Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his desire for the state Legislature to address several key issues that he considers unfinished business. These include the passing of a private school voucher program, increasing the minimum wage, implementing bills to curb gun violence, and lifting limits that prevent adult victims of childhood sexual assault from suing their assailants and institutions.

Speaking at a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon, Governor Shapiro acknowledged the challenges he faces in dealing with a politically divided Legislature. However, he remains hopeful that his next budget proposal, due in early February, will allocate more funding for public schools. He emphasized the importance of adopting a new education funding formula that enjoys bipartisan support, which is dependent on the Basic Education Funding Commission's review.

One major concern highlighted by Governor Shapiro is a court ruling that found the state's system of funding public schools to be unconstitutionally discriminatory towards the poorest districts. However, Republican lawmakers have been resistant to approving the necessary billions of dollars to rectify these disparities.

Although Governor Shapiro did not propose a specific dollar figure to address this issue, his previous budget boosted aid for public school instruction and operations by $600 million, constituting a 7% increase. This fell short of the demands made by Democratic lawmakers and public school advocates.

Notably, Governor Shapiro's support for a Republican proposal to allocate $100 million for private school tuition and supplies has created optimism among advocates that the measure will eventually become law. This support also distinguishes Shapiro from other Democratic governors.

However, the prospects for the rest of Governor Shapiro's agenda remain uncertain. There have been no agreements between the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democratic-controlled House on crucial issues such as raising the minimum wage or implementing measures to address gun violence, including reducing gun trafficking, suicide deaths, accidental shootings, and day-to-day violence.

Additionally, Senate Republicans have obstructed efforts to grant adult victims of childhood sexual assault the opportunity to sue their perpetrators. Republicans have linked this initiative to other priorities, including expanding voter identification requirements.

Governor Shapiro's pursuit of these policy objectives reflects his commitment to addressing pressing social and economic issues in Pennsylvania. However, with a politically divided Legislature, the success of these proposals remains uncertain.