Nearly 2 in 3 respondents believe that Gov. Josh Shapiro did not keep his word to include so-called “lifeline scholarships” in a budget deal with Senate Republicans according to a poll released Wednesday.

Arc Insights conducted the study of 600 likely voters in Pennsylvania for the Commonwealth Foundation. Interviews were collected from an online panel July 14-16, 2023. The margin of error on the sample is +/- 4%.

Sixty-five percent of those surveyed either strongly or somewhat agreed when posed with the question, “Governor Shapiro made a bi-partisan deal with the State Senate to support scholarships for children attending the state’s worst performing schools. He should honor the deal he made and fund the scholarships.” Just 14 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed to the same question.

Fifty-seven percent felt that Shapiro should support the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) scholarship program and fund scholarships for children who attend the state’s worst-performing schools? Eighteen percent felt he should oppose the legislation, while a quarter of those questioned were unsure.

While over half (55%) feel that the buck stops with the governor for responsibility of getting the budget across the finish line, a third of respondents blamed the Republicans for the impasse. An equal percentage of those surveyed (23%) placed blame at the feet of Democrats or were unsure who to find fault with.

One hundred fifty five people responded that they currently are a parent of a school-aged child in a K-12 school. Of those, 43 percent said if finances were no concern, public schools offered the best education for their children, while another 36 percent opted for private schooling – either religious or non. Seven percent selected charter schools as their best option.

Nine percent gave Pennsylvania’s public school system an “A” grade for quality, while another 32 percent handed out a “B” grade. Thirty-four percent gave an average or “C” grade, while a combined 13 percent gave a “D” or “F” mark.