The union times., 1943-09-18
Wide Coverage
 Greatly Needed

Sam IS concerned, reached US e1gntn anniversary on Saturday, Aug. IA. It was on that date in 1885 that PreSi- dent Roosevelt signed the bill that launched the great reform on a na- tional scale.
 It began functioning in modest way. There were plenty of weak spots in it and in subsequent years some of these were strengthened. But organized labor feels that even now the Social Security Act repre- sents only the beginning of the kind of program which should pre- vail in a country as rich as America.
 Nonetheless, the record of the eight years is very gratifying. Here are some of the achievements, as sum- marized by the Federal Security Agency:
 Over $35o,OOO,OOO has been paid, up to July 1, this year, as matter of right to insured workers who have retired or to widows and children oi those who died. Nearly 100000 per sons are getting regular monthly payments now and 100000 others are entitled to draw them but prefer to stay at their jobs.
 60 Million Assured Pensions
 More than 60,000,000 persons have earned credits which will assure them pensions when they reach the retire ment age of 65.
 Forty million are protected by un- employment insurance when they are idle through no fault of their own. Job insurance payments up to now have aggregated over two billion dollars.
 The needy aged and the blind, and dependent children, have re- ceived four billion dollars through joint state-Federal programs, in which the US. bears half the cost. Three million are now drawing such aid.
 While these results are encOurag- ing. organized labor contends the time has come for broadening the benefits. Labor's view is shared by the President, the Social Security Board and all agencies having to do with this phase of the public welfare.
 It's Up to Congress
 The decision rests with Congress. Senator Robert F. Wagner (Dem., N. Y.) has introduced bill in the Sen ate and Congressman John D. Din gell (Dem, Mich) an identical one in the House, entbodying labor's ideas for improvement of the law.
 As in Britain, where "cradle-to- the-grave" security program has been proposed to Parliament, the main is sue at stake is whether the expanded program should be considered now or whether debate on 1t shall be put off until after the war.
 Organized labor and other sup porters of the Wagner Dingell bill contend the time is now. They argue that the system should be set up and ready to function the moment the war is over, when there will be an urgent need for real social security.
 Would Extend COverage
 Among the outstanding changes would be an extension of coverage of the old age insurance features to 20000,O00 persons now excluded, such as domestics, farm workers, self-em- ployeu individuals and others. Also, maximum payments would rise from $85 to $120 month.
 Of even greater importance for the postwar period is proposed national unemployment insurance system to replace the present joint Federal-state plans. It would be ex- tended to take in nearly l5,OOO,OO wage and salary earners not now covered, and would increase the benefits to a maximum of $50 week for six months, as compared with a present ceiling of $2O for I6 weeks. Also, the benefits would apply to sick and disabled, as well as jObless.
 Cushions Postwar LetdOwn
 The significance of that portion of the program cannot be exaggerated. When peace comes, millions of sol diers will be mustered out and even more millions of workers now in war plants may find their jobs wiped out. The proposed payments are vital to tide them over until they find work.
 An entirely new feature is that of health insurance under which costs of medical and hospital care during periods of sickness or disability would be paid for out of insurance funds, up to certain limits.
 War veterans as matter of right already are assured of free hos pitalizatiOn and medical care in peacetime, and the number getting such service will be SO great after this war that extension of similar protection to all Americans will become all the more urgent. Workers Ready to Pay
 Of course, this huge program will cost money, but organized labor as Serts workers will gladly bear their share of the expense. It is estimated a 10 to l2 per cent tax on payrolls, borne equally by employees and en- ployers, would defray the expense.
 Labor maintains such levy would have a double value now. It would give workers far-reaching security, and at the same ime would meet the cry of those who contend that earn ings must be taxed more heavily to "avert imitation"
 Wins Congress Seat
 With Labor Backing