Survey

Should Taxpayers Subsidize $1.3 Million in Security Upgrades to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Personal Home?

Survey for the 28^th Senatorial District 

On April 13, 2025, Cody Balmer broke into the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, after scaling the seven-foot fence, entered the building, and set fire using gasoline-filled beer bottles before escaping. He was later caught by police and pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated arson charges.

Following the heinous and unprecedented attack on the governor and his family, the State Police recommended several security upgrades to the public residence in Harrisburg, where the attack occurred. In addition to the insurance policy, taxpayers have paid more than $30 million in rehabilitating the residence from the damage caused by the fire started by Balmer, as well as security upgrades that are still ongoing.

Additionally, Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-16), as chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, found that more than $1 million was spent on security upgrades to the personal family home of Gov. Shapiro, approximately 100 miles away from the attack on the public residence.

The upgrades to this property are more expensive ($1.3M) than the value of the home (approximately $700-800K). Upgrades to any governor’s personal property are unprecedented. However, no Pennsylvania governor in recent history has been attacked in the public residence.

The prior governor, Gov. Tom Wolf, personally paid for upgrades to his private home in Mt. Wolf, York County, since he did not live at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence.

I am working with Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) on the Safeguard Act, which protects both tax dollars and public officials. This forthcoming legislation would place a lien in the governor’s personal property if upgrades are made at the expense of taxpayers to ensure that no upgrades will be used for monetary gain by any governor when that property is sold or transferred.

However, before the money goes out the door (from Treasury), should taxpayers subsidize $1.3M in security upgrades to the personal home of Gov. Josh Shapiro? 

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Yes, I believe the taxpayers should foot the $1.3 million bill to improve security at the governor’s personal residence.

No, I believe the taxpayers should not foot the $1.3 million bill to improve security at the governor’s personal residence.

I am undecided on the matter.
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Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. Your input is crucial as we work to keep our elected officials safe while also ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

Thank you,    

Kristin Phillips-Hill
Senator, 28th District 