PA Governor Newsroom

Arts Landing Opens, Four-Acre, $31M Pittsburgh Civic Space

Governor Josh Shapiro celebrated the opening of Arts Landing, a four-acre, $31 million outdoor civic space on the 8th Street block of Downtown Pittsburgh developed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The opening comes ahead of the NFL Draft on April 23-25. The project is part of a 10-year downtown revitalization plan that has attracted nearly $600 million in public and private investment, including $62.6 million from the Commonwealth, $27.1 million from local government, and $376.9 million in private capital.

Norwegian Jewel Returns to Port of Philadelphia, Creating 2,185 Jobs and $300M Economic Impact

Governor Josh Shapiro celebrated the inaugural call of the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship at the Port of Philadelphia on April 16, 2026, marking the return of cruise service to PhilaPort after a 15-year absence. Norwegian Cruise Line will operate 41 annual sailings from the new terminal, projected to generate 2,185 new jobs and approximately $300 million in economic output throughout Pennsylvania. The 965-foot vessel, capable of carrying 2,368 passengers, will sail to Bermuda, New England, and Canada through 2028.

Governor Shapiro Saves 1.7 Million Pennsylvania Consumers $510 Million on Utility Bills After Demanding PECO Withdraw Proposed Rate Increase

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that PECO, Pennsylvania's largest utility company, will withdraw a proposed rate case before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission that would have increased electricity and natural gas bills for customers across southeastern Pennsylvania. PECO's rate requests would have increased average residential electric bills by approximately $20.08 per month and natural gas bills by $14.52 per month. Following direct engagement from the Governor, PECO agreed to withdraw the filing, saving 1.7 million Pennsylvanians $510 million — up to $34 per month for some households.

PENNVEST Invests $284.2 Million Across 20 Counties for Water Infrastructure

The Shapiro Administration announced $284.2 million in PENNVEST funding for 33 water infrastructure projects across 20 Pennsylvania counties. Projects include drinking water treatment plant improvements, lead service line replacements, and wastewater system upgrades. Funding sources include the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, Clean Water Act grants, Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, and state funds.

Signs 3 Executive Orders Expanding Protections for Pennsylvanians with Disabilities and Autism

Governor Josh Shapiro signed three executive orders to strengthen protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism. The orders establish a new Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities, protect disability community rights and privacy within state government, and reauthorize the Developmental Disabilities Council within the Department of Human Services. The first executive order (EO 2026-01) rescinds and replaces EO 2002-5 and takes effect immediately.

Governor Shapiro Welcomes Dutch King and Queen, Signs $3.7B Trade Letter of Understanding

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro welcomed King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Philadelphia on April 13, 2026. Trade between the Netherlands and Pennsylvania reached $3.7 billion in 2025, a 17 percent increase from 2024, including over $1.6 billion in pharmaceutical products. DCED Secretary Siger and Dutch Minister Sjoerdsma signed a Letter of Understanding focused on advanced manufacturing, robotics, life sciences, agriculture, sports, and academia cooperation.

Governor Shapiro Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging Executive Order 14399 on Election Administration

Governor Josh Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit led by California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington challenging Executive Order 14399, which seeks to establish a federal list of eligible voters through DHS and restrict mail-in voting via USPS. The lawsuit alleges the executive order unconstitutionally usurps states' constitutional authority to administer elections. Governor Shapiro and 17 other states joined the legal action in federal court.

Governor Shapiro Hosts 2026 Easter Egg Hunt at Governor's Residence

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted Pennsylvania's 2026 Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor's Residence, welcoming pre-K students from across the Commonwealth. The fourth annual event, held in partnership with Pre-K for PA, highlighted the Shapiro Administration's commitment to early childhood education and child care investments, including $25 million in recruitment and retention grants, $7.5 million for Pre-K Counts, and $421.3 million for the Child Care Works Program.