By Blake Jackson
Hold onto your receipts, Pennsylvania! Governor Shapiro's new PAyback initiative lets you claw back permit fees if the state takes too long to process them. Launched in November, this online platform outlines permit wait times and offers refunds if applications languish beyond those deadlines.
Roughly 70% of state-issued permits for things like farms, food businesses, and even horse racing workers qualify. Exceptions apply to permits without fees or required by law.
This move tackles a key Shapiro campaign promise: reducing permit backlogs. Slow processing times plagued the previous administration, causing frustration and unnecessary expenses for Pennsylvania residents.
To address this, Governor Shapiro made transparency a priority. Earlier this year, his administration published a comprehensive catalog of over 1,900 state permits, licenses, and certifications.
Action backs up words. The average processing time for business filings has already plummeted from eight weeks to three days. Now, PAyback adds another layer of accountability, ensuring quicker permits or your money back.
This initiative marks a shift for Pennsylvania, prioritizing efficiency and fairness for businesses and individuals navigating the state's regulatory landscape.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pra-chid
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business