HARRISBURG – Numerous concerns were shared today about the excessive proposed spending and understated future expenses in the Department of Human Services during the Senate Appropriations Committee’s ongoing review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal.
The governor’s $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26 features a 7.5% spending increase over the current year. Senate Republicans have previously projected that Shapiro’s spending plan would create a funding shortfall of more than $27 billion over the next five years.
The Department of Human Services’ budget is the largest among all state agencies. Under the governor’s plan, the budget for the Department of Human Services would be $63.7 billion in total funds, of which $21.2 billion is funded by the state. The proposed growth in spending is approximately $2 billion, an increase of more than 10% over the current year.
Video Highlights
Concerns were raised about the rapid rate of growth in the Department. The $2 billion increase in spending is completely unsustainable.
Gov. Shapiro’s budget only projects future expenditures for the Department to increase by about $330 million per year after the next Fiscal Year. Historical averages show annuals costs typical increase by around a billion dollars per year, raising questions about potential budget shortfalls due to the Administration’s vastly underestimated spending projections.
The Secretary of Human Services would not commit to only requesting a $330 million increase for her Department as part of Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal next year.
Concerns were aired regarding the excessive cost of Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss. The Secretary of Human Services testified the cost to taxpayers for GLP-1s would be $1.2 billion in the governor’s budget proposal. This cost is split relatively evenly between beneficiaries using the drugs for weight loss and diabetes.
Questions were raised about a waiver that allows able-bodied Pennsylvanians without dependents to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits without meeting work requirements.
Funding needs for county child welfare and the impact of rural hospital closures were highlighted.
Ways to address waitlists for childcare services were discussed.
Concerns were shared regarding the Department’s approach to maternal health.
The cost of DEI and anti-discrimination training programs for Department employees was questioned.
Questions were raised regarding the cost and efficiency of the Secretary’s use of the state plane.
You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.
CONTACT: Jason Thompson