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Growing Union Support for Governor Shapiro in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Governor, Josh Shapiro, is securing backing from union officials, including education unions, although he has previously advocated for school voucher programs. Simultaneously, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona is addressing backlash over perceived insufficient support for labor unions while expressing renewed commitment to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
Labor Leaders Rally Behind Shapiro
This past weekend saw more than 50 local union representatives endorse Governor Shapiro, particularly from two of Pennsylvania’s largest teachers’ unions—the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Despite previously opposing his stance on vouchers, these organizations have acknowledged his efforts to enhance funding for education.
A recent statement reflects a sentiment among labor leaders: ”Governor Shapiro recognizes that we can differ on specific issues yet still collaborate effectively. History illustrates that our political sentiments within labor do not always align uniformly—thus it’s vital we uplift leaders capable of uniting our Democratic coalition.”
AFT President’s Stand Against School Choice
Randi Weingarten, president of AFT and a vocal opponent of school choice initiatives, gained attention last year with her assertion that “the push toward privatizing schools undermines democratic principles.”
The Vouchers Controversy
While endorsing school vouchers during his 2022 election campaign and expressing ongoing support as governor, Shapiro recently retreated from this initiative amid budget negotiations with the state’s divided legislature. The proposed program aimed to allocate public funding through scholarships enabling students at underperforming public schools access to private institutions.
Debate Surrounding Vice Presidential Candidates
Although Weingarten has refrained from commenting publicly about potential vice presidential candidates following Vice President Kamala Harris’s address at an AFT conference in Houston—she reportedly maintains a friendly relationship with him. Insiders suggest that discussions around school choice will likely remain confined within state jurisdictions in light of party positions opposing such initiatives.
Criticism Directed Towards Senator Kelly
Additonally facing scrutiny is Senator Mark Kelly who recently indicated his intention to vote in favor of the PRO Act after criticism arose concerning his lack of co-sponsorship alongside fellow Democrats. His legislative support would pave smoother pathways for laborers aiming to organize and form unions.
“If Democrats wish to consider any senator as a vice-presidential nominee who doesn’t champion the PRO Act,” questioned John Samuelsen from Transport Workers Union during an interview with ABC News last week.
The Response from Labor Leaders
Email exchanges among advocacy groups called upon Harris last week urging her NOT select Josh Shapiro due specifically to his previous endorsement on school vouchers—a letter asserting such policies reflect ideologies aligned with Project 2025 was noted by sources including The Philadelphia Inquirer. [Read More]Your Background Message:
