Kathy Hochul, New York's governor, announces a plan to provide free tuition at city and state colleges.

On Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, unveiled a plan to provide free tuition for select degree programs at state and city colleges.

During her state of the state address, the governor unveiled an education proposal and pledged to provide free meals to students, restrict hedge funds' ability to purchase homes, reduce taxes for middle-class earners, and increase the child tax credit.

Those enrolling in associate degree programs in nursing, teaching, technology, engineering and other fields at colleges operated by the State University of New York and the City University of New York will have their tuition covered under the free tuition plan.

The state would also cover the cost of books and other college fees.

"My dad's college education gave our family a chance at a better life, and I want the same for every New Yorker. Under my plan, every New Yorker will have access to a free degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to prepare for the jobs of the future."

Several state colleges offer discounted tuitions, and other states have similar tuition programs.

Nearly 90 state and city colleges in New York offer discounted tuition to residents, and a program provides free tuition to those who earn less than $125,000 annually.

The governor of New York, Hochul, stated that she intends to tackle the issue of smartphones in K-12 schools by establishing a statewide standard for distraction-free learning.

To combat the increase in violent crimes on the subway, Hochul pledged to enhance security, expand mental health treatment services, and address crime in the New York City subway system. This would entail measures such as increasing police patrols on overnight trains and improving lighting and barriers on platforms.

The governor's proposals will be debated in the Democrat-controlled state legislature.

She is expected to face a contested Democratic primary election next year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.