bank account should not determine whether they go to jail or go home. 

Hochul acknowledged improvements to bail reform are needed. 

She wants increased investment into the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, which the governor says saves lives in areas hit hardest by gun violence.

In addition, Governor Hochul also addressed mental health in New York. In her address Tuesday, the governor declared an end to the era of ignoring people suffering in silence. 

Hochul says it’s the most monumental change to mental health care in New York since the 1970s. 

Elsewhere in her statewide address, Hochul said she wants to create nearly one million new homes across New York. Hochul outlined her strategy. 

Hochul added the Compact will set clear expectations for growth by giving localities the tools and resources they need. 

The governor says new funding will be available for infrastructure like schools and roads for growing neighborhoods.