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Annual Conference of State Legislative Leaders, Honolulu, HI, December 4, 1968
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4526171
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Annual Conference of State Legislative Leaders, Honolulu, HI, December 4, 1968
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The original documents are located in Box D26, folder "Annual Conference of State
Legislative Leaders, Honolulu, HI, December 4, 1968" of the Ford Congressional Papers:
Press Secretary and Speech File 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. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Digitized from Box D26 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
The tides of change that have swept the field
of government in the past few decades have
OFFICERS
generally not dealt well with the State Legisla-
President Hon. JOHN L. O'BRIEN Minority Leader,
House of Representatives, WASHINGTON
ture. Beset by an exploding federal establish-
First Vice President - Hon. STEWART LAMPREY
ment on the one hand, and an academic and
President, The Senate, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Second Vice President - Hon. MAURICE A. DONAHUE -
press fascination toward the executive branch
President, The Senate, MASSACHUSETTS
THE
on the other hand, the State Legislature has
PAST PRESIDENTS and Members of EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
seen its prestige and status slip gradually down-
Hon C. GEORGE DeSTEFANO - Minority Leader, The Senate, RHODE ISLAND
NATIONAL
ward. Caught in the vise of rising demand for
Hon. JESSE M. UNRUH - Speaker of the Assembly, CALIFORNIA
Hon. ROBERT P. KNOWLES - President Pro Tempore, The Senate, WISCONSIN
services and declining sources of revenue, the
Hon. GEORGE L. SMITH II - Speaker, House of Representatives, GEORGIA
CONFERENCE
legislator has found himself in the untenable
Hon. ARTHUR J. BIDWILL - Chairman, Executive Committee, The Senate, ILLINOIS
position of seeing the needs of the citizens of
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
of
his State remaining unmet or witnessing the
Hon. W. RUSSELL ARRINGTON - President Pro Tempore, The Senate, ILLINOIS
Hon. BEN BARNES Speaker, House of Representatives, TEXAS
shift to Washington, D.C. of problem solving
Hon. EARL W. BRYDGES President Pro Tempore, The Senate, NEW YORK
STATE
initiative and leadership. While other authori-
Hon. GEORGE PAYNE COSSAR - Majority Leader, House of Representatives,
MISSISSIPPI
ties and other establishments are credited with
LEGISLATIVE
Hon. MARION H. CRANK Majority Leader, House of Representatives, ARKANSAS
the great forward progress of the country, the
Hon. AUBREY W. DIRLAM - Majority Leader, House of Representatives, MINNESOTA
legislator catches only back-handed blame for
Hon. BRUCE KING Speaker, House of Representatives, NEW MEXICO
LEADERS
Hon. MARVIN MANDEL - Speaker, House of Delegates, MARYLAND
the cost of it all.
Hon. CURTIS W. STEEN - Majority Whip, The Senate, DELAWARE
Hon. JOHN D. VANDERHOOF - Speaker, House of Representatives, COLORADO
Along with all this has gone the incredible in-
Hon. ROBERT E. WALDRON - Speaker, House of Representatives, MICHIGAN
crease in the complexity of running state gov-
Hon. H. LABAN WHITE - - Speaker, House of Delegates, WEST VIRGINIA
ernment; the staggering amount of time re-
quired to do the job; the abysmal failure in
ALASKA
most cases of compensation and staff assistance
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
to keep pace with the mounting demands of
the position.
UNITED STATES
the
ALASKA
NEED
HAWAII
VIRGIN
GUAM
PUERTO RICO
ISLANDS
UNITED STATES
the
MEANS
HAWAII
VIRGIN
GUAM
PUERTO RICO
ISLANDS
"Dedicated to
These are some of the problems the National
strengthening the States
Conference of State Legislative Leaders has
and the
taken as its own; and through the association
State legislative process
approach, hopes to provide the means by which
through
individual legislators, and legislatures, will find
their individual solutions.
enlightened Leadership."
