“Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $252 billion executive budget proposal is “grossly irresponsible” and directly contradicts her pledge to make New York more affordable in last week’s State of the State Address,” said state Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo. Sempolinski held the region’s Congressional seat after the resignation of former Rep. Tom Reed and now holds the state Assembly seat formerly held by Joe Giglio. “Proposing a state budget of more than a quarter trillion dollars is irresponsible and indefensible.”

Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, focused on the state’s budget gaps in future years that he said need to be addressed. Medicaid is at the heart of the problem, he said, while criticizing Hochul for not doing more in her budget proposal to address Medicaid spending despite calling its current trajectory “unsustainable.”

“New York’s Medicaid program has long been known as the ‘Cadillac’ of state Medicaid programs because it is the most expansive and costly, outpacing even California’s,” Borrello said. ” It’s long past time for the state to align its benefits with those of other states and take stronger measures to root out the waste, fraud and abuse. Without reform, we are simply ignoring reality and setting the stage for painful tax increases and cuts in other areas of the budget in the near future.”

Borrello was also critical of affordability measures that he said will lead to higher taxes, fees, or other burdens to balance the state budget as well as an unaddressed $33 billion gap in the MTA’s capital plan that he said will have to be addressed by lawmakers as budget deliberations continue.

January 21, 2025 - Albany, NY - Governor Kathy Hochul presents the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget in the Red Room at the State Capitol. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

“Traditionally, it has been the Governor’s responsibility to serve as the ‘adult in the room’ during budget negotiations, balancing ambitious priorities with fiscal discipline. Unfortunately, this proposal suggests that Governor Hochul is content to pass the buck instead of passing meaningful reforms. New Yorkers deserve better. It’s time to stop treating taxpayers like an endless ATM and start making the tough choices necessary to secure our state’s financial future,” Borrello said.

Sempolinski compared state Democrats to federal representatives, saying the two are racing to see who can spend money fastest.

“It’s almost as if New York Democrats are trying to be more irresponsible than Washington Democrats when it comes to spending, “ he said. “This is what happens when you think throwing money at a problem is your only solution. I’ve seen budget mismanagement at the federal level, but it’s almost as if New York Democrats are trying to outdo the incompetence of Washington Democrats.”

Consistently low favorability ratings have inspired potential political challengers from both parties in next year’s state gubernatorial race. Some potential challengers include New York Representatives Mike Lawler, a Republican, and Ritchie Torres, a Democrat who had suggested a potential primary against Hochul.

“The governor can read a poll just like anybody else,” said Assembly Minority Leader Republican Will Barclay. “She’s seen where New Yorkers are. Affordable is right on the top of the list. Number two is crime.”