PA Governor Seeks Federal Workers for State Positions

HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced a new initiative aimed at bolstering the state’s workforce by tapping into the pool of federal workers who may be displaced as part of efforts by former President Donald Trump to downsize the federal government.
Shapiro is aligning with several other governors who have begun similar campaigns, hosting job fairs and accelerating the hiring process to attract such talent.
During a press event at a Harrisburg state job fair, Shapiro highlighted his administration’s commitment to prioritizing federal job experience in the state hiring process. Additionally, the state has set up online resources to help federal employees understand how their skills translate into state positions.
Governor Shapiro pointed out several key areas where these federal workers could contribute significantly, such as in healthcare, civil engineering for infrastructure projects, accounting for tax processing, and emergency management, all vital roles that could benefit from their expertise.
Pennsylvania currently has a workforce of nearly 82,000, but with almost 6,000 vacancies, it presents ample opportunities for federal workers seeking new avenues, particularly those affected by recent federal workforce reductions.

“Some federal workers might be recently laid-off or perhaps desire a change,” Shapiro stated. “They can immediately fill our vacancies and start serving the community.”
Shapiro criticized the Trump administration’s workforce reductions, claiming they make the country “less safe, healthy, and protected.”
Under Trump, backed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, substantial changes have been initiated, including closing agencies, significant layoffs, buyouts, and dismissals of probationary employees lacking civil service protection.
Further federal workforce reductions appear imminent, with the IRS and Social Security Administration contemplating workforce cuts, federal property sales, and stringent performance report requirements that could lead to additional firings. Trump has also pledged to dismantle the Department of Education.
The majority of the nation’s 2.4 million federal workers, approximately 80%, operate outside the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, indicating a significant portion could be impacted by the ongoing changes.