Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Seeks Federal Workforce Talent Amidst National Efficiency Push
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, widely considered a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election, has initiated a strategic move to bolster his state’s workforce by actively recruiting federal employees potentially affected by anticipated federal government downsizing. This initiative arrives amidst a broader national conversation about government efficiency, fueled by what appears to be a bipartisan interest in addressing federal spending and resource allocation.
Shapiro’s strategy, articulated through an executive order, seeks to capitalize on potential federal layoffs by streamlining the process for federal employees to transition into Pennsylvania’s civil service. The order specifically directs state agencies to recognize federal work experience as equivalent to state experience when evaluating candidates for critical positions. This move reflects a proactive approach to address existing vacancies within the state government while simultaneously attracting a pool of experienced and qualified professionals.
The governor formally announced the executive order at a job fair held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show complex in Harrisburg, underscoring the significance of the initiative. He emphasized the crucial role of a dedicated and talented public service workforce in ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of essential services to Pennsylvanians. Shapiro’s administration explicitly stated that this effort aims to attract and retain qualified individuals drawn to a career in public service, directly addressing existing workforce shortages across various state agencies.
Beyond simply filling vacancies, the Shapiro administration’s approach includes a targeted focus on specific segments of the federal workforce. The executive order emphasizes direct access to recruiter contacts and tailored resources for veterans and military service members, recognizing their valuable skills and experience. The state government also plans to publicly list the 23 highest-priority and most challenging-to-fill state positions, providing transparency and attracting potential candidates with specialized expertise.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver further emphasized the quality of the federal workforce, stating that it is "one of the most professional and qualified in the world." He noted that many federal jobs involve similar duties to those performed by Commonwealth employees, making the transition relatively seamless for experienced federal workers seeking new opportunities. Weaver believes this executive order will enable federal employees to find relevant job openings, continue their public service careers, and apply their skills to benefit the citizens of Pennsylvania.
While the immediate focus is on attracting federal workers to state government positions in Harrisburg, sources within the Shapiro administration suggest a broader strategy is at play. The governor remains committed to attracting top talent to Pennsylvania’s public and private sectors, aiming to create a robust and competitive workforce across the entire state.
To this end, Governor Shapiro has actively engaged with private sector leaders. The day before issuing the executive order, he met with business leaders at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development in Pittsburgh, exploring strategies to promote economic growth in western Pennsylvania. During the meeting, Shapiro outlined his energy "lightning plan," intended to simultaneously increase job creation and reduce energy costs. He emphasized the need for renewed focus on energy generation, highlighting the absence of significant progress in the sector since the Rendell administration. Furthermore, Shapiro held a phone call with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in October, focusing on potential investment opportunities in Pennsylvania.
The Shapiro administration’s overall approach to governance emphasizes efficiency and results. A source familiar with the administration’s work suggested that Shapiro embraced the principle of increasing government efficiency even before the recent national interest in federal government waste emerged. His unofficial slogan, "Get s–t done," encapsulates his commitment to practical and effective governance.
However, Shapiro’s efforts have not been without criticism. Republican leaders in the state legislature have voiced concerns about the expansion of state government and the potential for increased spending. State Representative Jesse Topper, the House minority leader, argued that vacant government jobs should first be evaluated for necessity before being filled. He emphasized that Pennsylvania should prioritize responsible fiscal management and questioned whether adding to the state’s bureaucracy aligns with that goal. Topper argued that the state should prioritize ways to get its "fiscal house in order."
State Senator Doug Mastriano, a potential challenger to Shapiro in the 2026 gubernatorial election, strongly criticized the governor’s actions, claiming that they would "make living in Pennsylvania worse." He accused Shapiro of pursuing an unsustainable spending agenda, pointing to the governor’s proposed $51 billion budget. Mastriano accused the governor of grandstanding and attempting to draw attention to himself politically while allegedly harming Pennsylvania’s economy.
In contrast to Shapiro’s approach, Mastriano recently launched his own initiative to establish a Pennsylvania version of the federal Department of Government Efficiency, suggesting an alternative strategy for addressing government waste and improving fiscal responsibility. This move highlights a divergence in perspectives between the governor and his critics regarding the appropriate methods for achieving government efficiency and managing state resources.
The situation in Pennsylvania mirrors a broader national debate regarding the size, scope, and efficiency of government. As states grapple with budget constraints and evolving workforce needs, innovative approaches to attracting and retaining talent are becoming increasingly important. Shapiro’s proactive strategy of targeting federal employees reflects a recognition of the value of their experience and skills, while also addressing the potential impact of federal government downsizing on individual careers and local economies. The governor’s actions represent a strategic move within a larger context of national discussions about government efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
