Shapiro says ‘real freedom’ starts with public schools

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Wednesday that Democrats support the “kind of freedom” that starts in the classroom.

Specifically, the public school classroom.

“You know what Democrats? We are the party of real freedom,” Shapiro said from the Democratic National Convention stage in Chicago. “The kind of real freedom that comes when that child attends a great public school with an awesome teacher because we believe in her future.”

The first-term governor went on to describe the other “real freedoms” found in the party platform, from organized labor to reproductive rights to marriage equality.

“We value our freedom,” Shapiro said. “We cherish our democracy and we love this country.”

Noticeably absent from his five-minute speech, however, was any mention of school choice. Shapiro’s longstanding support for educational scholarships and tax credits puts him at odds with the party establishment; though Pennsylvania only offers the latter program, Shapiro has said he’s willing to support vouchers if a bill makes it to his desk.

Therein lies the rub: Democrats, who control the House, say school choice diverts taxpayer dollars to private institutions. Republicans, who control the Senate, say spending more on public schools every year has not improved educational outcomes for students living in struggling districts.

While Shapiro agrees with Republicans, he’s been unwilling to broker a compromise. The dynamic led to a dramatic breakdown in bipartisanship during the latter half of 2023.

And, despite little movement on educational scholarships since, the governor’s supportive comments on the matter drew renewed criticism once Vice President Kamala Harris moved him to the short list for potential running mates.

Shapiro said on Aug. 8 that Harris’s ultimate choice, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was a good one, before adding that he, too, had “a deeply personal” choice to make, though he didn’t elaborate further on the matter.

On Wednesday night, however, the past appeared long behind him.

“And listen, despite our challenges, hear me on this,” he said to the convention crowd. “I want you to know that I have never been more hopeful because I see in all of you the enduring promise of America.”