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Senior Citizens
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Senior Citizens
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Gerald R. Ford Vice Presidential Papers
Paul Miltich's Speech Materials Files
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The original documents are located in Box 172, folder "Senior Citizens" of the Gerald R.
Ford Vice Presidential Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the
United States of America her copyrights in all of her husband's unpublished writings in National
Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official
duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or
organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed
in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
NEWS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
OFFICE OF INFORMATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20210
Senior Citizens (newfile (women)
USDL--11-206
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eleanor Coakley
Tuesday, May 5, 1970
961-2188
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
The concerns of the Senate Special Committee on Aging are
especially important for women, Mrs. Elizabeth Duncan Koontz, Director of
the Women's Eureau, U.S. Department of Labor, told the Committee today
at hearings on "Economics of Aging: Toward a Full Share in Abundance."
She pointed out that the life expectancy of women is increasing
more than that of men. Men born in 1920 could expect to live 53.6 years
and women 54.6 years--a difference of only one year. In 1967 the life
expectancy of women was 74.6 years and that of men 66.6 years, a
difference of 7 years.
Mrs. Koontz said the disparity between the earnings of women and men
results in lower Social Security benefits for women. The median earnings
of full-time, year-round women workers in 1968 were $4,457 compared with
$7,664 for men. In 1967, the average retired male worker received $92.50
per month in Social Security benefits, but for women workers the average
allotment was $71.90
Some 10,501,000 women aged 55 or older are "women on their own"--
widowed, divorced, separated or single, she said.
#####
Text of her testimony is attached.
Statement of
Elizabeth Duncan Koontz
Director, Women's Bureau
U.S. Department of Labor
Before the
Special Committee on Aging
United States Senate; final hearings on
"Economics of Aging: Toward a Full Share in Abundance"
May 5, 1970
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
As Director the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor I am
pleased to have the opportunity to appear before this important Senate
Committee on Aging.
In the Women's Bureau we receive numerous letters every year from
middle-aged and older women seeking help to enter or reenter the labor
force. Many are in dire economic circumstances--some recently widowed,
others finding the monthly social security payment totally inadequate
to meet bare necessities at a time of spiraling costs for food, shelter,
transportation and medical care. Many have, unfortunately, already been
victimized by fraudulent advertisements inviting them to earn money by
addressing envelopes at home. They do not know where to turn to
supplement their meager incomes.
We have read with great interest the Working Papers prepared for
this Committee. We note, however, that the data presented is largely
related to "males" only. For that reason, we especially welcome the
opportunity afforded by your invitation, to supplement the record with
respect to women. We will also avail ourselves of your offer to submit
more extensive information within the month before the record is closed.
-2-
This statement will therefore be briefer than the scope of the problem
warrants and will be purely factual.
One reason the concerns of this Committee are especially
important for women is that the life expectancy of women is increasing
more than that of men. The life expectancy of men born in 1920 was
53.6 years and for women, 54.6 years--only one year difference. However,
by 1967, whereas the life expectancy of men had increased by 13 years
that of women had increased by 20 years.
Another important difference between men and women in relation to
their relative capacity to attain "a full share of abundance" is the
earnings gap in our economy between men and women workers. The median
earnings of full-time, year-round women workers in 1968 were $4,457
compared with $7,664 for men. Women earned only 58 percent as much as
men. This earning gap is, in fact, widening. Back in 1955 women earned
64 percent as much as men.
This disparity between the earnings of women and men results in
lower Social Security benefits for women. When this fact is combined
with a longer post-retirement life for women, we understand why so many
women face a long period of life with economic resources inadequate, in
many cases, to provide a livelihood above the poverty level. In 1967, the
average retired male worker received $92.50 per month in Social Security
benefits, but for women workers the average allotment was only $71.90.
More than half of all retirees with benefit payments of less than
$70.00 per month in 1967 were women. On the average the retirement
benefit of women workers was 76 percent of the average amount for men.
-3-
I want to call attention also to the special problems of widows
in our society. I have already indicated the greater longevity of women
which inevitably means a steadily increasing number of widows. The
number of widows aged 55-64 in March 1969, was almost 2 million
GERALD FORD (TBRAR)
(1,994,000). There were over 6 million (6,078,000) aged 65 and over--
altogether just over 8 million (8,072,000) women aged 55 and over who were
widows in 1969. If you add to that figure, the number of older single
women, plus women who are divorced or separated, the total of "women on
their own" who are aged 55 or older comes to 101/2 million (10,501,000)
persons--no insignificant number. The average benefit payment in 1967
under Social Security for widows labelled "aged" was $75.20. It is no
wonder that the Women's Bureau receives so many requests for help in
finding jobs--requests from mature women who "can no longer hold body and
soul together," as several correspondents have put it.
The Women's Bureau noted with great interest the conclusions of
your Task Force Report concerning needed changes in the Social Security
System. We are not in a position at this time to comment on these
recommendations. However, I would like to call your attention to the
Report of a Task Force on Social Insurance and Taxes adopted by the
Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women--a Council appointed by
the President. I submit it for the record.*
Unlike men, many of the women aged 45 and over who are seeking to
improve their economic status by securing a job have little or no recent
work experience. They need training and retraining for today's labor
*Additional statistical data relative to women will be found on pages 55-71.
-4-
market. They also need special projects designed to utilize their special
skills in community service occupations at regular part-time or full-time
work. The Labor Department through its Operation Mainstream, Manpower
Development and Training programs and other such projects has been
striving to provide job training and employment opportunities for all our
people. The number of women aged 45 and over who are benefitting from
these programs is, however, small.
