Press Release

shapiro least productive governor

Analysis: Shapiro’s Record Least Productive in 50 Years

Harrisburg, Pa., July 1, 2024 — Despite speculation of replacing President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, Gov. Josh Shapiro has been an ineffective leader with few legislative accomplishments, according to a new analysis from the Commonwealth Foundation.

“Gov. Josh Shapiro has made ‘Get Sh*t Done,’ profanity and all, the official slogan of his administration, but when it comes to legislative accomplishments, his governing abilities have yet to live up to that motto,” notes the analysis, adding “Shapiro’s first year-and-a-half in office was the least productive of any Pennsylvania gubernatorial term in at least 50 years, while also leaving him ranked last in the nation among states with divided government.”

According to the analysis:

  • Pennsylvania, under Shapiro, held the least-productive legislative session. Shapiro ranks last among other governors with divided government when it comes to getting stuff done.
  • Pennsylvania is one of only two states starting their fiscal year on July 1 without a budget. Last year’s budget was five months late—the last governor in the nation to complete and sign a state budget.
  • The number of bills enacted in Shapiro’s first year was the least productive of any gubernatorial term in at least 50 years.
  • Regarding general legislation only, excluding appropriation bills, Shapiro’s 100 new laws signed are the fewest in the past 50 years.
  • Pennsylvania enacted 77 bills into law in 2023, the least of any state with a divided government.

“When it comes to governing, Josh Shapiro has been M.I.A.,” said Commonwealth Foundation Senior Vice President Erik Telford. “Governor Shapiro acts like a figurehead who is more concerned with media appearances and public relations than working with the legislature to get stuff done. It’s time for him to put the future of Pennsylvania ahead of his own political ambition. Pennsylvanians deserve a governor that they can rely on to deliver.”

Read the full Commonwealth Foundation analysis here.

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The Commonwealth Foundation turns free-market ideas into public policies, fostering prosperity for all Pennsylvanians.