L.A. County Layoffs
In the eleventh hour of the massive L.A. County layoffs on Sept. 24, some Spanish-speaking employees were specially exempt from their layoff and transfer fates to help better serve the medical needs of the indigent population. While this was by necessity, some dedicated employees with ample seniority who would have preferred stability in their own positions were not as fortunate. The Spanish-speaking employees will expect to be amply busy, perhaps inundated.
I believe in the mission of providing excellence in serving health care needs, and at one time set out to learn some Spanish tailored to the basic necessities of my position, as did others. In today’s climate, however, my politics of accommodation have changed. I offer another solution: Make passing a proficiency test in fundamental English skills a requirement of California residents, legal or otherwise, who benefit from taxpayer monies, whether through health care or otherwise. Create a task force to design it.
Teach people to read this: America is a melting pot. You have joined in with us and we have received you. It is now a requirement to participate.
JUDITH BAHR
Los Angeles
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