After reading the article “Changes in U.S. welfare system put new burdens on states” (BDN, Aug. 8) I was saddened to discover that the Parents as Scholars program is in jeopardy. This is because the Bush administration legislation does not count college education as a justifiable activity for an individual who receives public assistance. The federal legislation reduces funding for states and will require a heavy work week for welfare recipients in addition to their scholastic endeavors.

Let the state’s record speak for itself: 1,000 welfare recipients each year are enabled to pursue higher education. The article says state records indicate that “virtually no one who has graduated has returned to welfare.”

That is 1,000 people each year who have worked their way to financial independence through accomplishments in higher education. In 10 years that is nearly 10,000 Maine citizens who have learned to serve themselves. If Maine is to sustain and succeed economically in the future, the citizens of Maine must insist that this program continue to serve our neediest citizens.

The Parents as Scholars program has proven that “if you teach a person to fish, they can feed themselves.” And possibly even feed a village. This program also provides an opportunity for these “parent-scholars” to lead by example and teach their children to study hard in school to achieve goals, college degrees, and financial independence.

It is important that our current elected government leaders take a proactive stance against this foolish federal legislation.

If we ignore the needs of Maine people, we will destine them to a life of minimum wage jobs.

Marie Daigle Thompson

Bangor