Harris is committed to removing degree requirements for federal jobs

Kamala Harris has promised to remove “unnecessary degree requirements” for government jobs, opening up opportunities for workers without four-year degrees to apply for and get government jobs.

“For too long, our nation has promoted only one path to success: a four-year college degree,” Vice President Harris told a crowd of supporters in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Friday. “Our community needs to recognize the value of other avenues, other avenues, such as apprenticeships and technical programs.”

That being said, Harris’ presidency will eliminate those unnecessary credential requirements, “understanding that not needing a certain credential doesn’t necessarily speak to a person’s ability,” he said. “And I will challenge the private sector to do the same.”

The announcement covered part of his speech Friday touting what he called his plan to promote “economic opportunity,” which includes a $50,000 tax cut for start-up businesses. small ones. (“Not everybody, like my opponent, is handed $40 million on a silver platter, and then signs up six times,” Harris said, taking a stab at former President Donald Trump Trump.)

Harris also reiterated a pledge to “cut red tape” and work with private businesses to build 3 million new homes by the end of his first term. That plan would include tax incentives for building starter homes, expanding tax incentives for building affordable rental housing, and a “development fund” that supports housing development.

He also reiterated his promise to expand the child tax credit to provide $6,000 to families in the first year of a child’s life.

“Look, I come from the middle class. “I understand where I come from, and I will never forget that, and I will always put middle class, working people first,” Harris said.

The commitment to end degree requirements shares a goal with recent legislation proposed by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Federal Jobs for STARs Act. His legislation would remove education requirements from civil service jobs except where the Office of Personnel Management deems necessary, while also seeking to reduce the job search process and search routes to help workers get job training and higher education. It also seeks to empower job seekers who have “developed work-related skills in other ways,” including military service, community college or part-time college work, internships or work experience.

Harris isn’t the only candidate whose policy proposals are divided by the latest bills. Trump’s plan to eliminate taxes on overtime wages borrows from the KEEP Act, sponsored by Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Id. — even though Trump’s plan appears to target all income taxes, while Fulcher’s would keep the income taxes that support Social Security, Medicare and unemployment.

Meanwhile, Harris criticized Trump’s promises to impose tariffs on imported goods – which he calls a sales tax, noting that sourcing costs increase as the chain continues to expand. from the original producer to the consumer.

Friday’s rally by Harris came three days after his debate against Trump on Tuesday in Philadelphia – one in which his strong performance raised Trump’s discomfort as the night went on. it is still going on.

In one memorable exchange, Trump — pressed by the boss — admitted he had an “idea for a plan” to replace the Affordable Care Act. Harris took that moment and ran with it.

“You’re going to threaten health insurance for the 45 million people who depend on it based on a ‘theory,’ and then take us back? We remember what that was like, when the insurance companies has the power to deny people with pre-existing conditions,” Harris said.

At the end of his remarks, Harris also spoke to a group of pro-Palestinian protesters who sought to disrupt his rally – an event that had previously alienated him. This time, he got through it very quickly.

“Hey, listen. Now is the time to find an agreement on slavery and stop the war. We’re working around the clock to do that,” Harris said, referring to himself and his boss, President Joe Biden. “And I respect your word. But now I’m talking,” he added, continuing.

Harris’ meeting in Wilkes-Barre was the third in the past two days, after two events on Thursday in North Carolina. According to the White House, Harris will attend two events on Saturday, including President Joe Biden at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation dinner. Meanwhile, running mate Tim Walz will continue his post-conference campaign on Saturday with an event in Wisconsin.