PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed his third executive order, this one with a “money-back guarantee” that requires state agencies to respond to permit and licensing requests.
Like his first two executive orders, this one is designed to streamline government to help businesses and those seeking employment.
Shapiro said the most common interaction with government is applying for a business license or permit.
“For too many Pennsylvanians when they hear back from state government, when they hear back often feels arbitrary and uncertain and takes way too much time. Sometimes, they don't hear back at all,” he said.
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Pointing to the shortage of nurses and teachers, Shapiro signed an executive order that requires all agencies under his jurisdiction to spend the next 90 days and come up with a list of all the permits and licenses they’re responsible for, and a timeline on how long they need to safely and adequately review each application.
State agencies must publish response times for each application, and if an agency misses the deadline, the applicant gets their money back.
“We're going to move more quickly, and we're going to have certainty for the public,” he said.
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“If an agency does not respond to an applicant on time, the agency will be required under my executive order to refund that Pennsylvanian’s application fee. They will get their money back.”
Shapiro says no corners will be cut, and no regulations will be changed.
“But we will guarantee through this executive order and our following actions is certainty so that workers and businesses are no longer left in limbo,” said Shapiro.
His first executive order lifted a college degree requirement for 92% of jobs within state government. His second created what he calls a one-stop-shop for businesses to navigate state government.