Controversy Erupts as Governor Shapiro Tackles School Choice Reform in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro promised to support school choice during his campaign, but now faces accusations of betrayal after failing to advance the Lifeline Scholarships program that would have provided private school access for low-income students in failing schools.

Quick Takes

Governor Shapiro promised to support Lifeline Scholarships but has not advanced the program despite calling it “unfinished business”
Twenty-eight education advocacy organizations opposed Shapiro’s potential VP candidacy due to his past support for school choice
The stalled Lifeline Scholarships would have provided $5,000-$10,000 for children in failing public schools to attend private schools
Critics suggest Shapiro yielded to political pressure from teachers’ unions
Shapiro has instead proposed an additional $526 million in funding for public schools

Political Crossfire: Shapiro’s School Choice Stance Draws Criticism

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro finds himself caught in a political crossfire over his position on school choice. Once a vocal supporter of educational options for families in failing school districts, Shapiro’s commitment to the cause has come under scrutiny. The governor’s support for school-choice vouchers is notably unusual among Democratic governors, making his apparent retreat from the position all the more conspicuous to both supporters and critics alike. Shapiro previously backed a state Senate bill allocating $100 million in tuition for private and religious schools, a move that created a budget standoff with fellow Democrats in the state legislature.

The governor’s educational policy positions have also complicated his broader political prospects. Earlier this year, when Vice President Kamala Harris was considering running mates, Shapiro found himself in an unexpected position. Despite being viewed as a potential moderate choice, his school choice record actually became a liability with key Democratic constituencies.

Lifeline Scholarships: Unfulfilled Promises

The centerpiece of the controversy surrounds Lifeline Scholarships, a program designed to provide $5,000 to $10,000 for low-income children in failing public schools to attend private schools of their choice. Despite Republican support in the Pennsylvania State Senate, the Democratic majority in the House has not advanced the scholarship program. More troubling for supporters of the initiative is Shapiro’s apparent unwillingness to use his political capital to push the measure forward, despite publicly referring to the scholarships as “unfinished business” for 2024.

“Josh Shapiro campaigning on commonsense school choice policies and then getting elected and immediately bending the knee to the leftwing teachers union is incredibly on brand for today’s Democrat party. Even the supposed ‘moderates’ are controlled by the extreme left.” – Andrew Surabian

Instead of advancing school choice initiatives, Shapiro has pivoted toward increased public school funding. In February, he proposed an additional $526 million in funding for public schools, a move seen by school choice advocates as capitulation to teachers’ unions at the expense of children trapped in underperforming schools. The governor eventually signed the state budget without the school-choice funding, though his office maintains he remains open to future proposals.

Political Ambitions and Educational Priorities

Shapiro’s handling of educational policy has raised questions about his political ambitions beyond Pennsylvania. The governor has openly discussed a potential 2028 presidential bid during an appearance on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, fueling speculation that his policy positions are being calibrated with national politics in mind. Conservative communicator Steve Guest commented on the controversy’s potential impact, stating simply: “Josh Shapiro’s 2028 campaign is off to a rough start.”

“For this reason, we respectfully ask you not to select Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.” – Twenty-eight self-described ‘public education advocacy organizations’

The twenty-eight education advocacy organizations that opposed Shapiro’s potential vice-presidential candidacy did so specifically because of his past support for school choice, claiming his positions “mirrored Project 2025” – a reference to the conservative Heritage Foundation’s policy blueprint. The organizations argued that his previous support for school choice undermines public education and promotes privatization through voucher systems. This opposition illustrates the difficult political terrain Shapiro must navigate as he balances gubernatorial responsibilities with potential national aspirations.