President Trump’s initiative to scale back the federal government has resulted in the firing of more federal workers. In response to this, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to slash over 70,000 employees to bring its workforce back to pre-pandemic levels. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is seizing the opportunity by inviting these displaced workers to join the state workforce.
Shapiro signed an executive order at a job fair in Harrisburg to fast track these federal workers into state government jobs, citing a need for nurses, civil engineers, accountants, and emergency workers. However, critics like Nathan Benefield of the Conservative Commonwealth Foundation argue that this move may not be in the taxpayer’s best interest, especially given the state’s budget deficit.
Republican leaders like State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and State House Leader Jesse Topper have also expressed skepticism and concerns about Governor Shapiro’s decision, urging him to focus on finding efficiencies within the state government instead of expanding it.
Shapiro maintains that his goal is not to increase the size of state government but to fill existing vacancies with qualified workers who have been let go from federal positions. He emphasizes that these jobs are already funded through the state budget, and he aims to use the skills of these workers to benefit Pennsylvanians. The governor’s executive order is met with mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing debate about the impact of the federal government’s cutbacks on state workforces.
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