Evening star., 1939-06-06

IOr the SOluClOn OF naClOndl problems.
believe in che Federal CO.
operative system. Experience has
indicated that 1t preserves local
initiative and keeps administration
close to the people concerned. I,
for one, am opposed to centraliza-
ton of such activities in Washing
ton. I am opposed to the bureauc-
racy that would develop. For these
reasons I have strongly favored
maintaining and strengthening the
Federal-State systems embodied in
both public assistance and unem-
ployment compensation.
A national old-age pension, based
on need, calls for Federal investiga-
ton and supervision. Such q sys-
tenn would be intolerable.
Twofold Purpose the Committees.
In considering unemployment in
surance objective has been to make
such changes as would best help to
relieve industry of any unnecessary
burdens and at the same time to
provide those out of work with more
adequate benefits. We have sought
way to accomplish this twofold
purpose without altering in any
fundamental way our present Fed
eral-State system. I think that the
plan which the committee has re-
ported out meets all these tests 1t
preserves the State systems against
those who would repeal unemploy-
ment insurance and those who want
an outright Federal system. My
plan will enable those States which
are building up substantial reserves
to reduce their contribution rates
and so to benefit employers. But
it also requires such States to MAIN
tain at least certain minimum stand
ards so that wage-earners will be
assured of fair benefits when due
specifically the State must provide
for the payment of benefits for at
least 16 weeks after no more than
a two-Week waiting period and with
a minimum of at least S. a week.
1t provides for benefits to these
partially unemployed. The States
may make more liberal benefit pay
ments if they so desire. The plan
thus protects the State and the
employer, the employe and his
family.
Before bring this summary to an
end. there is just one more change
that I want to mention. This is
the increase of 81 100000 in the ap-
preparation for vocational rehabili-
tation This will bring the total Fed
eral funds available as grants to the
States for this purpose to s2938 600
year. Small as this sum is, in
comparison to some of our other ex-
penditures, it represents a very real
contribution to security. Every Grip
pied employe retrained to an occu-
patton represents definite gain in
security-in reducing the cost of car
ing for him II he remained depend
ent. in returning him to society and
to his family as useful and self
respecting individual.
The committees recommendations
are substantial steps forward in our
march toward social security. There
is still much to be done I would
like to see aid to the needy aged and
dependent children liberalized still
further-to see the old-age and un-
employment insurance benefits eX-
panded. I shall continue to work for
these additional amendments. In
the meantime I shall vote for the
amendments which the committee
has reported out because firmly be-
lieve they represent another mile
stone in the struggle for safeguard
ing human rights.
With this, then, I have covered
the main points in the bill to amend
the Social Security Act. The changes
recommended in all the programs
| in old-age insurance. in aid to de.
| pendent children and in unemploy.
ment compensation. are part of Z
common purpose to promote the
security of the family and the home
Begins With the Family.
But though security begins vitr
/ the family. 1t does not end there
When families have some basic
measure of economic stability-soms
means Of maintaining their status a!
the purchase of goods and services
then business and industry are alst
on the way toward increasing sta.
biHty And when our families ar,
secure, when they can perform thei,
! timehonored functions as the life.
I giving heart to our social organism
| then We need have no fears for oul
democracy
I have supported all the change:
relative to the conservation of famil,
life throughout the many weeks IL
which these amendments have beer
up for discussion. And have con.
slStently urged increasing protec.
ton for children. because 1 believe
our democracy can be kept aliv,
only so long as we assure to chill.
dren-the citizens of tomorrow
their birthright of wholesome famil,
/ life today.
This recognition of the relation
| ship between security and democ.
racy is no new discovery. The Hous,
Ways and Means Committee did mo-
initiate this point of view when il
sat down four months ago to con.
slider possible amendments. Nor die
Congress and its advisers initiate il
when the Social Security Act wa.
originally passed in 1885. No, thi.
relationship is at least as old as oul
Constitution, wherein ito promote
the general welfare" is enumerated
as one of the basic functions of oul
democratic government.
In the Social Security Act-and ir
these amendments to the active
are carrying on, for our own time
the precepts and the ideals which
were then set forth and which, W,
believe, and trust, will endure for al
time to come.
Government is living organism
Government cannot remain static
particularly when great economi,
changes are taking place. Govern
ment must serve, and to "serve" i
| y,,llct u0rL in order fo rorfory,, IL