State Rep. Russ Diamond | Pennsylvania 102nd Legislative District
State Rep. Russ Diamond | Pennsylvania 102nd Legislative District
As Governor Josh Shapiro presented his 2025-26 budget proposal, Representative Russ Diamond expressed concern over the proposed spending increase of 7.5% compared to the current fiscal year. Diamond, a Republican from Lebanon, highlighted that when he joined the legislature in 2015, state spending was just under $30 billion annually. He questioned how it has now reached a proposal of nearly $51.5 billion.
Budget hearings are set to begin soon for the fiscal year starting July 1. The Democratic governor's proposal is considered a preliminary plan for these discussions.
Diamond criticized the governor's approach, stating, "The governor would have us completely raid what little remains in savings." He attributed this situation to what he termed as "Democratic overspending," which he believes has brought Pennsylvania to a precarious financial position.
Diamond further argued that residents of Lebanon County are not increasing their spending by 7.5% and are merely trying to manage inflationary pressures. He stated, "Gov. Shapiro’s fanciful look at spending does nothing to help the average person paying household bills."
Alerts Sign-up