NY Republicans Criticize Democrats' Proposed Budget Increases

Sempolinski and Borrello say Democratic one-house budget would hike state spending significantly

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:07am

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Republican lawmakers in New York's Assembly and Senate, including Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski and State Senator George Borrello, have expressed opposition to the Democratic one-house budget proposal, which they say would significantly increase state spending beyond the governor's original executive budget.

Why it matters

The debate over the state budget is a key political battle, with Republicans arguing the Democratic plan spends too much and raises taxes, while Democrats defend their priorities around education, healthcare, and other programs.

The details

The Democratic one-house budget proposal includes increases to the governor's original executive budget, which could result in total state spending reaching nearly $250 billion. Republican lawmakers like Sempolinski and Borrello have criticized these proposed spending hikes, arguing they will lead to higher taxes on New Yorkers.

  • The Democratic one-house budget was released on March 12, 2026.
  • The New York state legislature is expected to negotiate a final budget agreement in the coming weeks.

The players

Joe Sempolinski

A Republican member of the New York State Assembly who has criticized the Democratic budget proposal.

George Borrello

A Republican member of the New York State Senate who has also expressed opposition to the Democratic budget plan.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The New York state legislature is expected to negotiate a final budget agreement in the coming weeks, with Republicans and Democrats likely to continue debating the appropriate level of state spending and taxation.

The takeaway

The battle over the New York state budget reflects the ongoing partisan divide, with Republicans arguing for fiscal restraint and Democrats pushing for increased investment in key priorities like education and healthcare.