Harrisburg, Pa., October 19, 2025 — The Commonwealth Foundation has launched a new statewide ad calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to end the state budget impasse by getting to work negotiating a bipartisan, fiscally responsible compromise that protects Pennsylvania taxpayers.
Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation without a state budget. The new ad calls on the governor to “End the Shapiro Shutdown,” underscoring how his partisan brinkmanship has forced a monthslong stalemate. His push for billions in deficit spending would lead to tax hikes of nearly $2,000 per working family.
At the same time, Shapiro has been preoccupied with taxpayer-funded self-promotion and frequent out-of-state travel focused on bolstering his national profile.
The ad is running statewide on digital and TV across Pennsylvania’s three largest markets—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg—as well as northeastern Pennsylvania.
Commonwealth Foundation Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Erik Telford issued the following statement:
“Pennsylvanians expect Governor Shapiro to do his job, demonstrate leadership, and work with both legislative chambers to deliver a responsible, bipartisan budget.
“Shapiro’s partisan demands and failed leadership have left Pennsylvanians suffering a state budget impasse lasting more than three months, leaving the state in a precarious position amid the overlapping federal government shutdown.
“Shapiro and Pennsylvania House Democrats have once again walked away from the negotiating table, demanding an unbalanced plan that would spend $5.6 billion more than revenue. This deficit spending will force a tax hike working families simply can’t afford.
“Shapiro entered office promising bipartisan leadership, but he has failed to deliver, leaving Pennsylvania as the only state in the country without an operating budget.
“Worse yet, during his latest out-of-state trip for a national media appearance with The Breakfast Club, Shapiro declared he’s ‘all-in,’ supporting US Senate Democrats’ continued filibuster to shut down the federal government.
“It’s time for the governor to return to Pennsylvania, focus on his job, and show a willingness to compromise.”
The ad can be viewed here:
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