Shapiro Backs Off Of Private School Funding Program

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is backing off his insistence on money for a new private-school funding program after it became a sticking point in a budget stalemate between Pennsylvania’s politically divided Legislature. Shapiro’s shift in position came Wednesday as state government plowed through its fifth day without full spending authority, and the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives prepared to respond to the budget deal between Shapiro and Republicans who control the state Senate. Shapiro says he’ll issue a line-item veto of the $100 million program should the House otherwise pass the Senate’s budget plan. Shapiro says he’s disappointed, but doesn’t want to plunge the state into a “painful, protracted budget impasse.”