Welfare Reform Solutions

Your article, “College Students on Welfare Fear Reform Will Wreck Future” (April 13), reminded me of Tammy, a student of mine, who asked me last week if I would assist her in finding a second job. Tammy preferred not to have to count on tips to pay for her rent and food. She is a junior who is taking a full load and is working hard to excel. She supports her education with a job, loans and scholarships. Hopefully she will have another job in the near future to ease her worries. Maybe Luisa Ruiz can take a lesson or two from Tammy.

RITA PATEL THAKUR

Professor, University of LaVerne

* I wish The Times would quit sounding the big alarm on welfare reform (“Profound L.A. Effect Seen From Welfare Reform,” April 10) and start focusing on solutions. Can’t you see the forest of opportunity through all the trees? Take Prop. BB (editorial, April 10) with $2.4 billion for school repairs. While I respect experienced contracting firms that will bid for and secure chunks of this voter-supported abundance, with vision and planning, why not require each firm to provide a mentor program pairing experienced craftspersons with former welfare recipients and soon-to-graduate students who could also work on school repairs?

Good for new employees entering the work force. Good for the schools. Good for the community. While this is not the solution, it could be a step in the right direction.

NANCY J. RIGG

Los Angeles