Josh Shapiro on Trump, Iran War Chaos, Israel's Failure, the Economy, and 2028 Race

Permitting Turnaround with Money-Back Guarantee

Shapiro transformed Pennsylvania's permitting process from bottom-five to top-five nationally by implementing a money-back guarantee that required only five refunds out of 40 million permits issued.

Same-Day Licensing for Workers

Barber licensing was reduced from 20 days to same-day approval, putting thousands of dollars back into workers' pockets by allowing them to start earning immediately.

Seven Tax Cuts and Pro-Growth Environment

The administration has cut taxes seven times for small businesses, families, and seniors while maintaining one of the lowest income tax rates in the country.

Northeast's Only Growing Economy

Pennsylvania is currently the only growing economy in the Northeast, having created more jobs than all but two states nationally with unemployment below the national average for 32 consecutive months.

"Get to Yes" Bureaucratic Philosophy

Shapiro instituted a philosophy that treats permits as economic development tools rather than bureaucratic hurdles, protecting public health while prioritizing speed and predictability for businesses.

Zero Tolerance for Medicaid and PPP Fraud

His administration ranks first in Medicaid fraud prosecutions and maintains zero tolerance for waste, requiring proof of service before reimbursement and having prosecuted COVID-era PPP loan fraudsters as Attorney General.

Bipartisan Reform in Divided Government

Despite a divided legislature with a Republican Senate and Democratic House, Shapiro passed permitting reform through both executive orders and bipartisan legislation.

Rejection of Wealth Taxes on Unrealized Gains

Shapiro explicitly rejects California-style wealth taxes and asset seizure policies on unrealized gains, arguing such measures drive entrepreneurs away while Pennsylvania has cut taxes seven times.

Attracting Life Sciences and Startups

He advocates for a pro-growth tax environment that helps life sciences startups survive the 'valley of death,' coupled with the expectation that successful companies pay their fair share back to the commonwealth.

Recruiting Business from High-Tax States

Pennsylvania is actively recruiting business leaders fleeing high-tax coastal states by offering predictable, low-tax governance that moves at the speed of business rather than punitive redistribution.