HARRISBURG – Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee highlighted concerns about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to legalize adult use cannabis and his use of the State Police’s airplanes during budget hearings today.
The governor’s $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26 features a 7.5 percent 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.
Pennsylvania State Police
Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal for the Pennsylvania State Police is $1.5 billion, of which $1.3 billion comes from the General Fund and $200 million from the Motor License Fund. His budget plan would slow down the phase-out of the State Police from the Motor License Fund from the current $125 million to $50 million.
Numerous questions were raised about how State Police would handle Gov. Shapiro’s plan to legalize recreational cannabis use. State Police officials testified that their officers would not be permitted to use recreational cannabis even if it were legalized due to federal prohibition of the drug.
Video Highlights
The governor’s proposed slowdown of the phase-out of the State Police out of the Motor License Fund will make $375 million less available for road and bridge repairs.
Gov. Shapiro did not talk to State Police officials regarding his plan to legalize recreational cannabis prior to introducing this year’s budget proposal. Technology does not exist to determine roadside marijuana impairment.
Questions were raised about how State Police would handle marijuana intoxication for issues like impaired driving and concealed carrying of firearms.
The cost and use of State Police aircraft was questioned, including utilization by Gov. Shapiro.
The negative impact of activist District Attorneys on State Police officers’ ability to do their jobs was discussed.
State Police’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was discussed.
The cost and need for police in casinos were explored.
Additional information was provided on State Police recruitment efforts. State Police expects recruitment to meet projected and existing vacancies.
An update was offered on State Police readiness to provide coverage for big events coming to Pennsylvania, including the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup.
Department of Health
The governor’s budget proposal for next year would increase funding for the Department of Health by more than $24.5 million, a 9.7 percent increase on the current year’s spending.
Members focused on concerns regarding Gov. Shapiro’s plan to legalize adult use cannabis and the state’s existing medical cannabis program.
Video Highlights
A recent investigation found that three doctors in the state have prescribed in excess of 11,000 medical marijuana certifications, while most doctors prescribe fewer than 100.
Questions were raised about the public health impacts of marijuana considering Gov. Shapiro’s plan to legalize adult use cannabis.
Additional information was requested on the additional grower and dispensary permits that were authorized in 2023 and how they were distributed geographically.
Questions were raised about the medical marijuana assistance program and who benefits from the funding.
Gov. Shapiro twice mentioned the importance of bio-tech and life sciences in his budget address, but his 2025-26 spending plan cut funding from these priorities.
Concerns were shared about the closure and struggles of rural hospitals. In some cases, patients in rural communities have to travel more than an hour to reach a hospital with a maternity center.
The Secretary of Health could not share any update on how Pennsylvanians are being protected against a repeat of the Insight Global data breach that exposed the personal information of tens of thousands of state residents.
The 9.7 percent increase in proposed spending was questioned. The Shapiro Administration did not project an increase in spending in the 2025-26 budget in last year’s budget proposal.
You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.
CONTACT: Jason Thompson