According to Shapiro, he expects Fetterman to return and that he will serve for a good long while. He also insisted that there is no contingency plan to replace the Keystone States new senator if he decides to step down due to his health problems. Millions of young Americans may not know the term credentialism, but the concept is baked into their brain, from their teen SAT prep classes to get into the right school, to their monthly debt payments that can drag onto into middle age and well beyond. Hes based in Philadelphia and will serve on the transitions health and human services committee, with a focus on health care. Copyright 2023. In 2016, with then-Attorney General Kathleen Kane under indictment and the office in disarray, Shapiro won that statewide position on a promise to restore order. Spotlight PA is different. Lets just leave it at that., What you need to know about Pennsylvanias 2022 race for U.S. Senate. Shapiro swore the oath of office on three bibles, one of which survived the 2018 fatal shooting rampage in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. I dont agree with a lot of the positions he takes, [but] for every abortion question or Second Amendment question or civil rights question, theres a thousand potholes, and where does the road go, and who gets appointed to that important job, thats where Josh excels.. Pennsylvania Gov. Warm start to March before the next wintry mess on Friday! Shapiros style has won him some unlikely admirers. Especially for those populations that have historically been neglected and havent been able to access many of these programs and policies.. Tom Wolf. It really speaks to what I think Josh does very well. The White House has previously noted that included teams from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who were coordinating with local agencies and first responders and that the president was in communication with Ohio Gov. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke). top news from across PA, plus some fun, too. McNesby is the longtime president of Philadelphias Fraternal Order of Police, and will serve on the transitions public safety committee with a focus on law enforcement policy. Monica Crowley (@MonicaCrowley) February 27, 2023. Another was carried by a World War II soldier who landed in Normandy on D-Day on June 6, 1944. And it also enables us to share that work with more than 90 newsroom partners in your community and communities across the state at no charge. HARRISBURG, Pa. Governor-elect Josh Shapiros office has been busy assembling the team of people who will comprise his administration when he is sworn into office on Jan. 17. Theyve had to fight for it. Of course, government jobs are only one part of the workforce. Since the Governor signed an executive order removing four-year college degree requirements for most state government jobs, Georgias state senate and the state of Alaska have followed suit. Theres a good reason many of Pennsylvanias established or enterprising Democrats have focused their 2022 efforts on the U.S. Senate instead of governor. He worked closely with the younger Shapiro as the Democrat rose through the political ranks, from Montgomery County state representative, to county commissioner, to attorney general. Greenberg, who made billions in his trading career, retired from Susquehanna in 2016, but before that, he was involved in Yasss political giving along with their third co-founder, Arthur Dantchik. Heres hoping more governors will follow Governor Shapiros lead. Groen responded that he is very proud of my record of opening up Montgomery County after years of GOP control, and that he strove to dramatically increase the numbers of women in county leadership positions. WebJosh Shapiro will reject politics of hate and division and focus on solving real problems. Cheyney is also a public university, and along with the rest of Pennsylvanias state system of higher education or PASSHE it depends on state money to operate and offer students relatively affordable tuition. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, signed his first executive order, removing a four-year degree requirement for tens of thousands of state This is a significant step in tearing down barriers for employment here in Pennsylvania., Forbes: Penn.s New Governor Strikes A Blow Against The College-Industrial Complex. Candidly, I think Josh Shapiro has his eyes set on, you know, potentially something else, so I think hes motivated at this particular juncture to demonstrate bipartisanship, he said. He appointed former GOP state representative Mike Vereb, who was the first Pennsylvania legislator to endorse Donald Trump in 2016, as his secretary of legislative affairs, making the Republican his conduit between the governors office and the General Assembly. Support our commitment to credible conservative news. Its a vision for the Democratic party that resonates with Groen, but one that has begun to feel increasingly like a throwback in Pennsylvania. A lot of what we need to accomplish, the governor has central to his agenda: better schools, better jobs, safer communities in my view those are all progressive priorities. Pennsylvania Gov. One of its co-founders, Jeff Yass, is arguably the commonwealths single biggest conservative political donor. We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Governor Josh Shapiro is a Pennsylvania Democrat. Those themes