Despite the venom directed at his administration from the teachers’-union bosses, Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor Josh Shapiro is standing by his public support for school-choice Lifeline Scholarships. Appearing today on Fox News, as lawmakers continue to negotiate the commonwealth’s budget, Shapiro told host Dana Perino, “I believe every child of God deserves a shot here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And one of the best ways we can guarantee their success is making sure that every child has a quality education.”

Pennsylvania State Education Association president Rich Askey responded by attacking the “tuition voucher proposal that Senate Republicans have made a top priority in state budget negotiations” as “irresponsible and unacceptable,” and promised it “will not become law if anti-voucher lawmakers in the state House continue to oppose it.” Askey added

PSEA is absolutely opposed to ‘lifeline scholarships’ or any other tuition voucher scheme. We disagree with Gov. Shapiro and Sec. [of Education Khalid] Mumin on lifeline scholarships, and we’ve made that clear to them. We are incredibly disappointed that Sec. Mumin has suggested that Gov. Shapiro could be the first governor in Pennsylvania history to sign a school voucher bill.

The Commonwealth Foundation, the pro-liberty think tank that has led the education-reform fight, dished out praise for the otherwise liberal Governor’s actions. Senior Vice President Erik Telford released a statement saying, “We’re encouraged by Gov. Shapiro’s continued willingness to support school choice and Lifeline Scholarships. Lifeline Scholarships will help kids trapped in failing – and often unsafe – schools by allowing them the choice of a better school and the chance for a brighter future.”