Child-Care Benefit Is Good Business

Regarding John F. Lawrence’s column “A Crying Need for Child-Care Job Benefits. (April 7). Child care is an important issue of growing concern to many Los Angeles area companies. In fact, a number of these companies, with information and assistance provided by United Way, have been enthusiastically supporting proposed legislation that would provide a tax credit for employers that fund child-care programs.

We have already invested in a child-care resource and referral service that has served more than 75 employees in only six months. This service has helped employee parents locate licensed, adequate child-care facilities for their children.

From a company standpoint, we are confident that this employee benefit will show us a return on our investment of reduced absenteeism and retention of qualified employees.

SANDRA COMRIE

Vice President

Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Co.

Los Angeles