The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1961-03-10

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the Presidents plan goes into effect,
roughly 1904 Montanans, who have
exhausted their benefits but remain
unemployed, will be eligible for addi-
tional benefits.
Social Security-The President re-
quested step-ups of five benefits of
the Old Age and Survivors Disability
Insurance. If these increases go in
effect, Montana will receive $2.6
million in calendar year 1861 and
SAL million in fiscal year 1852. The
five proposals and their breakdown
are as follows:
Increase by $40 Ito $43) the
monthly minimum payment; 100000
in 1861, and 81 million for fiscal
1861.
Give older men the same option as
women to start drawing benefits
when they reach 81, instead of 65;
$14 million in 1861 and 1928 million
in fiscal 1862.
Reduce by 25 per cent, the time
worker must spend in jobs covered
by Social Security to qualify for
benefits; 100000 in 1861 and $780,
900 for fiscal 1862.
Increase the pensions of aged wild
owsl from rs to 85 per cent of their
dead husbands benefits; 100000
for 1861 and 100000 for fiscal
1862.
Permit workers totally disabled for
six months to draw disability bene-
fits instead of having to prove that
their injuries will lead to disability
of indefinite duration or death; $780,
900 for 1861 and 100000 for fiscal
1862.
Aid to Dependent Children-at the
present time, each needy child and
mother get an average of $29.7O a
month only if their fathers have died,
become disabled or have deserted
The President would bring in another
100000 children whose fathers have
exhausted their unemployment COM
pensation rights.
In Montana this is estimated to in
clude 5000 additional children, Civ
ing them and their families a total
of S1,93O,OOO for the period of April
1, 1861 to June 80, 1862.
Free Surplus Food Distribution
The Presidents first official act was
to sign an order expanding the dis
tribution of surplus food. Pork and |
gravy, dry beans, and peanut butter |
will be added to list which already |
includes non-fat dry milk, lard, rice,
flour, cornmeal, butter and dried
eggs. The step-up in the distribution |
program will mean about 1925, 700 |
extra in groceries each month for
10000 impoverished Montanans.
Minimum Wage-The President |
has also submitted to Congress bill
to cover additional categories of |
workers and provide for an increase
in the federal minimum wage. If this
bill is passed the wage in covered in
dustries will be increased to $1.15
an hour during the first year. $1.2O |
during the second year, and $1.25
thereafter. Unfortunately, the pro-
jected figures for the increase in in
come in Montana and the number of i
people affected is not presently avail
able.
QUICKER FEDERAL SPENDING
CT Life Insurance Dividends for
CT Insurance are normally paid on
the veterans anniversary (start of
active duty) date The President di-
rected the Veterans Administration
to speed issuance of the checks, and
the VA expects to complete the JOB
within the next few months.
This action will place a total of
S980,45O in the hands of 1902 Mon
tana veterans during the early part
of the, year.
Income Tax Returns-The Presi-
dent also ordered speedup in the
payment of income tax refunds.
Based on the amount that was paid
back to Montanans during 1860,
10000 people will be receiving a
,otal of SIC million at an accelerated
ate of return.
MI l.