resonate with voters no matter where they live, Eggleston said. Its chair is Senator Sharif Street. Even far-right conservative Republicans such as state Rep. Paul Schemel, who was among 26 legislators on a resolution to decertify Joe Bidens 2020 win in the state, said he is cautiously optimistic about Shapiros rhetoric and actions, though he also views them as politically opportunistic. We have no billionaire owner or shareholders to consider. Famous performersall from Pennsylvaniainclude Wiz Khalifa, Smokey Robinson and Mt. Soon, we will be rolling out changes to better differentiate between different types of transactions, whether monetary, non-monetary (in-kind), or something else. Here are some key policies likely to come up. Shapiros first big political job came in the late 90s, when he became chief of staff the youngest chief of staff on Capitol Hill to then-U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel, a Democrat. And thats all Im focused on.. Gupta is a primary care physician and an assistant professor and researcher at Johns Hopkins Medicine. She said her overarching goal is to uphold Pennsylvanias environmental rights amendment and make sure people have access to clean air and water, [and a] safe environment.. Hes unwilling to work with anyone who peddles lies and conspiracy theories and act like demagogues, he says. Governor-elects typically assemble a transition team of people who will help set policy agendas based on the administrations goals. Schmidt is well respected in political circles as someone who is battle-tested from defending the citys election integrity against attacks by former President Donald Trump. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR. The period between the election and inauguration is critical for a smooth transition, analysts said. The team of nearly 300 people includes lobbyists, activists, attorneys, executives, and former elected officials, and not all are obvious choices for a Democratic administration. Shapiro will need GOP buy-in to implement his policy agenda. His office declined to comment on Shapiros gubernatorial bid. Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news. In branding degree requirements for many jobs as arbitrary and declaring there are many different pathways to success, the Keystone States new chief executive was tugging at the shaky Jenga block that has undergirded the appalling rise of a $1.75 trillion student debt bomb in the U.S. and led, arguably, to a college/non-college divide driving our nations bitter politics. Progressives will be looking for him to deliver wins on major Democratic issues in return for their support, while Republicans will be seeking to advance their priorities in return for allowing any of Shapiros to move. Progressive power is really rising, Rosso said. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? John Fetterman, who is running for U.S. Senate, have argued the real way to win Pennsylvania is to energize people across the political spectrum with progressive ideas that poll well, like marijuana legalization, healthcare for all, and higher wages. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, signed his first executive order, removing a four-year degree requirement for tens of thousands of state government jobs. Hell make health care recommendations in a group that includes representatives from major health systems, health care unions, and the insurance industry. Tom Wolf beat out three other high-profile contenders for the Democratic nod. Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA contributed to this report. Along with the executive action, Shapiro ordered all executive branch agencies to emphasize skills and experience during the hiring process and launched a review of the remaining 8% of jobs that still require a four-year degree. Its a good sign that a governor looks to the other party, that identifies people of competence and integrity, and I think Governor-elect Shapiro scores highly so far around those attributes, said Thornburgh. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the icon below and to the right of that comment. Near-daily press releases announced the latest people named to cabinet and executive positions in the administration. After the review, state job postings will be changed to state that relevant experience can be used instead of a college degree. A sitting U.S. Mike Dunleavy (R). Josh Shapiro and the Democrats, if they want to live by their own standards, are going to have to do something about the problematic organization they belong to and represent on the ballot. If you think the Democrat party cares about anything other than personal power look at what they did to John Fetterman. Austin Davis said the order applies to 92% of commonwealth jobs, estimating that roughly 65,000 positions in the state will be open to Pennsylvanians regardless of whether they hold a college degree. I believe as fervently as anyone in the value of a four-year college degree not just as a path to professional opportunity but also as preparation for informed, thoughtful citizenship. Hes going to get the help that he needs and do a great job for the people of Pennsylvania as their senator for a long time, Shapiro said in a previous interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, adding that he hadnt faced pressure from establishment Democrats to compel Fetterman to resign. Others have been turned off by what they view as Shapiros hard-edged political ambition. Sign up for our free newsletters. One of Blumes critiques of outgoing governor Tom Wolf was that though she often agreed with his priorities he tended to decide first, then go to people., Shapiro, she said, is more collaborative.. