Governor Announces Statewide Effort to Streamline Regulations and Improve How Government Works
(Feb. 17, 2026) Governor Hochul issued a press release last week announcing Express NY, a new statewide effort to streamline regulations and improve how government works. The State has launched a new portal for New Yorkers to identify regulations, policies, and practices that add unnecessary process, undue burden, or are simply out of date. Specific areas of focus include recommendations that will:
- Speed up housing and infrastructure development by addressing obstacles that slow down the State’s ability to build affordable housing and other infrastructure New Yorkers depend on: transportation, child care centers, water infrastructure, parks, community centers, and more.
- Support small businesses by tackling burdensome requirements and fees that make it difficult for businesses to launch, serve customers, or grow.
- Streamline access to services by simplifying complicated processes or removing unnecessary hurdles that prevent families from accessing benefits and services that NYS supports or oversees (e.g., health care, child care, nutrition, mental health).
The new online portal will accept submissions through April 3rd. Anyone can submit suggestions through the portal. It is noted that the initiative focuses on NYS agency regulations, policies, or practices. Proposals that would require changes to federal, state, or local law, or federal or local laws or regulations, will not be considered. All submissions will be kept in the public record and are subject to the Freedom of Information Law.
LeadingAge NY members are welcome to submit suggestions directly; however, we urge you to share any suggestions with us as well. LeadingAge NY has submitted multiple recommendations for changes to both federal and state regulations in the past year and will continue to push for further reform. Your ideas are critical as we continue to push for efficiencies and updates.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828