BREAKING: PA. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR ENDORSES SCHOOL CHOICE BILL

Josh Shapiro publicly announces support for Lifeline Scholarship Program while speaking to Democratic supporters.

WASHINGTON, DC September 19, 2022 –
In an unprecedented move for a Democratic candidate for Governor in Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro Saturday told a group of supporters he is in favor of a pending education choice program in response to a question from a reporter.

“And I’m for making sure we add scholarships like lifeline scholarships to make sure that that’s additive to their education. That it gives them other opportunities…to be able to help them achieve success,” Shapiro told the Patriot News.

The comment was well received by education advocates who have been watching Shapiro’s candidacy, particularly given the strong support he had from the teachers union.

“I am happy that Mr. Shapiro has indicated his willingness to consider for poor families what has obviously worked for his family. The families most satisfied with their children’s educational experience are those who were able to choose it.” said David Hardy, Distinguished Senior Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation and the Co-Founder and retired CEO of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia.

Pastor Aaron Anderson writing for the York Daily Record last week said, “Could it be that both Republicans and Democrats finally agree that a child’s ZIP code, ethnicity, or class should not determine whether they have access to a high-quality education?”

While some national Democrats have in the past endorsed giving parents a wide range of education options, such as New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and President Biden when he was a United States Senator – teachers unions’ strident opposition and powerful political strength have largely erased that support.

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano supports programs like the Lifeline Scholarship program which passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in April on a 104-98 vote.  That vote marked the first time a direct-to-student scholarship bill ever passed the state House. The bill also cleared the state Senate Education Committee in June. 

According to Shapiro’s website, he now supports it, too. 

“Josh favors adding choices for parents and educational opportunity for students and funding lifeline scholarships like those approved in other states and introduced in Pennsylvania.”

“Whether if elected he would maintain that resolve remains to be seen,” says Jeanne Allen, Founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, “but we are incredibly optimistic when politicians recognize the importance of giving parents the right to direct the education of their children. It is both a constitutionally protected right and one that is critical to students finally getting the education they need and deserve.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michael Musante at 202-302-5983 or [email protected].About CER – Working to advance education innovation and opportunity for nearly 3 decades, the Center for Education Reform also today administers the $1 Million Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education which celebrates the country’s education provider which best demonstrates the STOP principles. In conjunction with the Yass Prize, the STOP Awards Initiative provides over $15 million in support annually to honor educators who achieve excellence.