Overview
- The bipartisan statement released Monday by all five living former governors pressed state leaders to treat the first family’s protection as nonpartisan.
- Treasurer Stacy Garrity said she lacks authority to pay more than $1 million for security work at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Abington home because state law bars using taxpayer funds on private property.
- Shapiro’s spokesperson called the refusal unprecedented and urged payment for vendors and consideration for the family and State Police detail affected by the decision.
- Republican Sen. Jarrett Coleman, citing roughly $32 million already spent to fortify the state-owned Governor’s Residence, proposed a seven-member Executive Protection Oversight Board to handle future funding calls.
- The funding fight stems from last year’s arson at the Harrisburg mansion, after an independent review urged about $33 million in upgrades at the residence and at the private home, where completed work later drew a neighbor lawsuit.