No matter the party affiliation, whether red or blue, state budget proposals always come down to one color: green. With recent spending plans being announced within the last month in New York and Pennsylvania, there is a similar refrain.

Democrats from both states often sing praises for planned investments. Republicans, however, are taking the stance that too much is being spent.

That argument from the right gains steam when you look at the totals. In the Empire State, the 2027 plan calls for $260 billion in expenditures to serve 19.5 million residents. Over the border, a $53.5 billion proposal was announced Tuesday to 13.8 million in the Commonwealth.

That is a huge disparity that speaks to two items. Albany benefits while also being burdened at the same time by New York City, the world’s financial capital. Much of the state’s revenue comes from the power and big money in Wall Street.

But it also speaks to a highly Democratic state that has no willpower to pull back. Current Gov. Kathy Hochul is consistently battling federal policies being spearheaded by President Donald Trump that she sees as too restrictive.

“This budget contains no broad-based tax relief that would actually help families, seniors, and small businesses keep up with the cost of living,” said state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay last month. “What New Yorkers can safely expect is that this budget will only grow larger as it moves through the Legislature, with the Democrat majorities in the Senate and Assembly sure to add billions more in spending, and possibly even new taxes, to satisfy their newly emboldened (Democratic Socialists of America) allies. Once again, Albany is betting that bigger government and higher spending will somehow fix the problems caused by bigger government and higher spending.”

One large chunk of the state’s spending goes toward education, which rarely gets questioned by either party. Under Hochul’s latest proposal, $370 million is targeted to go to 18 school districts in Chautauqua County. Before the local taxes even kick in, that equates to $22,683 per student.

How about, instead of increasing aid to education, cut it by 1%. Statewide, the savings would be $39.3 million and it would add pressure to districts that have not downsized while enrollment has decreased. Currently, the system that is expected to increase overall aid by 4% to $39 billion rewards overstaffing.

Pennsylvania, as this corner has acknowledged in recent months, has much more balance in its politics. Though there’s plenty of clout in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, rural residents have a voice that allows for U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick, a Republican, and John Fetterman, a Democrat. In addition, while being run by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, the state in 2024 backed Trump in the presidential election.

“This budget builds on the progress we’ve made by making smart, responsible investments that strengthen our schools, keep communities safe, and grow our economy,” Shapiro boasted during a campaign year. “At a time when dysfunction and division seem to dominate elsewhere, here in Pennsylvania we’ve shown that we can still work together to get stuff done and build on what’s working — because Pennsylvania is on the rise.”

He’s not too far off the mark. Recently, the state has been recognized as having the11th best business climate in the country for 2025 and the top business climate in the Northeast, according to Site Selection Magazine.

But, similar to New York, Republicans are uneasy with the proposals. “Governor Shapiro can say this budget won’t lead to new taxes, but just by saying it doesn’t make it true,” said Greg Rothman, Pennsylvania Republican party chairman. “This budget explodes government spending and all but guarantees tax increases for working families across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania deserves fiscal responsibility that ensures a prosperous future, not bloated spending and wishful thinking.”

No matter how you slice it, both Hochul and Shapiro have more doubters than usual as they face a November election. In New York, unknown Bruce Blakeman is the challenger while Treasurer Stacy Garrity takes on the incumbent over the border.

Elected leaders rarely have the courage and conviction to make reductions. It is especially that way with local governments.

If state budgets are growing, it is happening – in a sense – to help the constituency. Local governments and schools are not downsizing. How can Albany and Harrisburg be expected to do so?

John D’Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.