Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 13:37
Governor’s Budget Proposal Foolhardy in Spending, Diamond Says
Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG - When Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his 2026-27 spending proposal to a joint session of the Legislature today, his $53.26 billion total for planned spending did not sit well with many members, including Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon).
"The governor is more out of touch with reality than I even considered," Diamond said. "I'd like to know how he thinks the state can spend 5.4% more at a time when taxpayers are struggling with exorbitant utility bills and other stressors on their household budgets."
Diamond further criticized Shapiro for being willing to dip into the state's Rainy Day Fund (similar to a savings account) for another $4.58 billion to satisfy his appetite for spending.
"I'm thankful the real work of negotiating a budget can start now. The governor's presentation is often just a hurdle to get through," Diamond said.
As Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, Diamond expects to be heavily involved in ongoing talks about if and how to tax skill games.
Pennsylvania's current fiscal year ends June 30.
Representative Russ Diamond
102nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6563
[email protected]
RepDiamond.com
"The governor is more out of touch with reality than I even considered," Diamond said. "I'd like to know how he thinks the state can spend 5.4% more at a time when taxpayers are struggling with exorbitant utility bills and other stressors on their household budgets."
Diamond further criticized Shapiro for being willing to dip into the state's Rainy Day Fund (similar to a savings account) for another $4.58 billion to satisfy his appetite for spending.
"I'm thankful the real work of negotiating a budget can start now. The governor's presentation is often just a hurdle to get through," Diamond said.
As Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, Diamond expects to be heavily involved in ongoing talks about if and how to tax skill games.
Pennsylvania's current fiscal year ends June 30.
Representative Russ Diamond
102nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6563
[email protected]
RepDiamond.com
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on February 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 19:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]