Sempolinski votes against $268 billion state budget, calling it ‘irresponsible’

ALBANY – Calling it irresponsible, Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo, voted “No” on New York’s $268 billion state budget.

The budget is a $13.7 billion increase over last year’s spending plan. Negotiated by the governor and the leadership of the Assembly and Senate Democrat majority, the budget, due April 1, was finally adopted on Wednesday, eight weeks late.

“Stopping the exodus of people and businesses from New York begins with responsible, common-sense budgets that cut spending and taxes. That’s what I’ve been fighting and that’s why I voted ‘No’ on this budget. The governor and Albany Democrats have given us another record-breaking budget of more than a quarter trillion dollars that will increase the burden on New York’s hard-working taxpayers,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.

He noted that New York spends almost as much as Texas and Florida combined, two states with higher populations, and two states that New Yorkers are fleeing to escape the state’s high cost of living.

New York has a population of 20 million. In contrast, Florida has 23.5 million people and an annual budget of $114.7 billion. Texas has a population of 31.3 million and an annual budget of $169 billion.

“I believe government should be judged by results, not intentions. The governor and Albany Democrats like to talk about making life more affordable for New Yorkers. This budget won’t do that,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.