Appointee Update: Dec. 4, 2024
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Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWEand former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has been nominated as the Secretary of Education. McMahon strongly supports school choice, parental rights, and expanding Pell Grants for workforce training. She also chairs the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank, and is closely aligned with Trump’s goal to give more control of education back to states.
What Her Appointment Means for Pennsylvania Students
As a school choice advocate, she may push for expanded voucher programsthat shift federal funding from public schools to private and charter schools. Pennsylvania receives $1.6 billion annually in federal education funding, which supports programs like Title I, special education, and subsidized lunches. These funds could be at risk if McMahon prioritizes vouchers or cuts federal support.
She is also expected to roll back federal oversight.This could includereducing Title IX protections, particularly for LGBTQIA+ students, and withholding funds from schools that teach about race or gender.
Education leaders in Pennsylvania have raised concerns. Susan Spicka, executive director of Education Voters of Pennsylvania, called McMahon’s nomination “an insult” to families in public schools. Ed Albert of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools criticized vouchers for lacking accountability, while others worry about private schools receiving public funds despite discriminatory practices.
Like the Commonwealth Foundation, school choice supporters see McMahon’s agenda as a win for expanding families' options.
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Chris Wright is an MIT-trained mechanical engineer who built his career on energy innovation. He is a staunch advocate for fossil fuels and supports using natural gas, nuclear, and geothermal energy while expressing skepticism about wind and solar energy. He is the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based fracking company, and a board member of energy firms specializing in nuclear and geothermal technologies.
Impact on PA
If confirmed, his appointment will significantly impact Pennsylvania, the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer. Industry leaders in Pennsylvania, such as David N. Taylor of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, have expressed optimism, calling Wright “a more pro-production leader for the agency.” Federal policies under Wright’s leadership are expected to prioritize developing domestic energy resources, which could increase natural gas production in PA, benefiting local producers and manufacturers.
Wright’s appointment has drawn criticism from environmental advocates who argue that his focus on fossil fuels undermines the transition to clean energy. Federal actions under his leadership may slow renewable energy projects and roll back green energy incentives, impacting Pennsylvania’s clean energy sector. While critics fear these policies could hinder climate action, many believe that state-level initiatives and market dynamics will continue to drive Pennsylvania’s energy transition, regardless of federal leadership.