27-05-2025
PA making state government workforce stronger and more competitive
May 26—WILKES-BARRE — To mark the one year anniversary of Gov, Josh Shapiro's executive order to strengthen the Commonwealth state employee workforce, the Shapiro Administration this week announced the completion of key milestones to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and development so that Commonwealth agencies can continue to attract highly qualified and dedicated public servants to address the needs of Pennsylvanians.
Initiatives to hire more bilingual workers, expand access to childcare, and engage with job seekers are delivering real results that build on Gov. Shapiro's goal of making the Commonwealth a top employer.
"Pennsylvania state government should be a place where the best and brightest want to work; a place where every Pennsylvanian, no matter their background, can see themselves thriving in meaningful careers," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. "Through the work of the HIRE Committee and the actions taken through the Governor's executive order, we are making tangible progress in creating a workforce that is as diverse, dynamic, and innovative as the people we serve."
"At DGS, we're proud to play a key role in supporting Governor Shapiro's vision of making the Commonwealth a top-tier employer by investing in the people who serve Pennsylvania every day," said Secretary of General Services Reggie McNeil. "From expanding access to quality childcare to improving physical accessibility and ensuring dignity through free menstrual products and single-use restrooms, our work is focused on creating a workplace that values every employee and meets the needs of a modern workforce."
Over the past year, the HIRE Committee has built on this foundation through targeted initiatives and pilot programs that include:
—Eliminating Waiting Periods for Benefits — Effective Aug. 1, 2025, the waiting period for new hires to enroll dependents into PEBTF medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage without paying additional out of pocket costs will be eliminated.
—Offering Financial Incentives for Bilingual Employees — Launched in April, this pilot program at L&I provides a $1.00 per hour bonus — almost $1,000 more over the course of the 6-month pilot — for bilingual employees in certain Unemployment Compensation and PA CareerLink positions to ensure Pennsylvanians who speak a language other than English receive efficient, effective service.
—Fostering Re-entrant Success through Employment Opportunities — OA is piloting a hiring program with the Department of Corrections to promote pathways to employment in state government for people who have previously interacted with the criminal justice system.
—Hosting the Second Annual Commonwealth Job Fair — OA hosted the second multi-agency job fair for job seekers in the Harrisburg area in March, attracting over 1,000 registrants to learn about open positions and opportunities to join public service.
—Enhancing Services for Pennsylvanians with Limited English Proficiency — After hiring the first enterprise language access program manager, OA has prioritized expanding technical assistance and training for agency staff on procuring high-quality translations and language services, supporting agencies as they develop language access plans, and building open and continuous communication with agencies to distribute translated materials and information to Pennsylvanians who need it most.
—Promoting Employee Work/Life Balance — The Commonwealth has expanded assistance for mental health and substance misuse issues, family care-giving, and more to support the well-being of all employees.
—Expanding Access to Employee Child Care — DGS is managing the expansion of the Keystone Early Learning Center, a year-round childcare facility available to Commonwealth employees.
—Improving Accessibility of Commonwealth Buildings — DGS continues to lead an accessibility study that is the first step in helping to improve access and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities throughout the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex.
—Offering Free Menstrual Products — DGS has placed menstrual products in woman's restrooms and single-use restrooms throughout Commonwealth buildings directly managed by the agency to ensure that essential hygiene products are readily available to employees and visitors who need them.
—Continuing to Add Single-Use Restrooms — DGS has added 12 single-use restrooms in state government facilities following the issuance of the HIRE executive order.
State graduates inaugural class of 15 small business owners from Mentor Protégé Program
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) this week graduated the inaugural cohort of the Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) — a key initiative started under the Shapiro-Davis Administration to expand opportunities and access for small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to compete in the Commonwealth's procurement process.
The MPP, established under Governor Shapiro's Executive Order 2023-18, provides small business owners with one-on-one mentoring relationships with seasoned prime contractors. Mentors provide guidance, support, and valuable insights to help protégés improve their business management and contract bidding skills which could be useful in acquiring additional Commonwealth business.
"This program is a reflection of the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to economic equity and opportunity," said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. "By investing in mentorship and creating space for small, small diverse and veteran-owned businesses to grow, we're strengthening Pennsylvania's economy and seeking to ensure that our procurement processes reflect the diversity and talent of our business community."
This first cohort, focused on IT services, included 15 business participants who engaged in targeted programming on business development, procurement readiness, leadership, and strategic planning.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis participated in the ceremony with a special pre-recorded message, applauding the graduates and reaffirming the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to breaking down barriers for small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our communities—and when we empower them, we uplift all of Pennsylvania," Davis said. "This administration is committed to cutting red tape, reducing wait times, and creating real ladders of opportunity."
League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre to hold Annual Meeting June 5
The League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre will hold its annual dinner meeting on Thursday, June 5, at 6 p.m., at Theo's Metro Restaurant, 596 Mercer Ave., Kingston.
The guest speaker will be Ned Miller, the Northeast Regional Representative for Fair Districts PA.
Fair Districts PA is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that advocates redistricting reform to ensure that the process of determining Pennsylvania's congressional and state legislative districts is fair and transparent.
The cost of the buffet dinner is $42 for members and $45 for non-members. RSVP by Friday, May 30.
Founded in 1944, The League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area (LWVWBA) is a nonpartisan organization that presents citizens of the Wilkes-Barre area with educational tools about issues and candidates so they can make informed decisions on election day.
Activities include publishing a government directory and voters guides, voter registration drives, and hosting events where constituents can meet their elected officials.
Entirely run by local volunteers, League membership is open to all, regardless of political affiliation or gender.
To reserve your seat at the Annual Meeting, contact the League at — 570-675-3429 — or email at lwvwba@ Or visit the League Website at — League updates can be found on Facebook @LWVWB.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
