Democrats’ Continued Overspending Detrimental to PA’s Future, Diamond Says

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – As Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) listened to Gov. Josh Shapiro share details from his 2025-26 budget proposal today, the representative grew increasingly incensed by the concept of spending 7.5% more than the current fiscal year.

“When I first came to the legislature in 2015, the state was spending just shy of $30 billion a year. I can’t even fathom how we’ve gotten to a proposal of almost $51.5 billion,” Diamond said. “How does anyone think that is in the least bit reasonable?”

Budget hearings will soon begin for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The Democratic governor’s proposal serves merely as his wish list going into those hearings.

“The governor would have us completely raid what little remains in savings,” Diamond said. “Democratic overspending has gotten us to a very dangerous point.”

Diamond emphasized that no Lebanon County resident is willingly spending 7.5% more than last year. He said his friends and neighbors are simply trying to keep up with inflation.

“Gov. Shapiro’s fanciful look at spending does nothing to help the average person paying household bills,” Diamond said.

Editor’s Note: To view or download a video of Rep. Diamond’s comments, use this link. 

Representative Russ Diamond
102nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives