4 Signs that Shapiro, House Democrats are Out of Touch with Pennsylvanians

A new poll commissioned by the Commonwealth Foundation surveyed 833 registered Pennsylvania voters from June 18–21, 2026. The results paint a vivid picture of state lawmakers—specifically, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania House Democrats—who are wildly out of step with the public at large.

As they enter the final stretch of state budget negotiations, these lawmakers had better take note.

1. Pennsylvanians Overwhelmingly Reject Shapiro’s $53.3 Billion Budget

When Pennsylvanians learn the details of Governor Shapiro’s budget, they aren’t pleased. Six out of ten Pennsylvanians oppose the governor’s proposed deficit spending, which will result in a $2,100 tax hike for a family of four. Only 23 percent support his budget proposal.

And this sentiment is bipartisan. Only 19 percent of independents, 16 percent of Republicans, and 31 percent of Democrats support the governor’s proposal. Even his own party isn’t sold on his spending plan.

2. Hands Off the Rainy Day Fund!

To paper over his deficit spending, Shapiro has proposed tapping the state’s emergency Rainy Day Fund to the tune of $4.6 billion.

Pennsylvanians aren’t buying it. Six out of ten oppose raiding the fund to cover deficit spending, with only 23 percent in support.

Most Pennsylvanians understand the purpose of the Rainy Day Fund: It’s for genuine emergencies, not a slush fund for spendthrift lawmakers and their out-of-control spending habits.

3. Support for School Choice is Massive—Especially Among Democrats

Pennsylvanians are eager not only for educational options outside their local school districts but also to expand beyond existing programs.

And this consensus is beyond bipartisan. Expanding educational choice transcends the political spectrum. It’s popular among Republicans and independents, but the strongest level of support comes from Democrats, whose favorability toward school choice is often overlooked.  for school

Here’s the breakdown:

• Expanding Pennsylvania’s tax-credit scholarship programs: 74 percent total support, with 78 percent of Democrats in favor.
• Shapiro opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit: 71 percent total support, with 79 percent of Democrats in favor.
• Enacting educational opportunity accounts: 74 percent total support, with 78 percent of Democrats in favor.
• Enacting a refundable education tax credit: 75 percent total support, with 76 percent of Democrats in favor.

It’s also noteworthy that the margin of support for each of these is an absolute majority of at least 55 points. Any Democrat lawmaker proposing cuts to school choice programs should take note: The public, including their own base, doesn’t agree.

Ultimately, most Pennsylvanians are fed up with the educational status quo. Six out of ten Pennsylvanians grade the state’s public education system with a grade of C, D, or F. When asked what they would do if cost were not a factor, two-thirds of Pennsylvanians (66 percent) said they would choose to enroll their kids in something other than their assigned public schools.

4. Hands Off Our Scholarships and Charter Schools

Shapiro and Pennsylvania House Democrats want to cut tax-credit scholarships to low-income families.

But these efforts put them at odds with Pennsylvanians who think differently. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) oppose any reductions to the state’s tax-credit scholarship programs, such as the ones originally proposed in House Bill (HB) 2632. This proved to be one of the most lopsided findings from the poll. Only 21 percent support the cuts, demonstrating a 44-point margin of opposition.

Pennsylvanians also don’t want to see charter school funding cut, as proposed by HB 2634. Polling shows that 55 percent oppose the proposed cuts, while only 29 percent support them.

Lessons Learned?

As the commonwealth’s budget deadline looms, state lawmakers should heed the lessons of this poll. Whether Harrisburg listens is another question entirely.

But Shapiro and House Democrats have no excuses left. The polling couldn’t be clearer: Pennsylvanians want Harrisburg to balance the state budget without imposing taxes or slashing educational opportunities. That means not only keeping their hands off the Rainy Day Fund and EITC but also exploring new opportunities that advance educational choice and fiscal responsibility.

Click here to read the poll’s full results and crosstabs.