Harrisburg, PA – The 2026-27 budget proposed by Governor Josh Shapiro advances a bold vision for modernizing state government technology, ensuring secure systems, and creating better digital experiences for Pennsylvanians. These investments will strengthen the Commonwealth’s ability to serve residents and businesses efficiently, transparently, and securely, while supporting the Governor’s broader priorities of economic growth, government efficiency, and public trust.
“Technology is the foundation of how we deliver services in state government,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “By investing in secure systems and modern platforms, the Shapiro Administration is building a government that works smarter, faster, and better for Pennsylvanians. These improvements will make interactions with state government simpler and more intuitive, while ensuring the data behind those services remains safe.”
Under the Shapiro Administration, the Office of Administration (OA) is pursuing a multi-year cybersecurity modernization strategy to strengthen the Commonwealth’s digital defenses and protect state systems from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. OA has leveraged funding in the Governor’s previous two budgets to enhance monitoring across Commonwealth networks and applications, improve real-time detection capabilities, and accelerate response to potential incidents. The Governor’s proposed budget calls for an additional $10 million investment in cybersecurity to protect critical services, reduce the risk of disruption, and ensure that government systems remain secure, available, and dependable for the Pennsylvanians who depend on them.
“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.”
Governor Shapiro created the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) in 2023 to improve how Pennsylvanians interact with state agencies through simple, seamless, and secure digital services designed around the needs of the people who use them. Last year alone, CODE PA earned five national awards for technology innovation and leadership. The 2026-27 proposed budget includes $3.7 million for CODE PA to modernize permitting processes in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
In addition to building new applications, CODE PA has transformed the Commonwealth’s digital experience by consolidating more than 60 agency websites into one secure and accessible PA.gov platform, replacing a fragmented web presence with a unified digital front door. Together, these efforts make it easier for Pennsylvanians to find what they need, whether applying for a permit, license, or certification, determining eligibility for a tax credit, or accessing benefits.
CODE PA has saved over $10 million by utilizing in-house staff and technology instead of contracting with vendors. Overall, OA has saved over $37 million on information technology spending during the Shapiro Administration by modernizing costly and outdated systems and prudent financial management.
Governor Shapiro recognizes the critical role of technology in state government operations and serving Pennsylvanians. His proposed budget builds on year-over-year investments by the Shapiro Administration to strengthen the Commonwealth’s digital foundation and embrace innovations to make government more effective and responsive for everyone.
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