Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-04-07

senate cOmm1Ltee.
The Commissioners alread
more ambitious welfare reform
such as a raise in relief pay.
ments-is out of the question
with present revenues. They are
vigorously opposing any higher
taxes.
On Friday the Commissioners
outlined proposals for distrib-
uting surplus food to the needy
dropping the present S20C
monthly relief ceiling in order
to help big families and chang
ing the handling of court sup
port cases in order to permit
families involved in such cases
to get full relief grants.
100000 Annual Cost
These proposals would cost
100000 annually. Mr.. McLauqh-
lin estimated. He also said the
city later plans to propose the
extension of relief to some I'M
employed and low-income fami-
lies not now covered. He ex-
pressed a willingness to con-
slider an emergency relief plan.
He gave no cost estimates on
these additional measures. or on
proposed hiring of more welfare
workers, to which he also agreed.
Welfare Director Gerard M.
Shea has proposed welfare-re-
form package which he told the
Senate subcommittee. headed by
Senator Morse. Democrat of
OREGON, would cost at least SIS
million.
A main feature is at least a
II per cent increase in the size
OF relief checks. which the Com
missioners have fatty ruled out
because of the lack of funds.
Senator Morse's subcommittee
has been putting strong pressure
on the city officials for welfare
improvements. The group is now
considering legislation of yari-
Gus kinds. House members and
private welfare leaders also
have been urging action. start
ing with the alienation of hum
ger among children.
Calls U. S. Payment Too Small
Senator Morse and the other
subcommittee members. Senator
Case, Republican of New Jersey
and Clark. Democrat of Penn
sylvania, have made it clear that
they feel the problem of under
nourished children can't be
solved without welfare improve
ments all along the line.
Senator Morse and Senator
Clark have given city officials
some encouragement on the A.
nancial problem. Senator Morse
at the start of the inquiry said
the Federal payment is too
small. Senator Clark on Friday
said Congress isn't carrying its
share.
The Commissioners are resist
ing a tax increase because one
was ordered year ago and It
Is still in the process of taking
effect. They told the Senators
Friday that any new increase
would likely drive both private
and business taxpayers from the
city.
This conviction was repeated
by Mr.. Mclaughlin yesterday.
Mr.. Mclaughlin told the
Morse group that except for the
lack Of funds, the city heads
would be willing to make a
major increase in relief expendi-
lures, however.
U. S. Grant Set at $40 Million
The Federal payment for the
next year, along with the city's
budget. has not yet been acted
on by the Senate. The House
cut the budget requests and set
the Federal grant at $50 million.
SO million less than the standing
congressional authorization.
A plea to raise both the Fed I
eral grant and the spending
budget will be made to the SEN !
ate. Senator Morse and his coll
leagues might be able to push
the Federal STARE higher. 1t
would still have to face the
House again.
Mr.. McLaughlin said he is
pinning special hope on an in
vitation from the House Dis
tnct Appropriations Subcommit-
tee chairman, Representative
Rabaut, Democrat Of Michigan.
Mr.. Rabaut. during recent |
hearings before the budget was
acted on, invited the city heads
10 return with a program for
aiieViating hunger among school
children. His unit promised TO
give every consideration" 10 the
financial requirements OF
sound program"
Study Welfare Proposals
ofiicials hope this indicates a
Eiiilngness on the part OF the
douse group 10 consider other