You have to give it to Gov. Josh Shapiro on one front — he gives at least the appearance of bipartisanship when it comes to solving issues.

The governor recently visited a farm in Lancaster County to discuss the state’s response to the Hi-Path Avian Influenza that has been hitting state poultry flocks. Since April 2022 when Hi-Path Avian Influenza first hit Pennsylvania, 31 commercial flocks and 36 backyard flocks have been affected, resulting in a loss of 4,650,840 birds statewide. In a 30-day stretch earlier this year, four commercial flocks, 20 backyard flocks and 133,550 birds have been lost in Pennsylvania.

Shapiro’s 2023-24 budget proposal $126.9 million for a variety of investments in testing, research and a recovery fund that helps fill the gap between federal indemnity money and the real losses poultry businesses are facing. It’s a help for a state that has a thriving poultry business and an investment worth making, in our opinion.

What struck us, however, isn’t necessarily the policy but the way Shapiro tried to use the opportunity as a bridge-building opportunity. There has been a lot of rancor amongst Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature. It’s good to see Shapiro visit the Lancaster County farm with Sen. Scott Martin, a Republican who also ran for governor last year, and state House Rep. David Zimmerman. It’s not uncommon for governors to have these type of press events with members of the opposite party, but it’s something in Pennsylvania given what we have seen between the political parties as they fought for control over the legislature.

“You need a new leadership style or willingness to potentially compromise on certain issues,” Martin said. “I see a lot of hope. On all these topics, I think there’s definitely an appetite from what I’ve seen from all parties, to really engage in the discussion, trying to find common ground.”

That’s good, because constant infighting between the parties is no way to govern. We’re sure Shapiro and Republicans aren’t going to agree on everything, but Shapiro’s early attempts to work with Republicans on matters of local interest is a good attempt to build bridges rather than destroy them. It’s up to Republicans –particularly in the state Senate — to find areas of common ground as well.