These are the top 15 reasons why Shapiro should not be Governor anymore. The target is the White House, and the Commonwealth is the bread basket to get there. The PA Supreme Court and Governor are currently Democrat, we need to counter the Democrat for Governor since it will allow a clear path for Nepotism and failed policies like New York and New Jersey. They are all working together and need to be stopped – or the same non productive, interests that benefit win, and you the voter are taken for a ride. Look at your bills and tell me if your wallet is fuller or tighter. Corruption and taking tax dollars is not a sustainable principle for any government to work off of – they bring down you and leave you stuck with their administrative pensions and salaries, while not solving the problems.
- Hypocrisy on the RGGI energy tax: As a candidate, Shapiro expressed concerns about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) raising electricity costs for families. Once in office, he appealed a court ruling that deemed it unconstitutional and pushed related policies projected to increase electric bills significantly (up to 30% or more in some analyses). (Two faced – shifts back and forth like shifting shadows – bends with the wind)
- Vetoed school choice / Lifeline Scholarships: Shapiro campaigned supporting scholarships for students in failing public schools but ultimately line-item vetoed a voucher program in budget negotiations after pushback from Democrats and unions, despite earlier deals with Republicans. Critics see this as prioritizing teachers’ unions over parents and kids in underperforming districts.
- Taxpayer-funded security at private home: After an arson attack on the governor’s residence, taxpayers were on the hook for over $1 million in security upgrades (fence, landscaping, etc.) at Shapiro’s private Montgomery County home, sparking disputes with the state Treasurer and neighbors (including lawsuits over property boundaries). EG This year alone, Chalfont households are paying $46.85 more in Municipal taxes, $71.28 more to Bucks County, and a staggering $860 more in Central Bucks School taxes — compounding on top of last year’s increases. All Democrat – they pay their interests and do not PAY the workers that need it. (That tells it all)
- Property dispute with neighbors: Shapiro’s push for security fencing led to mutual lawsuits with neighbors over a strip of land, with accusations of overreach and using state resources/influence.
- Low legislative productivity: Analyses (e.g., Commonwealth Foundation) rank his early term as one of the least productive for a Pennsylvania governor in decades with a divided legislature, with relatively few bills signed despite claims of “getting stuff done.”
- Energy and cost-of-living pressures: Critics tie his policies (and delays on alternatives) to higher utility bills, with Pennsylvania ranking high for outbound U-Haul moves due to affordability issues. Gas taxes, regulations, and green initiatives are frequently blamed. (Chalfont has seen increases of
- Budget deficits and spending: Proposals have been criticized for creating large structural deficits, exhausting rainy day funds, and setting up future tax hikes (e.g., projections of significant income tax increases if spending isn’t curbed).
- Feuds within his own party: Ongoing tensions with figures like Larry Krasner (Philadelphia DA) and other progressives, plus accusations of self-promotion and meddling, paint a picture of divisive leadership rather than unifying governance. The Socialist wing and Anti-Israel factions are taking over.
- Perceived focus on national ambitions: Detractors argue he’s eyeing a 2028 presidential run, prioritizing national profile (e.g., Israel stance drawing protests, out-of-state events) over solving core PA problems like crime, education, and taxes.
- Crime and public safety concerns: Philadelphia’s issues under progressive policies (which Shapiro has clashed with but not fully resolved at the state level) and broader criticisms of soft-on-crime approaches during his AG tenure and governorship.
- Opposition to certain federal alignments: Resistance or delays on opportunities like federal school choice tax credits or other America First-aligned policies post-2024.
- Corporate tax and business climate mixed record: While touting some cuts and investments, critics highlight higher effective burdens, unitary taxation proposals, and failure to fully capitalize on PA’s energy advantages for broader economic growth.
- Pardons and criminal justice: As AG and on the Board of Pardons, Shapiro was notably restrictive on commutations, but overall governance is faulted for not delivering meaningful statewide reforms on crime.
- Failed promises on key reforms: From minimum wage to broader accountability, critics list multiple instances of rhetoric not matching results, including on police reform compromises and other campaign pledges.
- Overall direction of the state: Polls and sentiment show many view PA as on the “wrong track” with persistent challenges in affordability, education outcomes, and out-migration, despite Shapiro’s approval ratings among Democrats. Republicans argue a change is needed for fiscal conservatism, energy production, parental rights, and rule of law.
Shapiro is just the same – a young leader that was groomed to ascend during Covid, and we must hold him accountable, as well as those that destroyed our State for the last eight years – a Change is Needed. That Change is fiscally smart and does know how to balance a checkbook, and would be the first capable female Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Stacy Garrity.
Reference:
In Pennsylvania, recent budget discussions have highlighted concerns about raiding the Rainy Day Fund.
- Republican Rep. Michael Stender criticized Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal for relying on drawing down ~$4.58 billion (nearly 60%) from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to balance it on paper. Critics argue this uses one-time funds for ongoing obligations, risking future shortfalls, tax hikes, or service cuts.
- Broader PA budget impasses (e.g., in 2025) have strained nonprofits, schools, counties, and safety-net programs like rape crisis centers and mental health services, with delays in funding and reliance on loans or reserves. While not always framed as direct “raiding,” these tie into debates over fiscal management and fund availability.
Pennsylvania has a history of fund-shifting practices during revenue shortfalls, similar to other states.
Broader U.S. Examples
- Kansas Tax-Cut Experiment (2010s): Large income tax cuts under Gov. Sam Brownback led to massive revenue shortfalls. The state responded by raiding the highway fund and other reserves, resulting in credit downgrades, slashed education funding (leading to court rulings), underfunded infrastructure, and a widely cited “fiscal disaster.” It took years to recover.
- Mississippi TANF Scandal: State officials were accused of misusing/raiding Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (welfare) funds meant for poor families. Millions went to personal use, friends/family of officials, or unrelated projects, leading to arrests, audits, and one of the largest embezzlement cases in state history. This diverted aid from those in need and damaged public trust.
- Other states (e.g., Washington, Michigan) have faced criticism for raiding rainy day or dedicated funds (pensions, highways, worker’s comp) to balance budgets, often leading to higher future costs, deferred maintenance, or political fights.
New York and New Jersey have raided the funds then passed the problems to the tax payers. There is a difference between a 5000 tax burden versus 20000, and it comes down to either making your voice known now, or getting trucked later. I prefer to speak up now and intercept where these baddies are going, then being stuck with the balance that is due. Value your property, don’t let them do this to you. Get involved.