Dean Stuart Shapiro, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, has outlined two steps for reducing what he calls “sludge” in government processes. In his recent commentary, Shapiro addresses regulatory burdens and paperwork requirements that can hinder both agencies and the public.
Shapiro critiques previous efforts to reduce regulations, noting that some approaches may remove necessary requirements along with unnecessary ones. He states, “There are unnecessary burdens that are worthy targets of streamlining efforts. I hope that the administration will focus on this sludge.”
He proposes two main actions: reinvigorating the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and building a bipartisan coalition to address these issues. The PRA requires federal agencies to seek approval from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for information collection or recordkeeping affecting ten or more people. Agencies must estimate public burden and renew approvals every three years.
Shapiro points out challenges with the PRA process: “The process for OIRA approval under the PRA is complex, time consuming, and burdensome for agencies. This has the combined effect of deterring agencies from potentially useful activities and reducing the approval process (including for sludge) to a pro forma box-checking process.” He argues that reforms allowing OIRA to focus on true “sludge” would have significant social benefits but would require statutory changes.
Highlighting broader impacts, Shapiro says, “In my own research, I have spoken to business owners who support the general cause of regulation but hate the paperwork they must complete without any understanding of how it advances regulatory causes. In other words, they hate sludge.” He also notes that such requirements affect individuals seeking government benefits: “For instance, the Trump-championed tax act passed in July 2025 added work requirements to the Medicaid program even though 97 percent of current recipients hold a job.”
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy serves as a professional entity within Rutgers University focused on education and research in planning and public policy to promote equitable and sustainable communities. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as public policy, health administration, urban planning, and supports initiatives through its advisory board and international professional development opportunities according to its official website. Stuart Shapiro assumed his role as dean in 2023 (source).
Shapiro concludes by emphasizing cross-ideological collaboration as essential for meaningful reform targeting bureaucratic obstacles.
