State of the Union AddressesEisenhower, Dwight D. (Dwight David)
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State of the Union Addresses
Eisenhower, Dwight D. (Dwight David)
Presidents -- United States -- Messages; United States -- Politics and government -- Sources
There is urgent need for greater effectiveness in our programs, both public
and private, offering safeguards against the privations that too often come
with unemployment, old age, illness, and accident. The provisions of the
old-age and survivors insurance law should promptly be extended to cover
millions of citizens who have been left out of the social-security system.
No less important is the encouragement of privately sponsored pension
plans. Most important of all, of course, is renewed effort to check the
inflation which destroys so much of the value of all social-security
payments.
Our school system demands some prompt, effective help. During each of the
last 9 years, more than 1 1/2 million children have swelled the elementary
and secondary school population of the country. Generally, the school
population is proportionately higher in States with low per capita income.
This whole situation calls for careful congressional study and action. I am
sure that you share my conviction that the firm conditions of Federal aid
must be proved need and proved lack of local income.
One phase of the school problem demands special action. The school
population of many districts has been greatly increased by the swift
growth of defense activities. These activities have added little or nothing
to the tax resources of the communities affected. Legislation aiding
construction of schools in the districts expires on June 30. This law
should be renewed; and likewise, the partial payments for current operating
expenses for these particular school districts should be made, including
the deficiency requirement of the current fiscal year.
Public interest similarly demands one prompt specific action in protection
of the general consumer. The Food and Drug Administration should be
authorized to continue its established and necessary program of factory
inspections. The invalidation of these inspections by the Supreme Court of
December 8, 1952, was based solely on the fact that the present law
contained inconsistent and unclear provisions. These must be promptly
corrected.
I am well aware that beyond these few immediate measures there remains much
to be done. The health and housing needs of our people call for
intelligently planned programs. Involved are the solvency of the whole
security system; and its guarding against exploitation by the
irresponsible.
To bring clear purpose and orderly procedure into this field, I anticipate
a thorough study of the proper relationship among Federal, State, and local
programs. I shall shortly send you specific recommendations for
establishing such an appropriate commission, together with a reorganization
plan defining new administrative status for all Federal activities in
health, education, and social security.
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