India, May 2 -- In a major relief effort aimed at helping residents cope with the rising cost of living, New York State is set to roll out direct inflation refund checks as part of the newly approved 2025 state budget. The one-time payments, which could be as high as $400 per eligible household, are part of a broader economic package intended to ease the financial pressure on working- and middle-class families, as reported by The Journal News.

Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers reached a final budget agreement late April, with the inflation refund checks emerging as one of its most widely anticipated features. The payments are designed to offer immediate financial support to those grappling with high prices on essentials like food...