PENNSYLVANIA — Governor Josh Shapiro’s decision to break his campaign promise on expanded school choice in Pennsylvania has drawn criticism. Opponents argue that this move is detrimental to children trapped in failing school districts. Critics also highlight the alleged hypocrisy of some Democratic legislators who oppose school choice despite sending their own children to private schools. The discontinuation of the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success program has sparked outrage among those advocating for better education opportunities for all students.
“Senate Democrats, House Democrats, and Governor Shapiro did the children of Pennsylvania a great disservice by stopping the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS),” PA SRCC Executive Director Cody Harbaugh said. “Subjecting children to failing schools with no other options is wrong. But worse yet, are the Senate and House Democrats who opposed this legislation, when they went to private school themselves or send their kids to private school. Their hypocrisy is a slap in the face to families in underperforming school districts. These politicians are self-serving, prioritizing their own family’s education over the education of others. These hypocrites represent the worst of Harrisburg.”
Governor Shapiro disregarded a deal made in good faith and is being accused of succumbing to special interests and party members who contradict themselves. Despite benefiting from private education, many Democrat legislators openly oppose expanded school choice and deny children the opportunity for a better education.
Notably, various Senate Democrats who voted against Lifeline Scholarships attended private schools themselves:
- Senator Christine Tartaglione (SD-1) went to St. Martin of Tours and St. Basil Academy.
- Senator Jimmy Dillon (SD-5) attended Our Lady of Calvary and Holy Ghost Prep.
- Senator Nick Miller (SD-14) graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School.
- Senator Marty Flynn (SD-22) completed his education at Scranton Preparatory School.
It is worth noting that almost 20% of Senate Democrats who opposed Lifeline Scholarships came from a private school background.
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