SCHOOL MEALS: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new plan to provide universal free breakfast and lunch in schools as part of her 2025 agenda. The governor has been releasing individual planks of the agenda ahead of her State of the State address on Tuesday, one of the biggest events of New York’s political calendar in which Hochul will lay out her priorities for the new legislative session. The governor has been focused on affordability issues, unveiling proposals to expand child tax credits, create a child care construction fund, direct checks to residents and homeowner assistance. Hochul’s plan would expand eligibility to nearly 300,000 additional students who do not qualify for a federal school meals program, according to the administration.
PANCREAS TRANSPLANT: North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset plans to add adult pancreas transplant services to its operating certificate, according to a new filing with the state Department of Health. The multispecialty hospital operated by Northwell Health currently performs transplants of the kidney, liver, heart and lung. The pancreas unit will be housed in the adult renal transplant program and cost $29,000 in equipment and administrative fees.
