New York Governor Proposes Sending $300 to $500 ‘Inflation Refund’ Checks to Residents

The state would use $3 billion in sales tax revenue for the payouts.

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at a press conference in New York City on Dec. 19, 2023. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Many New York state residents would receive checks for up to $500 next year as part of the state’s new plan to ease the burden of inflation.

The one-time payments, dubbed inflation refunds, would be $500 for families earning less than $300,000 annually and $300 for individuals earning under $150,000. The program is expected to cost the state $3 billion and is designed to offset the inflation-driven surge in sales tax collections over recent years, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.