Letters to the Editor | July 23, 2023

How ironic that The Inquirer chose an op-ed by State House Majority Leader Matt Bradford to explain the current budget impasse in Pennsylvania. Bradford, by refusing to put the proposed current budget up for a vote, prevented the budget from becoming law. The Democrats did not vote against the new budget proposal; in fact, the Pa. House was not even given the chance to vote on it. The Inquirer has reported that there were enough Democrats who were in favor of school vouchers that this budget would have passed if put up for a vote. But Bradford would not allow that to happen.

Why would Bradford not allow the proposed budget to be voted on? In seeking an answer to that question, one need only consider the fact that he is likely beholden to the Pennsylvania teachers’ unions, which contributed $200,000 to his election campaign. The unions were adamantly opposed to the Lifeline Scholarships program. It wasn’t the Republicans nor the Democrats who killed the current budget proposal; Matt Bradford alone is responsible for the debacle we now face.

Bill Cooney, Philadelphia

I read the op-ed by Jeff and Janine Yass with interest. They confirm who they are: capitalists in general, and education business promoters in particular. There is no mention of nurturing our city neighborhoods with open swimming pools, safe community centers or public parks, as well as schools. The Yasses are not interested in their civic duties as uber-successful Americans to the community at large. Our public schools are the crucible of democracy, where we meet, learn from, and compete with each other at an early age, before ethnic, religious, or class prejudices have taken root. The schools must be fairly funded by the state, and managed by competent teachers who collaborate with engaged parents. Private schools only reinforce separateness and the alleged “specialness” of our own narrow group. They undermine democracy. The Yasses should use their money to build better public schools, so that our children and grandchildren grow to create a safer city. It’s more than their right, it’s their responsibility.

Peter B. Alois, West Chester, pbalois09@gmail.com

When most people think of tech jobs, they imagine young science whizzes working for big-name companies like Apple. But a tech company isn’t the same as a tech job, and you don’t need to live in Silicon Valley to work in tech. You can work here in Philadelphia. In fact, the city’s median tech job wage is $96,374 — that’s 105% higher than the median metro wage. Philadelphia’s tech job market offers a wealth of opportunities and promising career paths for individuals. However, there is a significant barrier that’s keeping job seekers from considering these positions. That barrier is the confidence gap.

This gap stems from real and perceived barriers by more than 55% of job seekers. Many individuals assume they need a mastery of mathematical or scientific principles to pursue a technology career. The truth is that while these skills are valuable in certain roles, they’re not essential. In fact, most in-demand IT skills have nothing to do with math or science. The numbers don’t lie: Philadelphia is helping lead the tech job market, and now is the time for Philadelphia residents to consider a career in tech.

Nancy Hammervik, chief solutions officer, CompTIA

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