Republicans Vote Against New State Budget, Citing Runaway Spending Growth
- 39th District Republicans
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
The Delaware legislature passed the General Fund Operating Budget (House Bill 225) for Fiscal Year 2026 this week. The $6.58 billion plan represents a $451.6 million (7.36%) increase over the current budget, continuing a pattern of rapid growth in state spending.
However, five House Republicans—Reps. Rich Collins (Millsboro), Bryan Shupe (Milford South), Ron Gray (Selbyville), Lyndon Yearick (Camden, Wyoming, Woodside), and Jesse Vanderwende (Bridgeville, Greenwood)—voted against the budget, citing concerns over Delaware’s fiscal trajectory.
Growing Budget and Revenue Gap
The state operating budget has grown by more than $1.48 billion (29%) in just three years.
Compared to a decade ago, the budget has increased by roughly $2.67 billion (68.4%).
State spending growth is rapidly outpacing revenue, with forecasts indicating Delaware may need to use reserve funds as early as next year to meet obligations.
State House Republican Whip Jeff Spiegelman (R-Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton) criticized the budget’s unsustainable growth, noting,
“Our budget growth is still at a level that is really unsustainable... we passed a bill to constrain hospital spending last year, yet we still don’t stay within our own budget.”
Republican Opposition and Concerns
Rep. Lyndon Yearick praised the work of the Joint Finance Committee but expressed difficulty in supporting the budget as it stands:
“Judgment Day is coming soon, whether that means increasing taxes or cutting spending growth.”
All five Republicans opposing the bill emphasized the need for stronger fiscal discipline and accountability to avoid burdening Delaware taxpayers.
Governor’s Response and Deadline
Governor Matt Meyer reportedly expressed disappointment that many of his priorities were excluded from the budget. The legislature faces a hard deadline: if the budget is not enacted by Monday night, non-essential state services will be suspended.
These Republican legislators are standing firm in their commitment to responsible budgeting, warning that without reform, Delaware’s fiscal future could be at risk as the state navigates critical budget decisions ahead.
Sources: Rep. Jesse Vanderwende's post
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