In response to the expressed need of middle-aged and older women
seeking to return to the labor force without adequate "know-how," the
Women's Fureau published a pamphlet "Jobfinding Techniques for Mature
Women" in February 1970. In 1969, we prepared a bulletin entitled "How
You Can Help Reduce Barriers to the Employment of Mature Women." The
response to both these punlications has exceeded expectations. Copies
are presented herewith for the Committee's use, but are not being
presented as a part of the official record.
We trust the above data will be helpful to the Committee in its
overall study of "Economics of Aging: Toward a Full Share in Abundance."
#####
Republican
Senir
National
Committee.
Citizens
April 1, 1970
tile
The Honorable
Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Ford:
Thank you very much for sending a representative to our recent
Congressional Seminars on Senior Citizens. The participation by
those in attendance during the question and answer period was most
helpful to us and I hope produced some ideas that may prove useful
during the coming campaign.
I am enclosing our latest brochure entitled, "The Margin of
Victory", which is designed as an aid to Party workers at the county
and precinct levels. If you like the brochure and wish to order a
quantity, they may be obtained from the printer under conditions
described on the last page.
We do hope that your schedule will permit you to hold a Senior
Citizens forum sometime in May, which is Senior Citizens month, and
we are enclosing a copy of a format that has been used successfully
by many Congressmen.
Please do not hesitate to let us know what we can do to assist
you in your campaign plans among Senior Citizens.
With all good wishes,
FORD
Sincerely,
Bernard S. Sans Renssitars
Bernard S. Van Rensselaer
Director
Senior Citizens Division
Enclosures:
1. Brochure
2. Format
National Headquarters: 1625 Eye Street NW Washington DC 20006 (202) NA 8-6800.
THE MARGIN
OF VICTORY.
A guidebook on
how to reach the
20,000,000 potential
voters over
the age of 65.
No candidate who wants to win would ever know-
ingly insult a voter.
No candidate who wants to win would knowingly
overlook a valuable source of volunteer manpower
or ignore the problems of constituents.
And yet, in every recent election, too many Repub-
lican candidates have ignored that large and grow-
ing body of Americans who have reached the retire-
ment age. To ignore them is to insult them-which
costs votes. And to ignore them is to overlook a
valuable source of voluntary manpower-which
could deny us more potential votes.
This booklet has been prepared to point out to
every Republican candidate and worker the sig-
nificance of the older Americans and their votes-to
indicate why their votes should be sought-to indi-
cate how their votes should be sought-to indicate
where their votes should be sought-and to en-
courage every candidate and worker to reach out
to America's older citizens.
In no campaign is there enough time to do every-
thing. Each project must be measured against every
other to establish priorities. You will find that few
will yield better results than careful attention to the
needs, the interests, and the votes of America's
older citizens.
How many are there?
The size of the senior citizen population varies
substantially from State to State. In Florida, one voter
out of four is over 65. In Alaska, only one out of
twenty-five is over 65.
But, with the exception of Hawaii and Alaska, in
every State-and in practically every election district
of every State-between ten and twenty percent of
the potential voters are 65 years old or older.
Older people are more likely to vote than younger
people. They tend to be more interested than
younger people, perhaps because they have more
time on their hands. When they are sought out, they
respond.
Much has been made of a "population explosion"
which has steadily lowered the median age in the
United States. But the fact is that persons over 65
cast more than twice as many votes as those under
twenty-five. If a candidate for office organizes the
young but forgets the old he is making a serious mis-
take.
GOP Percentage
of Elderly Vote
1952
61%
1956
61%
1960
55%
1962
51%
1964
41%
1966
49%
1968
47%
Where do you find them?
America's older citizens have rapidly become one
of the most organized elements of our society. In
the last decade, literally thousands of Senior Citizens
Clubs have sprung up across the country-in
How do they vote?
churches and temples, in YMCA's and YWCA's, in
unions and in corporations, in the form of service
The elderly voting population used to be a Repub-
and community clubs. There are four national Senior
lican stronghold. In 1952, and again in 1956, 61%
Citizens organizations with an aggregate of 5,000,000
members.
of the voters over 65 supported the Republican
Party. That figure has been steadily decreasing.
Even though many of these groups have become
affiliated in an informal sense with the Democratic
The Republican Party today cannot be expected
to get more than half of the older citizens' votes
Party (and many in fact have been formed through
unless we make a special effort. We need this im-
efforts inspired by the Democratic Party), they will
portant vote.
respond positively to any political candidate who
wishes to reach them. There is no difficulty in con-
America's older citizens are registered to vote in
tacting this voter group in an organized fashion-if
large numbers-84% of all persons over 65 are
the will to do so is there.
registered whereas only 48% of those between 21
and 30 are registered to vote. Furthermore, registra-
The initial steps may be the most important:
tion figures show proportionately more Republicans
1. Every campaign should have a Senior Citizen
among older Americans than in the population over-
Chairman-respected in the community and par-
all. But for the Republican Party to regain its com-
ticularly respected among the older citizens of your
manding majority of the votes among voters over 65,
community.
a lot of work must be done-and it must be done at
2. Under his direction, a group of Senior Citizen
the local and State levels, as well as at the national
volunteers can put together a comprehensive mail-
level.
ing list of the relevant organizations-and even a
Perhaps once the Republican Party and its candi-
list of the voters within the group. This is most im-
dates could take the votes of older people for
portant.
granted-and get away with it. It wasn't wise poli-
3. Your Senior Citizen Chairman and initial group
tics, but in many cases it may have worked. But that
of volunteers can easily identify those opinion lead-
is certainly no longer the case. This year to win sup-
ers within the community's older citizens-and to-
port among older Americans, Republican candidates
gether with you can help to persuade them to join
must work for it-they must seek out the older
in the effort of your campaign in reaching the older
people and convince them that the Republican Party
voting group.
wants them and that they should want the Repub-
lican Party.
