THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 28, 1995 TAG: 9503280005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Governor Allen's signing of sweeping and innovative bipartisan welfare reform is being labeled cruel and punitive by those who are determined to maintain the status quo. Far from being cruel or punitive, Virginia's new tough-love approach to welfare, when fully implemented, will help end dependence on government assistance that in some cases is in its third generation.
The commonwealth will not be punishing people for falling on hard times or for misjudgments. Virginians in need will be given an opportunity to get their lives in order. Able-bodied welfare recipients will, for up to two years, be given child care, transportation and, most significantly, a job.
Instead of having their lives managed by case workers, people will be getting the independence that comes with collecting a paycheck. While most jobs will not be high-paying, skills will be learned, opportunities for advancement will be made available and the pride that comes with an honest day's pay for an honest day's work will be felt. Children will see their parents working and prospering and by this example will help end the welfare treadmill that so many families have been placed on.
JOSEPH H. ANDREANA
Virginia Beach, March 23, 1995 by CNB