I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ACT In my judgment the Economic Opportunity Act is among the most significant legislation to be passed by the Congress in this century. As a past president of the United States Conference of Mayors, and, therefore, with a considerable knowledge of the problems of our cities, I can say with authority that this act can, and in some cities such as our already has, spelled the difference between our cities becoming either way stations for human despair and suffering or centers for human progress and advancement. For years I and other mayors have been asking for, pleading for, demanding the means to combat poverty and its causes. This act has given us the tools and resources we need. II. ADMINISTRATION OF THE ACT There are bound to be problems in any new program-this program has its normal share. Questions of representation of the poor; who should administer the local programs-these are some of the issues. I believe Sargent Shriver and his staff are striving effectively to overcome these problems and to minimize frictions and conflict, many of which are inevitable in a program such as this. More important, however, is the progress that has been achieved. In just 8 months, the intent of Congress has been transformed into action programs in hundreds of cities and in States across the Nation. I think Mr. Shriver and his staff are to be commended for their dedication and hard work in doing so much in such a short time. III. STATE RESPONSIBILITY I think the first 8 months of the program have shown a need for the States to take much greater action than they have yet done. I know many Governors share this judgment. The need exists where smaller communities have neither the resources nor the staff to mount a local effort, but must rely on broad statewide programs in education and employment. If changes are contemplated in the role of the States, however, I would strongly urge that we avoid any unnecessary State involvement in larger cities where community action progress is already underway is being active planned. The desirability of direct city-Federal Government relationship has already been proven in the experience of urban renewal, and it should be followed whenever possible in the antipoverty program. Connecticut, under Governor Dempsey's leadership, has established what I believe to be a model for other States to follow in this area. The Connecticut poverty program concentrates its resources on helping smaller cities and regions of the State which need the help. The underlying philosophy of Connecticut's program is local initiative and flexibility. IV. FISCAL NEEDS OF THE PROGRAM Mr. Shriver has pointed out that the current appropriation is all that his agency could efficiently administer during its first year of operation. Yet there can be no doubt that despite initial progress, we have barely scratched the surface in significantly reducing poverty in the United States. President Johnson's request for $1.9 billion for the next fiscal year I regard as absolutely necessary if we are to continue to move ahead. V. CONCLUSION To sum up, New Haven, where one of the earliest antipoverty programs was undertaken and which has since developed one of the most comprehensive programs in America, would like to record its firm endorsement of the first-year impact of the Economic Opportunity Act. Further, our experience with those administering the act has shown the OEO staff to be conscientious, hardworking, and helpful. We think the States should be encouraged to play a greater role in helping smaller cities in the war against poverty although the current direct relationship between larger cities and the Office of Economic Opportunity should be maintained. We support the President's recommendation for renewal of the OEO legislation and his budget request. If there is any further information that we in New Haven can supply, please let me know. Sincerely, Dick Lee, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Senator PAT MCNAMARA, U.S. Senate Office Building, DEAR SENATOR MCNAMARA: I have followed with great interest, the progress of the current Economic Opportunity Act before the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee. I felt that you, as chairman of this important committee, would be interested in the views of those in positions of leadership in cities served by community action programs under the Office of Economic Opportunity. Waterbury is one such community. Although our community action program, New Opportunities for Waterbury, Inc., is relatively new, we feel that there are already signs of definite progress. Progress made to date has been the result of a spirit of cooperation between the personnel of our community action program, public officials, and leaders of private agencies. We feel that if progress is to continue, this spirit of cooperation must be continued and, if possible, strengthened. Very truly yours, JOSEPH F. MCNELLIS, Mayor. KLAMATH FALLS, OREG., June 26, 1965. Hon. WAYNE MORSE, DEAR HON. WAYNE MORSE: We see where the antipoverty bill extension is having trouble in Congress. We also see in our own State where we are getting a high rate of dropouts among the "dropouts" that the program was designed for. Now they are shipping them home. To what? Isn't this admitting defeat? It seems as though the teachers are "throwing in the towel" over an unpleasant task. Now they want to bring these dropouts of the poverty program to Portland because they feel that there are not enough cultural interests in Astoria. Honorable these kids are in this program to learn, work, and study so they can earn a wholesome living and raise families the country can be proud of. Why don't they make these dropouts save their $105 per month spending money so it will earn interest in a bank so they will have a small nestegg to keep them going when they graduate? It seems we are coddling these kids too much. You and I grew up on hard work, long hours, and not too glorious pay and we are not frustrated with life. The same is true with these dropouts in the poverty Job Corps program. Good hard work, long hours, never hurt anyone, but continued handouts, social activities, and coddling can ruin a man's desire to struggle ahead in this cruel world of life. Can you personally make sure our dollar is being spent wisely in the poverty program, so we can train these kids to be upstanding, honest, God-fearing citizens of tomorrow we can be proud of, not panhandlers expecting a continual handout until they die? We are depending on you, honorable. Good luck. Also, can't we have more double checks on our transports and bombers to make sure they will fly before they leave the ground? Witness the tragedy at El Toro Harine Air Station. This could happen to civilians too you know. Please check into this. Thanks loads. Yours respectfully, Mr. and Mrs. JOHN P. TRIBE. (Whereupon, at 12:45 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned subject to the call of the Chair.) о |