HARRISBURG - The cost of security upgrades for Gov. Shapiro's private residence and his use of the State Police and other taxpayer-funded resources were scrutinized by members of the Senate Appropriations Committee during budget hearings with the Department of General Services and the Pennsylvania State Police today.

The governor's $53.3 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 would increase spending by $2.7 billion, 5.4% more than the current budget.

State Police

Total state funding for the State Police in FY 2026-27 is proposed at $1.6 billion, $1.35 billion of which comes from the state's General Fund. This represents an increase of more than 9% over the current fiscal year.

Numerous questions and concerns were raised about the use of over $1 million for security upgrades for the Governor's personal residence in Montgomery County.

Full Hearing

Senator Martin on improving transparency around the use of taxpayer dollars for Governor Shapiro's private home, facing challenges in getting more Pennsylvanians interested in careers in law enforcement, and more

Video Highlights

Questions were raised about the legality of using State Police funds for physical improvements to a private residence.

No guidelines have been developed by the State Police to determine when such construction projects for a private residence would be appropriate.

Potential violations of the state's Procurement Code related to the governor's private residence were discussed. No written legal opinion was provided to State Police regarding the purchase of security upgrades.

Concerns were discussed about $15 million in missing revenue from the PICS system that was recently discovered.

Doubts were expressed about the accuracy of Governor Shapiro's projections that State Police costs would not rise through 2030.

Efforts to crack down on the use of sophisticated fake IDs were discussed.

An update was provided on ongoing efforts to prepare for several high-profile events scheduled in Pennsylvania throughout the year.

A significant increase was requested for the State Police's IT budget.

State Police staffing demands for coverage of casinos was questioned.

Greater cost efficiencies with taxpayer dollars were discussed.

Department of General Services

Governor Shapiro is proposing a budget of nearly $180 million for the Department of General Services from the state's General Fund, an 11.8% increase over the current year.

Full Hearing

Senator Martin on efforts to optimize the use of state-owned and state-leased properties, adjusting to telework policies, improving the state's procurement process, and more

Video Highlights

Concerns were raised about the estimated cost of vacant and underused properties owned or leased by state government.

The Department was encouraged to get unused state-owned properties conveyed and back on the tax rolls.

The cost to restore the Governor's Mansion and make safety and security improvements was explored.

The Department confirmed they did not provide a legal opinion to the State Police regarding the purchase of security upgrades at the governor's private residence.

The complement for the Capitol Police and measures to ensure safety during events at the Capitol were discussed.

An update was provided on ways to save taxpayer dollars through procurement. Additional information was requested on cost savings realized by public schools for the purchase of AEDs.

You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.

CONTACT: Jason Thompson