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
EAGLETON INSTITUTE OF POLITICS
Within the membership of the National Con-
Donald Herzberg, Director
FORD
759 North Milwaukee Street
ference are the talents, resources, experience
Rutgers University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
and skills to meet all these challenges, and to
New Brunswick, New Jersey
find the creative solutions demanded by the
Tel: A/C 414 276-4030
Tel: A/C 201 247-1766
GERALD
times. The job will never be completed, but
it has been begun.
WHAT IT IS
The National Conference of State Legislative
Leaders is the only organization of its kind
in the United States. It is devoted exclusively
SPECIAL
to the problems, challenges and opportunities
PROJECTS
facing state legislators, state legislatures, and
legislative leaders. It seeks to serve the legis-
OF THE
The annual meeting
lator and the legislature, and to help meet the
The National Conference holds a three-day annual
never-ending need to maintain the equality,
NATIONAL
meeting the latter part of each year, attended by leg-
effectiveness and efficiency of the legislative
branch.
CONFERENCE
islative leaders from most of the states. The pro-
gram at these meetings is factual and informative,
bringing together authorities and experts in many
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
of the fields with which legislators deal. Such
In 1959 the leadership of the New York State
items as the federal-state relationship, the public
Legislature held exploratory conversations with
relations problems of legislatures, the challenges
leaders throughout the nation, and as a result
of education, revenues, and other subjects, and
of the interest thus developed, invited the
The Center for
many similar topics, are presented annually. Of
leaders of all the states to a meeting in
Legislative Services
equal importance is the time allotted for mutual
Albany, New York, in December of that year.
exchange of problems and solutions in informal
In January, 1966, the Executive Committee of
This gathering met with an enthusiastic re-
conversation.
the National Conference voted to join with the
sponse, and the National Conference was
Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers -
formed at that time as a permanent organi-
The State University, in the establishment of a
Roll Call
zation. A ten-member Executive Committee
Center for Legislative Services on the Rutgers
was elected to plan and organize the Con-
campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This
Beginning in 1966 the Washington weekly news-
ference, and a Secretary-Treasurer was named
new Center blends practical political and legis-
paper, "Roll Call" was designated the official
to form a continuing secretariat.
lative skills, with the academic research of Eagle-
newspaper of the National Conference, and at
ton Institute, in coordination with the experience
the Conference expense is being sent to key
MEMBERSHIP
of the state legislators who make up the Execu-
legislators in all member states. "Roll Call" is a
Under the by-laws as developed in succeeding
tive Committee and, indeed, the Conference itself.
Capitol Hill publication devoted to Congression-
years, membership is by state, with each state
al news and views, and since affiliation with the
The new Center initially offers services in three
paying the same dues. The states are repre-
National Conference has added a significant
areas: First, it is prepared, upon invitation, to
sented in the Conference by their own Ma-
amount of regular state capitol news and editorial
enter any state and produce a detailed, practical
material.
jority and Minority leaders, as the state desig-
and realistic study of the State Legislature in
nates, including Presidents pro tem, Speakers,
that state, including comparative information on
floor leaders, whips, etc.
such items as staffing, committee procedures,
National conference
space, pay and allowances, legislative procedures,
HOW IT OPERATES
and various strengths and weaknesses. These
scholarships
A twelve-member Executive Committee and a
studies would be performed by Eagleton person-
The National Conference maintains a scholarship
President, First and Second Vice Presidents,
nel under the direction of a senior political scien-
fund awarded annually to a graduate student to
are elected by the membership at the annual
tist and with the advice and supervision of a
assist in the production of a doctoral thesis re-
meeting each year, and are responsible for the
National Conference Executive Committee mem-
lated to the legislative process. The rules and
ongoing activities of the Conference between
ber. Eagleton is also prepared to assist in the
operation of the scholarship award are managed
annual meetings.
implementation of the study results, to assist the
by the American Political Science Association for
legislature in upgrading and improving itself.
the National Conference.
