Civil Air Patrol tells committee $100,000 state appropriation delivers $8 million in value, asks for $150,000 increase

Representatives of the Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol briefed the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee and asked for a larger state appropriation, saying current funds underwrite cadet leadership training, emergency services missions and statewide support.

A CAP representative told the committee the Commonwealth provides $100,000 a year to the wing and that the organization "gives back $8,000,000 worth of return" through volunteer missions, training and support to state and federal operations. CAP asked the committee for an additional $150,000 to raise annual state funding to $250,000, proposing to allocate the increase roughly in thirds to more training, aid for low-income cadets (clothing, boots and scholarships), and expanded flying missions that position aircraft where needed.

A CAP officer described cadet summer leadership camps that host approximately 300—600 campers and a separate emergency services training camp of about 200 participants, and said higher FAA-licensing requirements are making it more expensive for senior members to qualify for some state missions; one presenter estimated upgrading a private pilot to a commercial rating can approach $40,000.

Members thanked the cadets and CAP leaders for their service, asked about coordination with Appropriations, and invited cadets to take photos with the committee after the briefing. CAP representatives said they are working with the Appropriations Committee and provided handouts and a letter of support for an appropriations increase.