Gov. Shapiro Signs New Executive Order To Optimize Government

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a new executive order this week that's aimed at improving the state's licensing and permitting process for workers, and limiting waits and long lines.

The order mandates that state agencies set a date for when workers applying to become licensed hear back. If that date passes and applicants don't hear back, application fees will be refunded.

"State government’s top priority should be serving the people of our Commonwealth, but for far too long, Pennsylvanians have had to endure long wait times, outdated systems, and bureaucratic delays," Shapiro said in a statement. "They deserve a government that works efficiently and effectively to get them answers."

Shapiro pointed to "inefficient" digital systems that delay the licensing, permitting, and cetification process. The order also directs all state agencies to compile a list of all the licenses they issue and send them to the governor's office. Shapiro's office will then come up with an "efficient processing time" for each license after an analysis.

Shapiro's administration cited an NPR report indicating that Pennsylvania was among the slowest states in the nation at issuing nursing licenses.

"People shouldn’t have to suffer through long wait times to put their skills and knowledge to good use," Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said.

The order comes a week after Shapiro created the new Office of Transformation and Opportunity to help businesses grow in the state.

The state offers hundreds of licenses and permits for a wide variety of occupations, ranging from nursing and teaching to barbers and salon workers.