There is no difficulty in identifying where the
senior citizens are. The next step is tougher.
2
The
DON'T
patronize
be phony
over-simplify
use technical
terms like
'inflation"
make promises
you can't keep
down-grade
America
How do you reach them?
Functions
As with all politics, the candidate can go to the
people or the people can be brought to the candi-
date.
Through a systematic series of requests to old age
groups of every kind, a candidate can get the oppor-
tunity to speak to almost all of the politically con-
cerned older people of his election district-or in
the case of a major office, he can at least talk with
a representative group of the older population.
But it is important as well to indicate to this or
any group of voters that you are interested in more
than simply attending a function in the well-known
How do you reach them?
style of every political campaigner. It would be wise
and beneficial to establish a series of meetings of
Advertising
your own to which they are invited as your guests to
discuss their problems with you. If they make you
The elderly are among the easiest voting groups
feel welcome in their meeting place, it is rewarding.
to reach with effective and relatively inexpensive ad-
If you make them feel welcome in your meeting
vertising.
place, it will be even more rewarding.
Because they have time on their hands, they listen
This again takes organization:
to more radio, watch more television, and read their
1. A volunteer committee of senior citizens to
newspapers more thoroughly than any other voting
schedule, organize and run a series of coffee
group.
klatches, senior citizen forums, or similar meetings
Newspaper advertising is particularly effective,
for the candidate-or in large campaigns represent-
considering its cost, because older citizens tend to
atives of the candidate-to meet with groups of
read every word on every page. Detailed position
senior citizens no larger than 50 in number. Personal
papers might be reproduced in this fashion.
contact is important-it is the key to their feeling of
Radio advertising is effective, particularly in the
respect for you and your respect for them.
9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. non-commuter traffic hours when
2. Groups of senior citizen volunteers to help you
costs are low. Surveys show that advertising in con-
to thank all those who attend such meetings through
nection with non-controversial conversation format
personal letters expressing your gratitude.
programs is the best buy.
3. The maintenance of a specific calendar of
Similarly, to reach this audience, TV spot advertis-
events of Senior Citizens groups so that either you
ing should be concentrated in the low-cost day-time
as the candidate-or at the very least a representa-
hours-particularly in connection with non-contro-
tive of your campaign-is always present at an event
versial conversation or serial programs.
which is of significance to the older citizen. If you do
Here is one area where a few advertising dollars
not care enough to care about what they care about,
will go a long way.
they may not care enough about you to vote for you.
DO
remember they've
seen more of life
than you
use meaningful words
like "cost of living"
be sincere
Address
promise "to try"
mailings
build up America
Stuff, seal, and
ask for their volunteer
stamp
help
Telephone
canvas
Poll watching
Coffee Klatches
Voters' lists
Baby sitting
Issues research
Speech writing
Clerical work
Organization
lists
Newspaper
How do you
clipping
reach them?
Words
This, for many candidates, seems to be the tough
What can they do?
one.
The most important thing to understand is that
They can vote-and in large numbers.
these are proud-fiercely proud people. They are
But if you are satisfied with only that, you have
proud of their independence-and resent the need
overlooked one of the most valuable and available
to rely on others.
assets that exists in any campaign for any office.
They are proud of their country-and resent those
These men and women for the most part are retired.
who try to tear it down.
Their children are off and married. They have time
on their hands. They want to do something.
They are proud of their accomplishments-and re-
sent those who patronize them as if they can no
They'll stuff and seal envelopes by the car load.
longer contribute.
They'll type letters. They'll baby sit. They'll do re-
But it would be a bad mistake to assume that the
search. They'll write speeches.
older voters are preoccupied only with the problems
Everyone of the older citizens volunteers in your
that uniquely effect them. They are concerned about
campaign has spent a lifetime doing something.
all issues that effect the future of our country.
They are very experienced people. Their experience
And it would be a tragic mistake to believe that a
can be an asset.
few well-concocted words-or even technically cor-
In particular, it makes good sense to use Senior
rect answers on issues which concern them-are of
Citizen volunteers in the very project being set up
paramount importance. Detailed knowledge of tech-
to reach out for contact with more Senior Citizen
nical problems is less important than the concern
voters. Let them run it. They know whom they are
you have and the concern you show. It is more im-
talking to. They know the best way to get through.
portant that you as a candidate want to solve their
And in the end, you will have won their votes—
problems than it is that you as a candidate know
and thousands more of their friends'. They will ap-
how to solve them.
preciate the chance to participate-and in giving
If you wish to get on the wave-length of the older
them the chance to participate you will be giving
voter, you better care a lot about what the older
yourself the chance to win.
voter cares a lot about.
Additional copies may be obtained from:
FONTANA LITHOGRAPHERS
1937 47th Avenue, N.E.
Washington 27, D.C.
Prices: 50 copies $15.00;
100 copies $25.00;
500 copies $45.00;
1000 copies $75.00.
Check must accompany order
Rogers C.B. Morton, Chairman
Republican National Committee 1625 Eye St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS FORUMS
TO BE HELD BY REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMEN
The meeting might be held in a Federal courtroom, school auditorium, church parish
hall or any other suitable place.
