Letters to the Editor
Vote on school taxes I recently introduced House Resolution 613, which seeks a nonbinding resolution on the May 20 ballot asking voters whether they would support increasing the state sales, income, and business taxes - or any combination of taxes - to support public education.
Vote on school taxes
I recently introduced House Resolution 613, which seeks a nonbinding resolution on the May 20 ballot asking voters whether they would support increasing the state sales, income, and business taxes - or any combination of taxes - to support public education.
Gov. Corbett's reported backing of an election-year funding boost for schools reeks of pandering, not passion, for public education. After all, education funding - like transportation infrastructure funding - is a core function of state government, and perhaps even more critical to the commonwealth's future.
State lawmakers supported transportation funding with tax increases despite the echoes of Republicans' irresponsible "no tax" pledges. So why not embrace similar, responsible support for public education? If the bipartisan backbone has not evolved yet in Harrisburg to provide adequate education funding, let's at least ask taxpayers what they think through a nonbinding forum on the primary election ballot.
It's not a stretch. California voters approved a measure in 2012 that raises $6 billion for education annually by increasing sales and income taxes. I believe Pennsylvania has seen the folly of starving public education and would support dedicated tax increases.
State Rep. Dwight Evans, Philadelphia devans@pahouse.net
No cash for Comcast
How is it that politicians don't have any money for the schools, health care, nutrition, or housing for the record number of poor, but have $40 million of taxpayer funds to subsidize the hardly charitable billionaire Roberts family and their uber-profitable company, Comcast ("$1.2B tower on the horizon," Jan. 16)?
What sort of priorities do those public officials have when it comes to scarce taxpayer money? Is it the public interest? Hardly. Private interest? Maybe. How about self-interest? Nothing is closer to the governor or the other pols than themselves and their own election futures. This is Comcast's true strength.
How strange that there is always public money for this sort of boondoggle for multimillionaire supporters. To hell with schools, hunger, or health care. The poor, sick, and hungry don't make campaign contributions anyway.
Mark D. Schwartz, Bryn Mawr
Pay PSU coach less
As a Pennsylvania taxpayer, Penn State alumnus, and ardent Nittany Lions fan, I was thrilled to learn of the hiring of James Franklin as football coach at $4.2 million per year (" 'Pennsylvania boy' takes over at Penn St.," Jan. 12).
The good news for PSU football fans is that he is a terrific coach. The good news for state taxpayers is that with the financial resources to pay a coach that princely sum, PSU will no longer need taxpayer subsidies, and $272 million can be returned to the state coffers. Of course, if Franklin would agree to work for a mere $1.2 million, the remainder of his salary could fund 120 scholarships for underprivileged youths.
Richard Holstein, West Chester
Trigger-happy cops
I'm sure the overwhelming majority of police are dedicated, courageous public servants who deserve our appreciation and respect. But there are a few who shoot first and ask questions later, regardless of the circumstances ("Officers acquitted in man's death," Jan. 14). It's not clear if additional psychological testing would work. But we need to find ways to weed out these individuals.
Richard McFadden Sr., Plymouth Meeting
Christie in mind
I can't help it. Every time I'm in a traffic jam, or see a traffic cone, or am driving over any bridge, or am ordering a "Christie cone" (which is, of course, devoid of ice cream because "I knew absolutely nothing!"), I automatically and quite involuntarily think of New Jersey's governor.
Jules Slatko, Holland