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. This is an easy, obvious political win on numerous levels: The move lifts artificial barriers to entering the workforce, expands opportunity, and subsequently grows the economy by opening up (often well-paying) jobs to those who would have otherwise been boxed out. Shapiro said he feels no pressure from inside the Democratic Party to push Fetterman to resign, nor does he feel pressure to push him to stay in the seat to benefit Pennsylvania government should be a place where every single person has the opportunity to serve and to succeed, Davis said. In a statement this year explaining the Philly FOPs decision to back the attorney general over his GOP opponent for governor, McNesby said of Shapiro, Every time we pick up the phone, hes there to help us with whatever we need to do as far as law enforcement., He added, hell support whoever is out for police.. On a board with Shapiro and another Democrat, Castor might have expected even less influence. Now join thousands of your friends and neighbors in supporting it. Groen isnt a neutral observer. He did it again and again until he had shaken every hand in the room. Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) February 28, 2023, Spotted John Fetterman in the hospital window pic.twitter.com/XkfWAoib8L, Thomas Paine (@Thomas1774Paine) February 28, 2023. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Democrat Josh Shapiro won the race for governor of Pennsylvania, securing the office for four years in a state where the future of abortion rights is on the line, along with management of the 2024 election in a battleground that is often decisive in choosing presidents. We dont believe vital investigative and public-service journalism should be hidden behind a paywall or only for those who can afford a subscription fee. Hes the consensus without even having to have a conversation, said Marcel Groen, former chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and a longtime fixture in the Democratic politics of Montgomery County, where Shapiro grew up. These early overtures by the 49-year-old governor signal an unusual posture he is staking out as he takes the helm of a state roiled in recent years by baseless election conspiracy theories and sharp partisan fighting. Its not a surprise. Im talking about moderation in the sense of making sure that everyone gets a fair shot and then everyone gets to participate.. Before being named to the committee, Blume previously told Spotlight PA she had concerns about some of the folks on the list of people advising Shapiro on energy policy. Your support enables us to continue to produce tough, unique reporting you wont find anywhere else. We will no longer be beholden to them but we need your help. The last bible was a personal family bible on which Shapiro has been sworn in for every public office he has held since 2005. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? The morning after his inauguration, Shapiro signed an executive order eliminating a requirement that applicants for most state government jobs have a four-year college degree, calling it an arbitrary requirement. The move was broadly heralded by Democrats and Republicans, as well as conservative publications National Review and Reason. I think one of the challenges is getting Democratic candidates to understand that there are votes here and theres not as much loyalty here on the Republican side as they think. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) On Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, a new Pennsylvania governor will be sworn-in in Harrisburg. His chief of staff and a medical doctor should appear to discuss his condition. Alaskans will no longer need a four-year college degree to apply for some state jobs under a new order issued by Gov. A continuously updated summary of the news stories that US political commentators are discussing online right now. Meanwhile, Fettermans ongoing absence isnt going unnoticed by Twitter users. New York Times: Opinion: Something Very Important for Democrats Just Happened in Pennsylvania. On his first full day in office, Gov. Please share BPR content to help combat the lies. He walked into the cavernous central command center where 100 or so government employees sat at long tables with computers. Governor, you have exemplified what I spoke of a moment ago, Shapiro addressed Wolf during his address. Top donors who received posts include Thomas Hagen, a former Pa. Secretary of Commerce who donated $750,000 and was appointed to the Transition Leadership Board; Leslie Anne Miller, former General Counsel under former Gov. Alejandro A. Alvarez / Philadelphia Inquirer, Abolitionist Law Center Executive Director Robert Saleem Holbrook, Cheyney University Chief Diversity Officer Pamela Keye, Susquehanna International Co-Founder Joel Greenberg, Johns Hopkins Medicine professor Ravi Gupta, Former Pa. Republican Party head Val DiGiorgio, Conservation Voters of Pa. political director Katie Blume, Former Pa. Democratic Party head Marcel Groen, protested Shapiros appearance