It would be desirable to hold the forum sometime between the hours of 10:00 a.m.
and 4:00 p.m. The entire program should not exceed 2/2 to 3 hours.
The forum should be announced in the press and by radio, if possible, as an oppor-
tunity for the Congressman and his older constituents to get to know each other
better and to exchange views.
If it is possible to obtain a list of older people, and a serious effort should be
made to build such a list, personal invitations should be sent to them.
Notices or invitations should also be sent to all retirement homes, senior citizen
centers, chapters of the American Association of Retired Persons, National Retired
Teachers Association, National Association of Retired Civil Employees, National
Council of Senior Citizens, churches (many of which have senior citizens groups),
senior citizen clubs and any other organizations or individuals interested in the
problems of aging.
Invitations should be issued to representatives of the nearest HEW, Social Security,
Medicare and Housing offices who can answer questions relating to the operation of
their respective programs.
The Congressman should preside, introducing himself, explaining the reasons for the
meeting and expressing his desire to identify himself with matters affecting older
people. He should also make whatever references to his voting record on Social
Security and other old age programs as he may deem desirable. If he wishes to dis-
close his future positions on Social Security, Medicare, housing, inflation, local
taxes, retention of earnings without losing Social Security benefits, or anything
else that seems relevant, he should do SO.
The Congressman should then indicate the presence of the specialists and invite
questions from his audience in their areas of knowledge.
At the end of the question and answer period there should be a social hour with
coffee and doughnuts, or something similar, during which the Congressman should
circulate and greet as many people as possible. It has been found useful at these
forums to have the local Women's Federation assume the responsibility for providing
the refreshments and acting as ushers.
Needless to say, the forums should receive as much advance publicity as can be ob-
tained and photographs, radio and television should be involved at the meetings if
these can be arranged. Experience shows that where the planning is well done a great
deal of favorable public exposure for the candidate and the Party can be achieved.
BSVR - 1/13/70
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
From the Office of
FORD ClBRARY
131-68
CONGRESSMAN TOM RAILSBACK
19th District, Illinois
1122 House Office Building, Washington, D. C.
(202) 225-5906
Contact: Bob Clark
May 23, 1968
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, May 29, 1968
CONGRESSMAN TOM RAILSBACK REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON:
The President has proclaimed the month of May as "Senior Citizens
Month." This month has been set aside for us to show our respect for
our older fellow Americans and to recognize the fact that our generation
owes all that we have to those who have borne responsibility in the past
for the benefit of our country, state, and ourselves. We do not, nor do
we always remember, to take the time to recognize the debt that we owe
to them. During this month is the time to pay special tribute to our
senior citizens.
One out of every 11 persons in the United States is aged 65 or over,
and three out of every ten persons in this age category live in the four
most populous states Illinois, New York, California, and Pennsylvania.
Each of these states has more than one million persons over age 65 living
in it. By November 1968, there will be more than 19 million persons aged
65 and over in the United States. This will be just a little less than
10% of our entire population. During the next twenty years, the older
population of the United States is expected to increase almost 40%.
Currently, there are approximately 50,000 senior citizens living in the
19th Congressional District of Illinois, and they make up about 12% of
the total population.
Most of these persons are retired and are living on fixed incomes.
Some of them are fortunate and have been able to save enough during their
working years so that they can continue to live the lives to which they
have been accustomed without any assistance. However, the vast majority
of our senior citizens, approximately 90%, rely on social security payments
each month for the essentials of living. Although almost 19 million
persons in this country actually receive social security benefits monthly,
when you include their dependents, the total number of persons in the
United States who rely on the social security program to pay the rent,
buy the food, and pay the bills for the other necessities of life, is now
almost 24 million persons or over 10% of the total pupulation of this
country.
This percentage continues to increase. In Rock Island County alone,
the number of local people receiving benefits now is more than 20% greater
PAGE 2-2-2-2-
CONGRESSMAN RAILSBACK REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON
than it was four years ago. Since the Social Security Administration
District Office in Sterling opened in 1962, the number of persons served
by that office receiving social security benefits has increased by
approximately 33-1/3%.
Congress is aware of this situation and the problems facing our
senior citizens who are living on fixed incomes, namely the problem of
inflation. Last year, Congress passed a 13% increase in social security
benefits. In 1965, Congress approved the Medicare program, under which
more than 19 million Americans are now covered. Also, the Federal
Government has committed a total of over $3 billion in special housing
programs for our older citizens. In addition, 650 individual local
projects to reach older people in their home communities have been started
throughout the country to increase educational, recreational, and health
services. I think we have come a long way towards helping our senior
citizens live a life of comfort in their waning years. However, I also
feel that we have a long way to go to help make it easier for them, and
to show them our respect for them and give them the recognition they
deserve.
LIBRARY
Another area in which we must do more for our senior citizens is to
make use of their talents and experience. Today older Americans are
serving with great distinction in the VISTA, Peace Corps, Foster Grand-
parent Program, and other voluntary agencies. Many of our senior citizens
living in Whiteside County, for instance, are now working in the Foster
Grandparents Program. These persons work with mentally retarded children
at the Dixon State School.
We must continue to develop and implement more programs such as these
to help our senior citizens continue to lead full lives.
I am proud to join with others throughout this country in paying
special tribute to our fellow older Americans during the month of May, and
will do everything possible to help them live a fuller life.
