Pennsylvanians Blame Governor Shapiro for Budget Impasse, New Polling Finds

Pennsylvanians aren’t pleased with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s performance with this year’s state budget, according to a recently released poll. Moreover, Keystone State residents are increasingly concerned about the future of the commonwealth. 

A new statewide survey of 800 registered voters reveals disapproval of their governor’s fiscal policies. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) opposed the governor’s $51.5 billion spending plan. Roughly the same amount (65 percent) oppose his proposal to use $1.6 billion in Rainy Day Fund reserves to finance his excessive spending.  

For the budget impasse, Pennsylvanians believe the buck stops with Shapiro. A plurality (36 percent) blames him for the current budget impasse. Meanwhile, 22 percent blame Pennsylvania Republican legislators and 16 percent blame their Democrat counterparts. 

Overall, Pennsylvanians have mixed feelings about Shapiro. Half of respondents feel that the governor has “delivered major accomplishments,” with 40 percent saying he hasn’t. However, when pressed to list accomplishments, few could agree on or specify anything specific.  

Many Pennsylvanians expressed their overall discontent. A plurality—40 percent—say Pennsylvania is “seriously off track.” Meanwhile, 38 percent feel the commonwealth is headed in the right direction, and 21 percent remain unsure.  

This unease is inspiring some to consider moving. About 38 percent of respondents have either personally considered leaving Pennsylvania or know someone who has left. This also tracks with Pennsylvania’s ongoing problem with outmigration: The Keystone State has seen a net population loss in domestic migration 12 times in the past 13 years. 

Among those contemplating relocation, the primary motivators are consistent with national migration trends: 55 percent cite a lower cost of living, 39 percent lower taxes, and 37 percent better job opportunities. Poll respondents cited low-tax states like Florida, North Carolina, and Texas as their top destination choices.  

Beyond their economic concerns, Pennsylvanians also expressed deeper frustrations with the state’s political climate: 22 percent pointed to a desire for elected leaders whose values align with their own, and 20 percent indicated that they want greater personal freedoms and a less intrusive government. Personal safety also matters, with 29 percent noting the appeal of less crime and safer communities.  

Meanwhile, access to quality public institutions and civic confidence remain salient issues—15 percent cited better healthcare, 12 percent better public schools, 10 percent greater educational choices, and 7 percent a more secure election process as key reasons for considering relocation. 

If state lawmakers—specifically, Governor Shapiro—want to reverse this trend, they must act on the issues that matter most to Pennsylvanians: affordability, accountability, and opportunity. Politicians who listen and respond effectively may not only prevent an exodus but also reenergize the commonwealth.