Gov. Josh Shapiro’s nominee to lead the state education department was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate on Monday despite criticism from both the right and the left – with the latter highlighting what is said to be an ongoing budget negotiation that includes school vouchers.
Kahlid Mumin was confirmed as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education on a 49-to-3 vote, with those in objection all being Republicans.
During Mumin’s confirmation hearing before a Senate committee earlier Monday, however, the most strident criticisms came from Democrats, who – despite ultimately voting in support of Mumin – voiced concern about Shapiro’s apparent willingness to include a school voucher system in the 2023-24 state budget.