Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has made a promise to the public that the price of a glass of milk at the annual New York State Fair will not increase as long as she is in office. Hochul made this commitment as she poured glasses of milk at the Syracuse fair’s famous Rainbow Dairy Bar. The Empire State has been subsidizing the dairy bar for almost a decade to keep the price at $0.25, as the nonprofit that operates the bar mentioned that they would have to double the price to $0.50 without the subsidy.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo had also intervened in 2015 by providing $90,000 in state funds to prevent the price of milk from increasing. Attendees at the fair consume between 350,000-400,000 cups of milk each year, as reported by New York State Dairy Exhibits, Inc. While the exact amount of money spent by the state to subsidize the milk bar is not immediately known, this tradition has been upheld for many years and Hochul has shown her commitment to continuing it for as long as she is in office.
During her visit to the fair, Governor Hochul interacted with fairgoers, participated in various events, and offered advice to a young 4-H participant. She encouraged the young girl to take advantage of every program available, emphasizing the importance of participation and exploration. Hochul also attended a women’s breakfast, signed legislation supporting maple syrup production on state lands, and engaged with various members of her cabinet and other political figures throughout the day.
Hochul’s visit to the fair also included a meeting with GOP Reps. Brandon Williams and Nicole Malliotakis, who expressed their presence by shouting “Staten Island is in the house!” to the Democratic governor. Later, Hochul shared a Basilio’s sausage with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, continuing a long-standing tradition of enjoying fair treats with fellow politicians. The governor’s interactions with a diverse group of individuals reflect her commitment to engaging with the community and promoting unity in the state.
Overall, Governor Hochul’s presence at the New York State Fair demonstrated her dedication to preserving traditions, supporting local businesses and agriculture, and engaging with the public. By committing to keeping the price of milk at the fair unchanged for as long as she is in office, Hochul has shown her willingness to prioritize the interests and enjoyment of New Yorkers. Her interactions with fair attendees, fellow politicians, and various exhibitors showcased her approachable and inclusive leadership style, highlighting her commitment to serving the people of New York. As Hochul continues to navigate her role as governor, her actions at the state fair and beyond will continue to shape her reputation and legacy in the state.
