The governor used funds for luxury hotel stays during his latest concerning use of taxpayer dollars.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has long been criticized for his use of taxpayer dollars for travel on state aircraft and security upgrades to his private residence.
According to records obtained under state open records laws, Shapiro recently spent nearly $1,700 of taxpayer dollars for three nights spent at high-end, luxury hotels.
On Labor Day two years ago, Shapiro spoke at an annual parade in downtown Pittsburgh. He also attended the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. last year.
During both occasions, Shapiro stayed at high-end hotels on taxpayers’ dime.
On September 3 and 4, 2023, Shapiro spent $1,154 for a room and meals at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh.
On January 9, 2025, Shapiro spent $589 of taxpayer dollars for a room and meals at the Conrad in downtown Washington, D.C.
“From luxury hotel stays, to extensive travel on state aircraft, and a VIP tent at the U.S. Open in Oakmont, Governor Shapiro certainly appears to be trying to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous at taxpayer expense,” said State Senator Jarrett Coleman in a recent statement on Shapiro’s use of taxpayer dollars.
Rosie Lapowsky, a spokesperson for Shapiro, said the events were official business and “neither of those events was political.”
Shapiro has long been criticized for his use of taxpayer dollars to fund travel and other expenses. The governor recently made a request in the amount of $1.1 million to fund security upgrades to his private residence in Abington Township.
The expenses include $290,000 for landscaping and other groundskeeping. Another request was made for an additional $32 million for security upgrades at the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg after the residence was set on fire as Shapiro and his family slept inside.
