Evening star., 1951-07-27
Relief Checks
Await Law
For Issuance
Recipients Reported
Facing Privution
In Delay on Funds


Relief checks for unemploy-
ableS, many of whom are now. said
to be facing privation, will be
ready for immediate issuance as
soon as authorized by law, it was
learned today.
District Budget Officer Walter
L. Fowler said he had requested
the auditor to get all such checks
written in advance to meet the
crisis which welfare officials yes
terday said was facing dependents
on public assistance.
The story of dire hardship, dis
closed yesterday by several well
fare officials, should have been
told to Congress and to budget Of
flcials long before, Mr., Fowler de-
clared.
No Warning Given.
Neither the budget office nor
the Senate Appropriations sub
committee was informed by well
fare officials of the impending
shortage of funds while the Dis
trict appropriation bill was pend
ing in the Senate group, he said.
1t is unfortunate that ne re-
cipientS of aid are facing such a
situation. Mr.. Fowler said, but
it was also unfortunate, he en-
phasized that welfare officials
had not informed him long be-
fore that they would run short of
funds.
Congress intends to pass an
other continuing resolution early
next week, it was learned on Cap
itol Hill, to make funds available
in August, not only for the Dis
trict government, but also for
all other agencies who would be
unable to spend money without
such legislation. No major ap-
preparation bills have been sent
to the White House for the Presi-
dents approval yet.
Told at Press Conferences.
The story of the public as
sistance clients plight came out
of a press conference in the Of
fees of United Community Serv-
ices, 1101 M street NV. Repre-
sentatives of various welfare
agencies participated.
The recipients include the aged.
sick and blind, and young chill
dren. About 1000 families and
individuals normally are helped
this way. officials explained.
Ferdinand v. Grayson, acting
executive director ot UCS, de-
clared: Come August 2, about
10000 people face H-Day-Hunger
Day. Congress, in failing to pass
the District appropriation bill. is
causing the small landlord and
corner grocery store to bear the
brunt of caring for their neigh
bors in this emergency. But this
is the responsibility of the Gov
The situation is desper-
ate and a disgrace"
Senator Hill Surprised.
Chairman Hill of the Senate
subcommittee han
ding the annual District budget
bill, said today he was surprised
at the statements made, blam-
ing Congress for the threat that
recipients of public assistance may
go hungry.
He wanted to know why Dis
trict officials didn't explain the
to his subcommittee
when hearings were bel on the
appropriation bill.
The continuing resolution passed
by Congress making funds avail
able for the District for this
month was supposed to take care
Of all necessary needs, he said.
At the press conference, Percy
Weinberg, executive director of
the American Legion'S Welfare
Department, said some members
Of Congress have referred relief
cases of their constituents to his
agency here. This means Wash
ington relief agencies are faced
with even a greater burden, he
said.
Donald Gray, superintendent OF
the Public Assistance Division of
the Board of Public Welfare, said
It would be q week after President
Truman signs the appropriation
Dill fer the checks to go out. The
l checks could not be
released until about August 9,
even if Congress acted at once,
ne said.
le said. However. Mr.. Fowler's &C
ion is expected to cut, if not
the delay.
Faces Conference Action.
The bill has passed the House
Ind is now pending in the Senate.
It was reported out by the Senate
appropriations Committee on
Wednesday. Becauses of differ
noes in the two versions. it will
'e sent to conference, after the
senate adopts the measure.
Mr.. Gray pointed out that, be-
ause of insufficient funds, July
0 was the last payroll so far as
ublic assistance is concerned.
Ie said there are more cases now
han last year and the average
rant is higher now because of
ne increased cost of living.
This is the worst year we have
yer experienced" said Mr.. Gray.
Appropriation bills have been
ate before. But this is the first
me the delay will probably 60
lto two months of the new fiscal
ear"
The superintendent explained
nat total of $452, ,683 is needed
lonthly. Individual checks run
'om SAT to 500 month, he said,
Russell Schneider, executive
'cretary Of the Advisory Council
Federal Reports and chairman
tho TYF1cS Oor.-.:Ll