Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s Budget Prioritizes Tech Modernization and Cybersecurity

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget outlines a significant investment in modernizing state government technology, bolstering cybersecurity defenses, and enhancing digital experiences for residents. These initiatives aim to improve the efficiency, transparency, and security of state services while supporting the Governor’s key priorities of economic growth and public trust.

Building a Modern Digital Government

According to Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver, technology is central to the delivery of state government services. “By investing in secure systems and modern platforms, the Shapiro Administration is building a government that works smarter, faster, and better for Pennsylvanians,” Weaver stated. The proposed investments seek to simplify interactions with state government and ensure the security of underlying data.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Defenses

The Shapiro Administration is pursuing a multi-year cybersecurity modernization strategy to protect the Commonwealth’s digital infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Previous budget allocations have been used to enhance network and application monitoring, improve real-time threat detection, and accelerate incident response. The proposed budget includes an additional $10 million investment in cybersecurity to safeguard critical services and maintain system dependability.

“Cybersecurity is foundational to everything we do in information technology to deliver reliable digital services and maintain public trust,” said Bry Pardoe, Chief Information Officer. “As more services move online, our responsibility to protect sensitive information and critical systems only grows. We must continually evaluate what we’re doing, strengthen our defenses, and evolve to ensure the services people rely on are secure, resilient, and available.”

Improving Digital Experiences with CODE PA

Governor Shapiro established the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) in 2023 to streamline interactions between Pennsylvanians and state agencies. CODE PA focuses on creating simple, seamless, and secure digital services tailored to user needs. In the past year, CODE PA has received five national awards for technology innovation, and leadership.

The 2026-27 proposed budget allocates $3.7 million to CODE PA to modernize permitting processes in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). CODE PA has also consolidated over 60 agency websites into a unified PA.gov platform, creating a single digital access point for various state services, including permit applications, license renewals, tax credit eligibility determinations, and benefit access.

Cost Savings and Efficient IT Spending

The Shapiro Administration has demonstrated a commitment to efficient IT spending. CODE PA has saved over $10 million by utilizing in-house staff and technology instead of relying on external vendors. The Office of Administration has achieved over $37 million in savings on information technology expenditures by modernizing outdated systems and implementing prudent financial management practices.

Governor Shapiro recognizes the vital role of technology in state government operations and service delivery. His proposed budget continues year-over-year investments to strengthen the Commonwealth’s digital foundation and embrace innovation for a more effective and responsive government.