Pennsylvania Governor Signs Order to Hire Laid-Off Federal Workers

Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Executive Order 2025-01 to facilitate the hiring of laid-off federal workers into Pennsylvania's state workforce. This initiative aims to fill 5,600 vacancies across various roles, including nursing, civil engineering, and corrections, by recognizing federal experience as equivalent to state experience. Shapiro emphasized the need for skilled employees to enhance public service and reduce processing times for state services, launching a new website to assist federal workers in finding job openings. The move comes amidst significant federal layoffs, with Shapiro expressing a commitment to recruiting experienced professionals displaced by government cuts. Critics, however, question the decision to prioritize federal employees over local candidates. The executive order also includes plans for recruitment campaigns and job fairs to attract these workers.