SEMPOLINSKI VOTES NO ON QUARTER TRILLION STATE BUDGET
Extreme Liberals in Albany Again Fail New Yorkers
ALBANY – Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski said he voted against the gargantuan $254.3 billion 2025-2026 state budget because of its outrageous levels of spending and its failure to prioritize protecting vulnerable New Yorkers.
“I voted NO. I was frustrated both with the irresponsible level of spending and with the misplaced priorities within that spending,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “I had pushed for making the pay of those who care for the disabled and mentally ill whole, relative to inflation. That didn't happen. Instead, we spent on things like tax breaks for Hollywood."
Assemblyman Sempolinski had advocated for true a cost-of-living increase in the budget for workers who provide services to New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
“This budget is more than a quarter of a trillion dollars. Yet in all that spending, the governor and the Democrat majority couldn’t find a way to give meaningful wages to workers who care for the most vulnerable among us, people with disabilities and mental health challenges. But they were able to find $100 million for people who make movies,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “It’s a graphic example of where their priorities lie despite all their rhetoric and all their platitudes about caring for vulnerable New Yorkers.”
At $254.3 billion dollars, this is the largest budget in state history, an increase of $12.9 billion over last year’s state budget.
“We heard a lot from Gov. Hochul about fiscal responsibility and dealing with New York’s affordability crisis, but in the end what we’re getting is another bloated state budget, a tax and spend free-for-all negotiated behind closed doors by three people in a room,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.
“This budget will inevitably drive more businesses and jobs out of New York,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said. “Making New York a more affordable, attractive place for people and businesses starts with drafting a responsible state budget that cuts overall spending. That’s not what happened here.”
Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski represents the 148th New York Assembly District, which consists of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and portions of Steuben County. For more information, visit Assemblyman Sempolinski’s website.
