Mercuri Disappointed in Governor’s Abandonment of School Choice Promise
HARRISBURG – Following passage of the state budget in the House of Representatives Wednesday evening, Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) expressed disapproval of the process that led to the governor abandoning a recent pledge to include Lifeline Scholarships which would have provided educational choices to parents and students in the bottom performing schools across the state, a move that will continue to leave behind students who need help the most.
“I am disappointed that a priority shared by so many, including Gov. Shapiro, to provide a lifeline to kids in failing schools, was eliminated from this year’s budget in favor of political convenience and in deference to special interests. We must redouble our efforts to reform education policies and funding to provide every student and every family with the options and funding needed for them to succeed in life. This year’s budget, unfortunately represents more of the status quo.”
The General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2023-24, once enacted, will fund Commonwealth functions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Without the passage of an accompanying Fiscal Code, discretion over how these funds are to be distributed largely lies with the governor.