Key Points from Senate Budget Hearings with Public Utility Commission, State University Presidents

HARRISBURG – Senate Appropriations Committee members used today’s budget hearings with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and presidents of several universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to highlight the negative impacts of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s energy policies, and ways to strengthen post‑secondary educational institutions.

The governor’s $53.3 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 would increase spending by $2.7 billion, 5.4% more than the current budget.

Public Utility Commission

The PUC oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. Lawmakers raised concerns that Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy is leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region.

PUC Commissioners testified that electricity generation is lagging well behind demand and more energy production for the grid is desperately needed.

Majority Leader Pittman on price collars increasing energy bills in Pennsylvania while lowering costs in other states, the lack of energy production in other states relative to energy use, and more

Senator Martin on meeting the growing demand for energy, the process of enacting rate increases on consumers, the impact of price collars on capacity auctions for energy, and more

Full Hearing

Video Highlights

The shortfall in energy generation and the importance of meeting rising demand were highlighted.

Concerns were raised that the governor’s price-fixing in PJM is discouraging other states from increasing electricity production.

Pennsylvania communities are losing opportunities for business growth and development due to a lack of availability of energy, despite the state’s status as a major electricity producer.

PUC provided a breakdown of all factors influencing consumers’ electric bills.

Discussions focused on the impact of data centers on availability, reliability and affordability of energy.

Transparency in rate case settlement was discussed.

An update was provided on deployment of broadband.

Presidents of Millersville, East Stroudsburg, West Chester and IUP

Gov. Shapiro’s budget would fund PASSHE at the current year’s appropriation of more than $625 million. Committee members focused on how PASSHE universities are working to improve enrollment and efficiency.

Majority Leader Pittman on how universities are working to differentiate themselves, competing with career and technical schools that are growing, addressing the footprint of universities in PA communities, and more

Senator Martin on the incredible success of the Grow PA Scholarship Grant program in helping students prepare for careers in high-demand fields in Pennsylvania, how participation in the Grow PA Tuition Waiver program can be improved, and more

Full Hearing

Video Highlights

Discussion focused on strategies to support and retain students and keep students engaged.

How PASSHE schools are addressing vacant buildings and other properties was discussed.

Efforts to get more students accepted into nursing programs were explored.

How universities have managed previous enrollment declines and economic and demographic challenges was highlighted.

You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com

 

CONTACT: Jason Thompson