Leadbeter Opposes Unbalanced, Gimmick Budget Plan for 2026-27 Fiscal Year

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – Today, the House passed a $52.2 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. To hold the line and protect Columbia County families, Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) voted against it.

He released the following statement:

“As our nation celebrated its 250th birthday, Harrisburg Democrats are celebrating what they call a ‘balanced budget.’ If King George III had cooked the books like Gov. Josh Shapiro, we might still be a British colony. This spending plan is neither fiscally responsible nor truly balanced, and Gov. Shapiro is relying on Bernie Madoff math to create this illusion of fiscal stability.

“This budget defers billions of dollars in payments, effectively pushing today’s obligations onto future taxpayers. Adding to these concerns, there is no help for students waiting for educational choice. This budget does not include any increase for Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarships. Instead, Democrats will be funneling nearly $900 million to Philadelphia despite declining enrollment and no meaningful accountability measures – leaving rural school districts in the dust.

“Between the bloated spending and misplaced investments, House Democrats are pushing the Commonwealth to the brink of no return. As Democrats fail to make Pennsylvania more competitive, we will see more people leave in droves to seek better personal and professional opportunities.

“Taxpayers deserve an honest, transparent budget that falls in line with Columbia County’s conservative values. That means creating economic growth and more jobs; fighting runaway inflation; reducing the tax burden; restoring fiscal discipline; supporting our farmers, local businesses and law enforcement; protecting our freedoms; and standing up for our veterans.”

For more information, visit PABudget.com.


Representative Robert Leadbeter
109th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives