Gov. Josh Shapiro Still Ain’t “Getting Sh*t Done”

In The New York Times, columnist Binyamin Appelbaum thinks Gov. Josh Shapiro is the future of the Democratic Party. But Appelbaum’s puff piece ironically concluded that the Pennsylvania governor has “a lot of stuff to get done.”

And there’s a reason for this long to-do list: Despite his “get s— done” motto, Shapiro has accomplished very little in his three years as governor.

According to a recent analysis by the Commonwealth Foundation, Shapiro’s term has been the least productive of any Pennsylvania governor in at least 50 years. From a historic budget delay to a shrinking list of accomplishments, the numbers paint a picture of a politician more focused on national appearances than state progress.

Even some in the legacy media appear to question the governor’s lackluster record. As observed by a state capitol reporter, Shapiro had a 98-day gap between his latest bill signings, neither of which addressed the ongoing budget impasse. “The I-95 rebuild was two years ago,” wrote the Philadelphia Magazine. “It’s time to get something else done.”

More Than 130 Days Late

Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation without an approved budget for 2025. The state’s fiscal year began on July 1, but negotiations are still at a standstill more than 130 days later. As schools, local governments, and service providers wait for clarity, the Shapiro administration has offered few updates and even fewer solutions.

But this is par for the course for the governor. Of the three budget negotiations he has facilitated since taking office, all three have been late.

Rather than working to end the stalemate in Harrisburg, Shapiro has spent much of his time elsewhere—literally.

Where in the World is Josh Shapiro?

Move over, Carmen Sandiego. Another mysterious jet-setting figure is crisscrossing the world.

While Pennsylvanians continue to wait for a budget, Shapiro has been racking up frequent-flyer miles. In October, as the budget impasse left parts of the state paralyzed, Shapiro traveled to New Jersey and Virginia to campaign in other states’ gubernatorial races. He also made appearances in New York for national media hits, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Breakfast Club.

And that wasn’t all. In the months leading up to the budget deadline, Shapiro jetted off to Hollywood to appear on Real Time with Bill Maher, to Nantucket for a private fundraiser, and even to Canada for a press conference.

Meanwhile, back home, Pennsylvania’s schools, nonprofits, and municipal governments are left holding the bag.

A Record of Low Productivity

The Commonwealth Foundation’s analysis paints an underwhelming picture of the governor. Compared to the first three years of previous governors’ terms in office, Shapiro’s performance is abysmal:

• Bills signed: Shapiro has signed 291 bills into law so far—well below the average of 496 bills enacted during the same timeframe under the previous 12 governors.
• Appropriations acts: Shapiro has enacted only 32 appropriation bills during his tenure, compared to an average of 123 in past administrations.
• General bills: Just 259 general bills have become law, short of the 373-bill average from prior terms.

These aren’t partisan talking points; they’re hard numbers showing a governor who’s not getting things done.

A Governor Focused on Politics, Not Pennsylvania

Instead of addressing Pennsylvania’s growing list of challenges—from the late budget to education funding and infrastructure needs—Governor Shapiro seems increasingly focused on building a national profile. His frequent out-of-state trips, national media appearances, and campaign stops for other politicians suggest a leader more interested in positioning himself for the national stage than leading his own state.