Evening star., 1938-08-14
i. S. GROUPS HAIL
SECURITY GAINS
Labor Joins in Tribute to
Accomplishments of Act
in Three Years.

.. III InTee IEdTSs
The Social Security Act, third BIRTH
day Of which will be celebrated to-
morrow, was hailed here yesterday for
its accomplishments by the three
agencies chiefly concerned with its
administration-the Social Security
Board. the United States Public Health
Service and the Children's Bureau Of
the Labor Department-And by the
country's two leading labor organiza-
tions. the Committee for Industrial
Organization and the American Feder-
alton Of Labor
Both the labor groups took ad-
vantage Of the anniversary to express
their desire for . broadening OF the
scope Of the act. John L. Lewis. chair
man Of the c. I. 90. said I'VE shall
press for further advances. Much
remains to be done to insure an ade-
quate program of social security"
William Green, president Of the A.
F.. OF L., said 1T Is we'll to
rededicate our efforts to greater at
tainments In this field" OF social Sc
curity.
President Roosevelt, participating in
the anniversary, will talk briefly from
the White House during = 15-minute
radio program which is to be the
high light Of q celebration at the
Shoreham Hotel. Miss Mary Dewson,
member OF the Social Security
Board, sought Mr.. Roosevelt,s CO.
operation in the observance three
months ago. 1t was said at the White
House. The Shoreham program Is to
begin at $50 pm. A dance and buffet
supper will follow speeches by Senator
Wagner, Democrat, Of New York, CO.
author OF the act, who will introduce
the President: Representative Lewis,
Democrat. Of Maryland, the acts
other author. and Secretary Of Labor
Perkins.
Extension Considered.
During his summary OF the acts
accomplishments. Arthur ]. Altmeyer,
chairman Of the Social Security Board,
yesterday took cognizance of the fu-
ture. He said certain new lines of
development are beginning to emerge,
particularly in the field of old-age in
surance. where consideration is being
given to coverage for agricultural la
Dor. domestics and other classes OF
workers not now included in the bene-
flts OF the act. He added that the
question Of health insurance has ap-
peared and that we may one day set
up safeguards against the hazards of
insurance"
Declaring the country has become
social security conscious" Chairman
Altmeyer said this interest is a promise
OF continuing progress.
He even saw cause for gratifica ton
in the criticism bred by the legisle-
ton which the Treasury reported this
past week has cost Sl232.550, ,598 and
brought in S8S7, ,946,271 Of revenue.
Criticism OF the present program
by the Social Security Board, and
by others Of every shade OF opinion
is In itself Z healthy indication OF
progress" Mr.. Altmeyer said. Some
criticism has, to be sure, been intem-
perate; some has been the result Of
misunderstanding Of fact or purpose
But on the whole 1t reflects some
thing encouraging and something
that Is typically American"
Cites Accomplishments.
The accomplishments he cited were
I. Unemployment compensation laws
in effect in every State and tat the
end OF May credits toward unemploy-
ment BENEFITS earned by more than 27..
soc. 900 workers. Benefits for full-tim<
unemployment being paid in more thar
half Of the States, with the rest to be
brought in before the year is out Bene.
fits for full-time unemployment av.
eraging S45 monthly: current pay
ments average $40 weekly going t.
100000 persons. Tied in with un.
employment compensation is an ex.
panded public employment service.
2. More than 100000 workers en-.
rolled in old-age insurance program
under which monthly payments start
January !. 1e43. to those reaching IS
Lump-sum payments Of 3l7 per cent Of
wages earned going to workers reach.
ing IS or to the survivors OF those
dying prior to effective date Of the
law
;. Federal-state public assistance fol
100000 aged INDECENT. 60s. 400 de.
pendent children and 10000 blind.
4. Expanded public health services
vocational rehabilitation, and ma
ternal and child health and welfare
provisions, administered by the boarc
jointly with Treasury. Interior anc
Labor departments These also are
Federal-State activities.
That, in summary. is what thu
American people. under the Socia
Security Act, have done for their owr
security in the brief space of three
years" Mr.. Altmeyer said. These
projections represent, not the sur
render of individual initiative and
thrift, but rather the reassertion OF
the right Of every American to a foot
hold on which to build his own Sc
curity."
Health Gains Reported.
The United States Public Health
Service reported that the Social Secur.
ity Act has made possible Nation-wid
gains In the development of public
health facilities. The acts title VI
provides an annual appropriation o1
$4,000, 900 for aiding the States in tbt
development of public health work
Achievements noted yesterday in the
resume by the Health Service include
l. Development Of many new and
useful public health activities and the
expansion Of old ones In many STATE
health departments. With this ha!
come . great increase in the need fol
trained workers engaged in health
work with State and local health de.