Gov. Kathy Hochul’s focus on affordability in her recently enacted budget mostly went over well with her Democratic colleagues in the State Legislature.

But the decision to spend $2 billion on one-time “inflation refund” checks for about eight million New York households — one of the largest and most tactile components of the multibillion dollar package — has been derided by some Democratic legislators as a stunt that is more about politics than good policy.

“New Yorkers know a gimmick when they see one,” said State Senator James Skoufis, a Hudson Valley Democrat.

The checks will range from $150 to $400, with individuals who make less than $150,000 receiving $150 or $200, and married joint filers who make up to $300,000 receiving $300 or $400. The limits are based on adjusted gross income from 2023.

“We’re going to give it back directly — no red tape, no hoops to jump through, just giving you that check,” Ms. Hochul said at an event this week.

The final budget, which passed last week, also included many of her other proposals: billions in funding for child care, infrastructure and an expansion of free school lunch statewide, as well as tax cuts for middle-class and low-income residents and a generous increase of the state’s child tax credit.