Child Care, Living Wage Are Both Necessary

Re “Child Care Held Hostage,” editorial, April 26: I agree in principle that attaching extraneous amendments to unrelated bills is a major barrier to passing necessary legislation. However, child-care subsidies and the minimum wage are part and parcel of the same goal. Providing responsible parents like Tina Roberts a true living wage is an absolute necessity if we want to move people off the welfare rolls and into the working world.

It is ironic that Roberts’ story was chosen, as she is entering into one of the most underpaid professions, that of early-childhood education. As a community college instructor, my classes are filled with hard-working women and men. Isn’t it sad that, after all their hard work, many will find they can’t take care of their family’s needs because we’re not willing to pay them a living wage.

Gaile Price

Santa Monica