Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro gives an update on his administration's effort to speed up the state license and permit process on Oct. 26, 2023. Photo credit: PennLive.Pennsylvania has significantly speeded up the process of issuing permits, licenses and certificates in areas ranging from opening a business to becoming a nurse or teacher to being able to go hunting, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Thursday.
Shapiro said the improvements reflect his goal of making state government operate “at the speed of business.” Secretary of the Commonweath Al Schmidt, whose department is in charge of many licenses and permits, said the improvements are being accomplished through steps including filling vacant positions, cross-training staff, and staffers working evenings and weekends.
“People have been talking about licensing reform for years. People have complained about it for years, but it was not until this governor, this administration, took leadership, took the initiative … I’m thankful for his leadership,” he said. “This is vitally important to making Pennsylvania more competitive.”