- 30 -
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
"ISSUE OF THE DAY"
SENIOR CITIZENS
JACK R. ANDERSON
Leged
EDITOR
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
312 CONGRESSIONAL HOTEL
WASHINGTON 3, D.C.
LINCOLN 4-3010
SUBJECT: Senior Citizens Month
May 15, 1968
May is officially Senior Citizens month. Bernard S. Van Rensselaer,
director of the Senior Citizens Division of the Republican National Committee,
reminds that it is a good time to take stock of the problems facing many of America
older citizens, and to point out Republican efforts to help solve these problems.
The Republican Coordinating Committee in April issued a pamphlet,
"Our Older Citizens: A National Responsibility, " in which it points out that LBJ ha
played politics with legislation affecting the elderly, and has needlessly delayed
making recommendations to the Congress.
The Republican program is, says Van Rensselaer, to "offer policies the
will protect the elderly, who through no fault of their own, are in real and dire need
of positive assistance against circumstances that would destroy independence, dig-
nity and a sense of purpose. 11 There are 20 million persons over 65 and another
8 million between 60 and 65 in the Nation today. Of the 20 million, one-third have
incomes of less than $2, 500 annually, two-thirds have less than $5,000 and 71
percent of those single among the aged have incomes less than $2, 000.
One main concern of Republicans is inflation. This unseen tax strikes
at the buying power of already meager income for many of the aged. Republicans
have sought to stop deficit spending by the Federal Government which triggers
inflation.
Republicans have sought to turn Federal attention toward establishing
priorities so that Federal funds can go into programs that will benefit the aged.
Republicans have sought to tie Social Security benefit payments automatically to
increases in the cost of living. A Republican proposal would have made payments
retroactive to January 1967--but the Democrats wouldn't put this provision in the
bill. It could have been done, Van Rensselaer notes, without an increase in per-
centage of payroll deductions.
Republicans supported the 13 percent Social Security benefits increase
that is now in effect. Emphasizing the self-help aspects of the GOP program,
Republicans attempted to raise the $1, 500 limitation on earnings by retirees to at
least $2, 100. Democrats finally approved a $180 increase, which Van Rensselaer
points out is about enough to buy a loaf of bread and a quart of milk a day.
The Democrats in Congress blocked a Republican attempt to increase
widows' benefits to 100 percent of the cash benefits of the late husband from the
present 82 percent.
(more)
-2-
Republicans have urged that a comprehensive study of the entire
Social Security system be made. The present patchwork program, amended and
changed every few years, is developing strains, Democrats have resisted probes
of Social Security financing.
One of the Nation's major problems is at the State level where old-age
assistance often falls far short of a decent standard of living. Many States are
not even meeting minimum standards they themselves have set for subsistence
levels. Van Rensselaer points out that two million people over 65 now receive
from all sources less money than is needed for a decent, dignified existence.
Republicans have tried to help this situation by beefing up State
Government participation through tax-sharing. Most of the States have difficulty
in raising their share of assistance money. A definite, regular return of Federal
tax money would allow the States to commit these funds to meeting the assistance
needs of its older citizens.
Republicans supported the 1967 additions to medical care programs for
the aged--including simplification of benefit claim procedures, payment of
pathologist and radiologist costs in full.
Republicans have fought the Democrats' attempt to revise the tax system
to create more tax burden on the retired. They have opposed the proposal to elimi-
nate the double exemption now allowed taxpayers at age 65. They have opposed
elimination of direct retirement tax credit and the President's plan to tax Social
Security income on a par with ordinary income. This, says Van Rensselaer, is
double taxation.
In the field of housing, Republicans have sought reappraisal of Federal
housing programs intended to serve the elderly to see if they are providing the
necessary housing. Overlapping Federal programs have cut effectiveness of
government efforts to provide housing.
Republicans back Public Law 90-202 which prohibits job discrimination
because of age for people in the 45-65 bracket. Republicans, however, believe
that a specialized placement service for older workers is needed to help utilize
their badly-needed skills and abilities.
The Republican Coordinating Committee's Task Force on Problems
of the Aging summarizes GOP policies as: 1. Protecting older Americans on
fixed incomes from inflation; 2. Rewarding, not penalizing, self-help efforts;
3. Strengthening the financial structure of the Social Security system; 4. Enacting
policies to protect the independence of the aged without mortgaging the future
of the Nation's youth.
The Nation's Senior Citizens have a big stake in the next Republican
Administration--their whole financial future.
###
No. 69
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
1625 EYE STREET NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20006
NAtional 8-6800
BERNARD S. VAN RENSSELAER
RAY
C.
BLISS
Director
Senior Citizens Division
Spach May Material 3, 1968 ferior Citizens CHAIRMAN
The Honorable
Paul-mfo
Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Congressman Ford:
Within the past two or three weeks I have received requests from
several Congressmen for an outline of appropriate material that
might be used in addressing Senior Citizen groups. It so happens
that Ted Sawyer, the Senior Citizens' chairman of the Massachusetts
State Central Committee, has prepared such an outline for his own
use and I am enclosing a copy in the hope that, if you are invited
to speak to Senior Citizen groups in your district within the next
few months, you may find something in this outline that you can use.
Personally, I like the approach used by Mr. Sawyer because it not
only stresses the Republican position on many problems affecting
Senior Citizens but emphasizes the need for their active participa-
tion in political action. This is most important because Senior
Citizens constitute a tremendous reservoir of volunteer workers
who can prove to be of the greatest value in the months to come.
With all good wishes,
Sincerely yours,
Bernard S. San Resisselver
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Bernard S. Van Rensselaer
Enclosure:
Copy of outline.
