As a Central PA (born and raised) high school student soon to graduate, I want to thank Gov. Josh Shapiro for making a historic investment in students and young people. For me, our state and the future of it should be of primary importance in statewide politics. We do not need our governors or state legislators to be fighting culture wars, slinging mud or weighing in on international relations. Rather, we need politicians who actually focus on the unglamorous and critical issues that actually matter to Pennsylvanian issues such as affordability, education and safety. So far, Shapiro has delivered the largest increase in funding for public education in state history, increased funding for vocational and technical training programs by 50% and provided stipends to student teachers committed to teaching in Pennsylvania. Personally, when I imagine where I want to move to after graduation and eventually raise a family of my own, it is policies such as these that help ensure that Pennsylvania is a place where young people, such as myself, want to build their lives. So, as a young person who will be voting for the first time this November, I ask that you dare to look past “Ds” and “Rs” and evaluate Shapiro for his contributions to, and demonstrated love of, Pennsylvania and its future.
Eli Kalberer, Lewisburg