State police, emergency management score additional funding in Pa.’s budget

A months-long budget stalemate, resolved earlier this month, netted increases for both the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency — which plan to boost staffing and invest in technology updates.

State police will get an additional $69.3 million for operations, enough to fund four new cadet classes to increase its ranks. Staffing is critical for the 1,279 municipalities that don’t have police departments and rely solely on troopers for their law enforcement needs.

“Our focus is firmly on safeguarding the public and ensuring that every community within the Commonwealth receives the support it requires during critical times,” said State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris. “These investments are crucial in providing our members with the tools and resources needed to respond promptly and effectively to urgent situations, ultimately enhancing our collective resilience.”

Emergency management will receive $40 million in its disaster response fund, up from $20 million, “to offset (the) sudden loss in federal support,” according to a press release from the agency. The Trump administration has sought to transform the Federal Emergency Management Agency and publicly discussed shifting more responsibility to the states.

Another $5 million bump to the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program will increase direct support to impacted Pennsylvanians.

“Programs like DRAP make an immediate and meaningful difference for our communities. After the May 13th flooding, many Somerset County residents were able to rely on DRAP to help begin their recovery when they needed it most. This support filled a critical gap for families who were facing unexpected losses,” said Somerset County Emergency Management Agency Director Joel Landis.

The budget also reauthorizes a $1.95 monthly phone surcharge for 911 services until Jan. 31, 2029.

Counties are in the process of implementing Next Generation 911, using the surcharge funds to cover personnel, technology, training and facility costs. The modernization effort improves caller location data and increased access to Text-to-911 services.

“Investing in 911 and disaster response strengthens the safety net every Pennsylvanian depends on when emergencies occur,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Modernizing our 911 communications system and supporting disaster response and recovery efforts ensures our communities can respond to crises quickly and rebuild stronger. These budget commitments are essential to keeping Pennsylvania safe and resilient as funding responsibilities shift from the federal government to the states.”