MATERIAL FOR TALK TO
SENIOR CITIZENS GROUPS
GERALD FORD JOHAND
THERE ARE TWO RELATED SUBJECTS I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT
TODAY. THE FIRST DEALS WITH THE IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL ACTIVITY
FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. SECONDLY, IF YOU AGREE WITH ME THAT SENIOR
CITIZENS SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED POLITICALLY, IT THEN FOLLOWS THAT
YOU SHOULD BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF WHAT THE PARTIES HAVE DONE AND ARE
PROPOSING ESPECIALLY IN THE FIELD IN WHICH YOU ARE MOST INTERESTED:
THAT DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY. I WILL CONFINE THE
SECOND PART OF MY TALK TO REPUBLICAN PARTY INVOLVEMENT IN THIS
IMPORTANT AREA. AT A LATER DATE YOU MAY WANT TO ASK SOMEONE TO
EXPLAIN THE DEMOCRATIC POSITION WHICH I DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT
KNOWLEDGE TO DO AT THIS TIME.
A. THE IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL ACTIVITY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.
THE STRENGTH OF DEMOCRACY IN THIS COUNTRY IS BASED ON THE
PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT OF ALL OUR CITIZENS. IT IS ONLY
THROUGH THE ACTIVE SUPPORT OF ALL OUR PEOPLE, NOT JUST THOSE WHO
MAY BE YOUNG AND HAVE LONG HAIR, THAT OUR COUNTRY WILL BE STRONG.
DEMOCRACY DEPENDS ON GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS MAKING KNOWN THEIR
VIEWS.
SENIOR CITIZENS ESPECIALLY CAN HELP MAKE OUR DEMOCRACY WORK
IN MANY WAYS, PARTICULARLY IN THIS ELECTION YEAR. THEY CAN WORK
FOR CANDIDATES; THEY CAN WORK FOR PARTY ORGANIZATIONS. THERE ARE
MANY JOBS THEY CAN DO; FOR EXAMPLE:
2
1. POLL WATCHING
2. PRECINCT WORK
3. CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
4. RESEARCH
5. SPEECH WRITING
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
6. LETTER TO NEWSPAPERS
7. ADDRESSING MEETINGS
IT IS NOT so MUCH WHAT THEY DO AS THAT THEY DO SOMETHING.
WE CAN ALL GIVE SOMETHING. MANY SENIOR CITIZENS HAVE ONE OF THE
MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS OF ALL--TIME! THUS, YOU CAN HELP MAKE
DEMOCRACY WORK IN AMERICA BY GIVING OF YOUR TIME TO HEL P IN THE
WAYS SUGGESTED ABOVE.
SENIOR CITIZENS ALSO HELP THEMSELVES IN TAKING AN INTEREST IN
POLITICS. IN A DEMOCRACY, THOSE NEEDS ARE MET WHICH CANDIDATES
AND PARTIES FIND ARE MOST IMPORTANT AS THEY TALK TO PEOPLE IN THEIR
CAMPAIGNS AND AS THEY SERVE IN OFFICE. THUS, IF YOU ARE CONCERNED
ABOUT PROBLEMS OF INFLATION, TAXES, SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAL CARE,
AND THE AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING AND SERVICES, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT
YOU COMMUNICATE YOUR OPINIONS. IN MASSACHUSETTS, FOR EXAMPLE,
APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THOSE VOTING ARE OVER 60; THUS, YOU AS A
GROUP ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VOTING POPULATION. YOU COUNT:!
MAKE SURE YOUR VIEWS ARE KNOWN--REMEMBER, THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS
THE GREASE:
FOR THE SAKE OF DEMOCRACY, AND FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE ISSUES
WHICH CONCERN YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS, HELP WITH SOME POLITICAL
ACTIVITY THIS YEAR.
3
NOW MAY I EXPLAIN THE POSITION OF ONE OF THE PARTIES, THE
REPUBLICAN, WITH RESPECT TO OUR ELDERLY AND THEIR NEEDS.
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY'S my GENERAL PHILOSOPHY.IS Igovt THAT THE PROPER
FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT IS TO DO FOR THE PEOPLE ONLY THOSE THINGS
THAT NEED TO BE DONE, BUT CANNOT BE DONE BY INDIVIDUALS FOR
THEMSELVES. POLICIES THAT WILL
THUS, Therefore THEY HAVE & SOUGHT support TO OFFER
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
PROTECT THE ELDERLY, WHO THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, ARE IN
REAL AND DIRE NEED OF POSITIVE ASSISTANCE, AGAINST CIRCUMSTANCES
THAT WOULD DESTROY INDEPENDENCE, DIGNITY, AND A SENSE OF PURPOSE.
THE ELDERLY ARE NOW A NUMEROUS GROUP IN THIS COUNTRY: ALMOST
20 MILLION ARE OVER 65 AND ANOTHER 8 MILLION BETWEEN 60 AND 65.
INCOME IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. OF THE 20 MILLION
elsealy June with
PAMPLING
HAVE LESS THAN $2500 ANNUALLY TO LIVE ON AND 2/3 HAVE LESS
THAN $5000. WITH SINGLE PERSONS THE SITUATION IS EVEN WORSE WITH
71% HAVING INCOMES OF UNDER $2000.
NOW, WHAT ARE THE REPUBLICANS DOING TO ALLEVIATE THIS SITUATION?
