Evening star., 1960-03-30


unemployment now and in
Unemployment is a ma
warning that "the problem o
far greater proportions in the |
next 10 years unless decisive
action is taken"
In the final report by the
Special Committee on Unem-
ployment Problems, they pre-
scribed dozens of programs
emphasizing Federal leadership,
including aid to depressed
areas, promotion of faster eco
nomic growth, increased unem-
ployment compensation. ex-
panded public assistance or
relief, standby public works
programs and bans against job
discrimination.
Partial Dissent Filed
The committees three-man
Republican minority went along
part way with the six Demo-
Gratis, but issued a dissent ton
ing down emphasis on Federal
action. They recommended a
more limited program to aid
depressed areas, and opposed
establishment of Federal stand
ards to require States to lib
eralize unemployment COM
pensation. Two of the three
Republicans also proposed in
creased tariffs or other protec-
ton against imports.
In the face of Democratic
criticism, the Republicans de-
Tended the administrations
record on unemployment and
maintained that the problem is
not as bad as the Democrats
contended.
Senator Mccarthy. Democrat
of minnesota. heads the COM
mittee. 1t was established last
year and held 27 days of hear
ings around the country. In
addition to hearing 538 wit
nesses. the committee COM
piled study papers on jobless-
ness by experts in various
phases of the problem.
"ClasS" JOblesS Rise
The Democratic majority
said unemployment rates have
been higher after each of the
last three recessions than be-
fore. indicating a gradual rise
in the level of So-called nor
NAL joblesSness. Glass" rather
than mass" unemployment has
characterized the past decade,
they said, noting that racial
minorities, youths, older work.
ers, women, unSkilled workers
and other special groups have
suffered higher-than-average
unemployment rates in good
times and bad.
Even now, when unemploy-
ment is we'll below recession
levels, joblessness is severe in
many areas in occupations af-
fected by automstion, shifts in
defense programs and other
factors, the Democrats said.
Unemployment is expected to
be a major election campaign
issue this fall in such States
as West Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania.
Key Points Stressed
Key recommendations by
the Democrats included the
following:
Liberaiized monetary policies,
tax reform, aid to education
and other measures to accele-
rate economic growth.
Federal financial and tech
nical assistance, along with tax
concessions, to expand industry
in depressed areas, where un-
employment is chronically high
Establishment of Federal
standards to require States to
expand coverage of unemploy-
ment compensation, to in
crease benefits for most work
ers to at least half their reg
ular earnings, and to extend
regular benefits for 80 weeks.
Also. legislation to provide
Federal funds for 13 additional
weeks when necessary and to
strengthen the compensation
systems financing.
Federal grants to help States
pay public assistance for relief
benefits to needy unemployed,
who are ineligible under exist
ing public assistance programs.
Ask Vocational Training
Establishment of broad pro-
grams with Federal aid to in
crease vocational training and
counseling for youths and for
older workers who lose their
Jobs through automation and
other shifts in the economy.
Study of measures to soften
the impact on employment
when defense programs shift,
as when airplane contracts are
Cancelled in favor of missile
production.
Aid in adjustment when i'm
ports cut back domestic pro-
duction.
establishment OF a Federal
agency to combat job discrimi-
nation and promote fair en-
ployment practices.
G. o. p. Program
Recommendations by the
Republican minority included
Federal aid to depressed
areas along the limited lines
proposed by the President.
Extension of unemployment
compensation and provision
for e,,rY1lenoeptarv benefits f0T