Gov. Shapiro Misleads Pennsylvania! - Commonwealth Foundation

Gov. Josh Shapiro might portray himself as a pragmatic, moderate politician, but don’t let him mislead you. Shapiro’s failed leadership is hurting Pennsylvania families, workers, and businesses.

Shapiro Betrayed Our Kids, Vetoing His Own Campaign Promise on Lifeline Scholarships

While running for governor, Shapiro pledged to support Lifeline Scholarships to help kids stuck in the state’s lowest-performing schools attend a different school that better fits their learning needs. In his first year in office, he struck a deal with the state Senate to enact Lifeline Scholarships as part of the budget. But when members of his party in the House complained, Shapiro buckled under pressure and line-item vetoed his own campaign promise from his first budget.

Since then, Shapiro hasn’t lifted a finger to make Lifeline Scholarships a reality for the thousands of kids trapped in violent, failing schools.

Shapiro’s Inaction is Sending Pennsylvania Jobs to Other States

Shapiro says he wants government to move “at the speed of business,” but his policies are making businesses move out of Pennsylvania.

In 2023, national dairy brand Fairlife chose New York over Pennsylvania for a new processing plant, due in large part to Pennsylvania’s overly complicated and inefficient permitting process. Shapiro’s response has been a series of largely symbolic actions while avoiding the comprehensive permitting and regulatory reform that is needed to make Pennsylvania more competitive.

And now, Pennsylvania is in danger of losing U.S. Steel jobs to Ohio because Shapiro has stood on the sidelines during the debate about Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of the company. Nippon Steel has pledged to keep jobs in Pennsylvania, while alternative proposals would likely see layoff in Pennsylvania or jobs relocated across the border to Ohio.

Shapiro’s Tax-And-Spend Policies are Making Life Unaffordable

Shapiro claimed in his 2025 budget address that he’s “cutting costs across the board,” but his out-of-control budget proposal would lead to a tax hike of nearly $2,000 per family of four. That’s how much more in taxes a family of four would need to pay to cover its share of Shapiro’s massive $4.85 billion deficit.

At the same time, Shapiro is pursuing reckless energy policies that would raise electricity rates by at least 30 percent. He is fighting in court to unilaterally impose an energy tax without a vote of the legislature.

At a time when many Pennsylvanians are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, Shapiro’s policies threaten to make conditions much worse.

While Pennsylvanians Struggle, Shapiro Cares More About Himself

Did you know Shapiro’s communications staff is more than double the size of his predecessor’s? He reportedly has 26 staffers helping to bolster his image, and that includes a significant investment into his social media presence.

But that’s not the only sign Shapiro cares more about himself.

Despite a gift ban, Shapiro has taken thousands of dollars of sports tickets from a secretive nonprofit.
Shapiro went on a shopping spree for the Governor’s residence, using taxpayer dollars to purchase big ticket items such as an automatic dog door, a massaging sofa, and big-screen televisions.
Shapiro also uses Pennsylvania’s state plane much more than his predecessor, and even used the state police plane for flights that weren’t publicly disclosed.

Pennsylvania Can’t Afford More Failed Leadership and Broken Promises

Tell Shapiro to act now: Send a message TODAY to tell Gov. Shapiro to provide more opportunity and prosperity to Pennsylvanians.