Pennsylvania Game Commission’s $500M reserve questioned by lawmakers

Some state lawmakers are questioning why the Pennsylvania Game Commission has such a large amount of money in its fiscal reserves.Subject of criticismThe $500 million figure was the subject of criticism from at least one senator during a recent Senate committee hearing.”Your fund balance is listed at $504 million. In an error not in just this commonwealth, we’re facing a $5 billion deficit, but the number one issue we’re hearing from our constituents, not just in Pennsylvania but the country, is affordability,” said Sen. Greg Rothman, of Perry, Dauphin, and Cumberland counties.Rothman questioned whether the agency plans to spend the money and how.Funds come from oil and gas lease revenueThe commission’s executive director, Steve Smith, testified that the commission is being cautious so it can avoid cutting programs or raising hunting license fees.Game Commission officials say the money comes from oil and gas lease revenue and helps fund wildlife management.Rothman said that explanation was not reassuring, given affordability concerns across the state.

Some state lawmakers are questioning why the Pennsylvania Game Commission has such a large amount of money in its fiscal reserves.

Subject of criticism

The $500 million figure was the subject of criticism from at least one senator during a recent Senate committee hearing.

“Your fund balance is listed at $504 million. In an error not in just this commonwealth, we’re facing a $5 billion deficit, but the number one issue we’re hearing from our constituents, not just in Pennsylvania but the country, is affordability,” said Sen. Greg Rothman, of Perry, Dauphin, and Cumberland counties.

Rothman questioned whether the agency plans to spend the money and how.

Funds come from oil and gas lease revenue

The commission’s executive director, Steve Smith, testified that the commission is being cautious so it can avoid cutting programs or raising hunting license fees.

Game Commission officials say the money comes from oil and gas lease revenue and helps fund wildlife management.

Rothman said that explanation was not reassuring, given affordability concerns across the state.