at a conference, pay unusually low federal income tax rates, has said he considers the governor-elect a friend, Unequal election policies disenfranchised Pennsylvania voters in 2022, by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Carter Walker of Votebeat, How anxiety came to dominate the big business of medical marijuana cards in Pennsylvania, Thousands of Pa. homeowners feel stuck in a high-stakes game of telephone with their homes, vital utilities on the line, What the public can and cant know about Four Diamonds, beneficiary of Penn State THONs fundraising, Grudges, tribalism, and infighting rife in Pennsylvania borough that hired the cop who killed Tamir Rice, by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College, A complete guide and amendment tracker for proposed changes to Pennsylvanias Constitution, Who is on Pa. Gov.-elect Josh Shapiros transition team? HARRISBURG, PA Governor Josh Shapiro is leading the way on opening the doors of opportunity to more people and expanding our workforce. A Delco native and combat veteran, Nick championed the rights of the military, their families and the interests of everyone living in his district regardless of political affiliation. In Pennsylvania, the people should decide what path is best for them, not have it decided by some arbitrary requirement or any arbitrary limitation, Shapiro said during a public signing ceremony on Wednesday. Most notably, Shapiros team on Jan. 5 announced the next Secretary of State will be Al Schmidt, a former Philadelphia city commissioner. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation. Groen himself isnt in power anymore. Additionally, only 31% of those Democrats and 17% of other voters also voted by mail compared to just about 8% of Republicans who voted in 2022. Hes also been endorsed by a Shell work on the energy and environment committee in the transition, with a focus on the environment. HARRISBURG, Pa. Josh Shapiro began his term as Pennsylvanias new Democratic governor by nominating four Republicans to his Cabinet. To Castor, it makes sense. And if I did, I would dismiss it immediately, the governor said. Social As such, we call upon Senator Fetterman to appear on camera to show us he is alive and well, and if he is unable to do so, we call upon our elected Representatives in Washington, Senator Casey and Congressman Reschenthaler, to intervene immediately, wrote Sean Logue, the county partys chairman on Facebook. ", No contingency' plan for a Fetterman Senate vacancy: Pennsylvania governor, GOP W.H. State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, a Republican from a district north of Pittsburgh, sent the governor a text message congratulating him on a good first week in office that put Pennsylvanians first on issues that people from all political sides agree with.. All Rights Reserved. He has written about barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder, for instance, and said he thinks a lot about making sure preventative care is available for people in all segments of the population. who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Pennsylvanians can indeed find light in the midst of darkness and drown out the voices of hate and bigotry, he said. Catturd (@catturd2) February 28, 2023, The Democrats would literally keep John Fetterman in a freezer for the next 4 years if it helps them keep control of the Senate They are tuly the party of pure evil, Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) February 28, 2023. Some criticism has been pointed at the number of transition team spots that went to top donors. An FOP endorsement was once a political necessity for Philly politicians, as well as candidates running statewide. Thank you for donating. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a liberal from Philadelphia, said he is not worried about Shapiro compromising on Democratic principles or losing support from the party base for working with Republicans. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, signed his first executive order, removing a four-year degree requirement for tens of thousands of state government jobs. He also cemented his status as a national figure many expect to become a future candidate for president. That a Democrat followed suit in Pennsylvania a much bigger political stage, with a much larger population matters. That assumption is reinforced by the ballooning of credentialism often called degree inflation in the American workforce. It is headquartered in Harrisburg and is the largest political party in the state. On issues like taxation, for instance, he sees in Shapiro a desire to find the most painless solution for everyone, versus the most progressive solution. Sen. John Albers, a Roswell Republican sponsoring the measure, said that the reexamination is needed. Explaining graupel: A more uncommon type of wintry precipitation, shooting rampage in the Tree of Life synagogue, Josh Shapiro's path to the governor's mansion, Pa. speaker's bipartisan group begins work on House rules, READ: Josh Shapiro's inauguration address. Former Gov. And I know the people of Pennsylvania Ive talked to are encouraging him along to get the help that he needs, Shapiro added. Shapiro became the 48th governor of Pennsylvania. Today, too many Americans feel compelled to pursue a college degree, whether they want to or not. 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