NATIONALLY: THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE SET UP A TASK
FORCE ON THE PROBLEMS OF AGING AND IS DOING SOMETHING POSITIVELY
TO HELP. THIS TASK FORCE HAS AS CHAIRMAN JOHN MARTIN, FORMER
CHAIRMAN MICHIGAN STATE COMMITTEE ON AGING, VICE-CHAIRMAN GARSON
MEYER, PRESIDENT NCOA, AN AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF GERONTOLOGY.
FROM THIS TASK FORCE, HAS COME A SERIES OF LEGISLATIVE GOALS.
LEGISLATIVE GOALS: PROBLEM OF INFLATION--INFLATION HURTS
EVERYONE, YOUNG AND OLD, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY THOSE ELDERLY AMERICANS
LIVING ON PENSIONS OR OTHER FIXED INCOME. INFLATION COMES WHEN
THE
MAJORITY Sh CONGRESS VOTES TO SPEND BILLIONS MORE THAN OUR FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT TAKES IN YEAR AFTER YEAR. THIS CAUSES AN INCREASE IN
QUANTITY OF MONEY BEYOND PRODUCTION LEVEL. REPUBLICAN POLICY IS TO
4
STOP THIS DEFICIT SPENDING. IN THE REPUBLICAN OPINION, IT IS FAR
BETTER TO STOP INFLATION THROUGH CURTAILMENT OF LEAST ESSENTIAL
PROGRAMS THAN TO ALLOW INFLATION TO CONTINUE AND THEN END UP BY
HAVING TO INCREASE BENEFITS TO THOSE DEPENDENT ON FIXED INCOMES.
BERALD FORD DIBRAGE
SOCIAL SECURITY: 1. PROPOSED BENEFIT PAYMENTS BE TIED
AUTOMATICALLY TO INCREASES IN THE COST OF LIVING AND BE RETROACTIVE
TO JANUARY 1967. TURNED DOWN BY DEMOCRATS IN NEW SOCIAL SECURITY
BILL ALTHOUGH ALREADY GRANTED TO FED. EMPLOYERS AND MILITARY. THIS
WOULD CAUSE NO INCREASE IN COSTS AS A LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF PAYROLL.
2. INCREASE IN BENEFITS TO HELP OFFSET
DIMINISHING PURCHASING POWER OF THE DOLLAR. NOW ENACTED. UP 13%
3. INCREASE EARNINGS LIMITATION- WANTED TO
RAISE THE $1500 LIMIT 40% TO AT LEAST $2100, BUT COULD ONLY GET $180
(12%) FROM PARTY IN POWER. ABOUT ENOUGH TO BUY ONE LOAF OF BREAD AND
A QUART OF MILK A DAY.
4. WIDOWS BENEFITS SOUGHT TO INCREASE THESE
FROM 82½ TO 100% OF THE CASH BENEFITS OF THE LATE HUSBAND. NOT ALLOWED--
REPUBLICANS DID NOT HAVE THE VOTES.
5. STUDY OF SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM--IN THEORY
AS WELL AS IN PRACTICE. CONTINUED PATCHING, INCREASES AND EXTENSION
OF BENEFITS MAY EVENTUALLY IMPOSE MORE OF A BURDEN THAN SYSTEM CAN BEAR.
6. OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: MANY OLDER PERSONS
RECEIVING MINIMUM OR NO BENEFITS UNDER SOC. SEC. ARE FORCED TO RELY
HEAVILY ON STATE OLD AGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. YET many HOST/STATES ARE
FAILING TO MEET MINIMUM SUBSISTANCE STANDARDS THAT THEY HAVE SET UP.
EST. 2 MILLION OVER 65 RECEIVE FROM ALL SOURCES LESS MONEY THAN ANY
MINIMUM DECENCY BUDGET WOULD REQUIRE. PLIGHT OF STATE GOVTS. AND LACK
OF FEDERAL GRANT-IN-AID PROGRAMS/ REPUBLIC AN PARTY URGES CONGRESS
TO ADOPT A PLAN TO SHARE PART OF THE INCOME TAXES WITH THE STATES, BUT
FEEL ADMINISTRATION CAN BEST BE HANDLED BY THE STATES.
7. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: VALUABLE NEW BENEFITS
5
ADDED TO MEDICARE IN 1967. BOTH TO HOSPITAL INSURANCE & MEDICAL
INSURANCE RECEIVED SOLID SUPPORT OF REPUBLICAN PARTY.
a. 60 DAYS LIFETIME RESERVE
b. PATHOLOGIST AND RADIOLOGIST PAID-IN-FULL.
C. EASIER TO CLAIM BENEFITS.
8. TAXATION: REPUBLICANS TOTALLY OPPOSED TO
ADMINISTRATIONS TAX PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE TAX BURDEN ON A SIZABLE
PROPORTION OF ELDERLY CITIZENS. SUCH AS:
a. ELIMINATION OF DOUBLE EXEMPTION NOW ALLOWED AT 65.
b. ELIMINATION OF DIRECT RETIREMENT TAX CREDIT.
c. ESPECIALLY OPPOSE TAXING SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME ON A PAR
WITH ORDINARY INCOME (DOUBLE TAXATION)
9. HOUSING: RECOMMEND REAPPRAISAL OF GOVT.
HOUSING PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY TO ASSURE THAT THEY ARE SERVING THOSE
THEY INTENDED TO SERVE AND DOING WHAT THEY WERE INTENDED TO ACCOMPLISH.
TROUBLE DUE TO OVERLAPPING OF GOVT. HOUSING PROGRAMS.
10. AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT: BACKED
NEW LAW 90-202 THAT PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF AGE. APPLIES
FROM 45-65. HELPS PEOPLE BE BETTER PREPARED FOR RETIREMENT. REPUBLICANS
DO NOT THINK THIS GOES FAR ENOUGH. PROPOSE SPECIALIZED PLACEMENT SERVICES
FOR OLDER WORKERS THROUGH STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OFFICES.
STATE WIDE REPUBLICAN POLICY
A. STATE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE HAS SET UP A SENIOR CITIZENS DIVISION
AND APPOINTED A STEERING COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF INDIVIDUALS KNOWLEDGEABLE
IN THE PROBLEMS OF THE AGING.
B. AT REPUBLICAN PLATFORM CONVENTION IN WORCESTER LAST NOVEMBER,
A VERY COMPREHENSIVE SECTION COVERING THE ELDERLY WAS VOTED.
1. INCORPORATED NATIONAL PLATFORM THAT I
HAVE JUST COVERED.
2. IN ADDITION MANY ARTICLES DEAL WITH IMPROVING
STATE OPERATIONS IN SERVING THE ELDERLY.
6
3. 28 SEPARATE PROPOSALS IN ALL: ACCEPTED WITHOUT
DEBATE.
C. SENIOR CITIZEN DIVISION DIRECTING ATTENTION TO IMPLEMENTATION
OF PLATFORM:
1. RECOMMENDS NEW LEGISLATION AS IT APPEARS
DESIREABLE.
2. SUPPORTS DESIREABLE SOCIAL LEGISLATION:
HEARING, ETC., SENIOR SERVICE CORPS., HEARING.
3. MOST IMPORTANT: ESTABLISHING BETTER
COMMUNICATION WITH THE ELDERLY so AS TO BE AWARE OF THEIR PROBLEMS.
I COULD GO INTO CONSIDERABLE MORE DETAIL ON THE MANY POINTS I HAVE
TOUCHED, BUT I DO NOT THINK THAT DOING so WOULD MAKE MY POINT ANY
CLEARER. NAMELY THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS DONE AND IS DOING A
GREAT DEAL IN THE FIELD IN WHICH YOU ARE ALL VITALLY INTERESTED.
BUT ABOVE ALL, I WANT TO LEAVE YOU WITH THE REALIZATION THAT THE
REPUBLICAN PARTY IS CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS, HAS COMPASSION$ AND
WANTS TO SEE ALL OF YOU FUNCTION IN THE MAINSTREAM OF LIFE AND NOT BE
SET APART AS A SEPARATE GROUP.
WE BELIEVE IN THE DIGNITY OF THE OLDER CITIZENS, IN CLEAR WORDS,
AS INDIVIDUALS. THE DIVISION I HEAD IS MOST INTERESTED IN HEARING
DIRECTLY FROM YOU ON ANY PROBLEM NO MATTER HOW SMALL IT MAY SEEM.
ALL YOU NEED DO IS PHONE ME AT 523 - 7535 OR WRITE TO ME AT
146 BOWDOIN STREET, BOSTON 02108. ANY HELP YOU CARE TO GIVE WILL
ALSO BE MOST APPRECIATED.
o00
COLDER AMERICANS are honored this month by Presidential proclamation
designating May as Senior Citizen's Month. A Republican Task Force on Ag-
Foing has made recommendations (and several GOP Members have introduced
is
bills) that as a built-in protection against inflation and its effect upon
GERALD
the purchasing nower of the retirement dollar, Social Security benefits
should be automatically increased to conform to increases in the cost of
living index. Another recommendation for which legislation is pending
would restore to persons over 65 the right to claim tax deductions for med-
ical expenses and the cost of drugs. This privilege existed prior to the
advent of Medicare and its removal has proven to be a hardship to many el-
derly whose out-of-hospital drug costs are an expensive item.
000
Radio
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN J. DUNCAN
Representative John J. Duncan (R-Tenn.) commented today on what he believes.
is the major problem facing the nation's elderly citizens.
"It is my belief that inflation is the number one economic threat to the
aging. Extravagance, waste and deficit spending feed the fires of inflation
more than anything else a government can do.
FORD
"The government has a special responsibility to our senior citizens. Our
&
GERALD
goal in government should cover protecting older citizens on fixed incomes from
inflation, rewarding -- not penalizing -- self-help efforts and enacting policies
to protect the independence of the aged without mortgaging the future of the
nation's youth."
MEDICARE'S HIDDEN TAX
Senior Citizens
Many a per-son past the age of 65 learned with a start while figuring his income
tax this year that Medicare is not all the bonanza it was hailed as being. The 1967
FORD
income tax returns revealed for the first time the effect of one part of the Medicare
LD,
program. Before January 1, 1967, persons over 65 were allowed to deduct all medical
expense. But the Social Security Amendments of 1965 eliminated this provision and
stated that such persons could deduct only medical expenses which amounted to more
than three percent of their income. Therefore, if someone spent six percent of his in-
come on medical expenses, he could deduct only three percent of that on his income tax
returns. The 1965 amendments also changed the deduction for money spent on drugs--
allowing only that amount which exceeds one percent of the individual's income.
Early in the 90th Congress I introduced a bill (H.R. 8270) to restore the pro-
vision permitting full deductions of such expenses. I am hopeful that the Ways and
Means Committee will give this bill favorable consideration before another tax year
passes. The revenue loss to the government would not be great, but the few dollars
which the retired persons would save on income tax would mean a great deal to them.