Since last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul has been calling on New Yorkers to get back into offices as the pandemic waned. That was before the omicron surge, but she started beating the drum again last month.

“I really do want everyone back in their offices, just want to say that,” said Hochul on Feb. 10. “We thrive more when everyone comes back in person.”

Just this week, Hochul appeared to change her tune on that, saying people may never go back full time.

What You Need To Know

  • Hochul wanted everyone back in offices, new housing zoning laws and mask mandates in schools only to change or modify those positions recently

  • At least two of those controversial positions had become Republican talking points

  • Hochul says her backtracking has nothing to do with criticism from the opposition party

“It may never be five days a week again. I don’t know this,” she added on Tuesday. “It may be four days with flexibility. It may be three-and-a-half days in person. That’s up to them, but at least three or four days at minimum.”

The Hochul administration says remarks the governor made last November also left open the possibility of a shortened week or flex time.


In another example, as part of her state budget, Hochul proposed an override of local zoning requirements when it comes to housing. The state would allow homeowners to add accessory dwelling units, which involves building new apartments to rent out on their properties.

Hochul told the Times Union newspaper last month: "I believe that increasing our housing supply is essential to the growth of our economy.”

But after meeting with suburban lawmakers, she abruptly changed course, and took the proposal out of her budget. It had become a Republican talking point.

“Just to show a different approach in governing, I’ll put out ideas," Hochul said in response to a question. "I still believe in creating more access to affordable housing. But there are different ways to accomplish that. And I chose a willingness to listen to people who are hearing from their constituents."

Then there were the mask mandates. Since she took office in August, Hochul has required children in schools to wear masks. But on Sunday, she changed her mind.

“My friends, the day has come," she said. "Today we will be announcing that we will be lifting the statewide mask requirement in schools."

So what changed? This week Republicans held their state convention and seemed emboldened that they can beat Hochul this year. Hochul announced the change in her expectations about getting back to work on the second day of the convention. And announced the change in mask policy the day before the convention started.

“So, all that was already in motion," Hochul said. “Again, when the numbers are one percent in a place like New York City, and the vast majority of the state is below the CDC requirements. And the CDC came out last Friday, I think that’s a logical decision to make in terms of our decision as opposed to what the other party may be doing.”

Hochul still faces criticism from Republicans at the convention for mask policy, although it was far more muted than it likely wouldn’t have been without her Sunday announcement about the change.