The Executive Committee approves the ar-
rangements for a Secretariat. Past Presidents
Second, the new Center will compile and dissemi-
remain as members of the Executive Commit-
nate information from the 50 states on such mat-
Coordination
tee upon the completion of their term.
ters as staff procedures, committee organization
and function, pay and perquisites of legislators,
with other groups
public relations devices, bill processing, etc.
FINANCES
The National Conference maintains close contact
Each state that joins the National Conference
Third, the personnel at the Center will be ready
with other organizations interested in state gov-
pays $1,000 per year dues; there are no other
and available to answer the questions of any
ernment, including the Council of State Govern-
legislative leader, on matters of a substantive
assessments or fees.
ments, the Citizens Conference on State Legis-
nature or in regard to any of the above.
latures, the National Municipal League, etc.
NCSLL 1968
CONVENTION
PROGRAM
A
ALASKA
UNITED STATES
HAWAII
VIRGIN
GUAM
PUERTO RICO
ISLANDS
NATIONAL
CONFERENCE
OF STATE
LEGISLATIVE
LEADERS
TENTH
ANNUAL
MEETING
Ilikai Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii
December 3-6, 1968
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 8, 1968
For the past decade the National Conference of
President Lyndon B. Johnson
State Legislative Leaders has done much to
develop creative solutions to the complex prob-
lems of state government. Your work confirms
our forefathers! wisdom in our federal system.
To function properly, our federal system demands
a strong and viable government at both the national
and state levels. Through this complementary
partnership, we have the means to combat all the
challenges which modern life presents.
As America grows greater and stronger and more
complex, that partnership, which underpins our
entire philosophy of government, represents a
most vital element in our hopes and plans for
the future of this land and the good of our people.
I wish you another productive meeting of your 1968
National Conference of State Legislative Leaders.
HON. JOHN A. BURNS
HON. NEAL S. BLAISDELL
Governor, Hawaii
Mayor, Honolulu, Hawaii
NEAL B. BLAISDELL
MAYOR
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
MONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
HONOLULU
August 5, 1968
JOHN A. BURNS
GOVERNOR
MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR JOHN A. BURNS
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
The people of the City and County of Honolulu are proud that
the tenth annual National Conference of State Legislative Leaders will
December 3 - 7, 1968
be held in Honolulu in 1968, the first time this major governmental
conference has come to Hawaii.
It is my honor and my pleasure to extend the most
As Mayor of Honolulu, I welcome officials and delegates and
cordial welcome and the warmest Aloha of the people of
their families, and assure them of a warm aloha which should make this
Hawaii to the delegates attending the annual convention
tenth annual conference particularly enjoyable event. Honolulu is a
of the National Conference of State Legislative Leaders,
colorful and exciting city for tourists and convention delegates
December 3 -- 7, 1968.
throughout the year, especially so during the Christmas holiday period
when you will be here.
We of Hawaii are proud to be hosts to those whose
We are confident, as hosts to many high-level governmental
performance of a most vital function is essential to the
and professional conferences in Honolulu in recent years, that your
continued growth and progress of our Nation. As the
delegates will find new dimensions in local, national and international
most recent addition to the family of the States, Hawaii
affairs, in this cosmopolitan capital city of the Fiftieth State.
is also pleased that this convention should be held in
the center of a society we believe is unique throughout
Our City and County of Honolulu government, established sixty-
the world. It is our belief that the heritage of the
one years ago, has been in the vanguard of the nation-wide trend toward
Hawaiian has afforded us further development in successful
metropolitan jurisdictions. In many other areas of municipal govern-
ment, under our 1959 City Charter, we have pioneered new ways to cope
human relations among ethnic groups than is to be found
with challenges that face all metropolitan districts. We are proud of
elsewhere. It seems fitting to us, therefore, that
our projects in slum clearance and redevelopment; of a relatively low
deliberations which must concern the pressing problems of
crime rate of development of public recreational facilities around
our day be held in an atmosphere that contains the seeds
the island, and our Honolulu International Center; of our nationally
of social harmony.
recognized Board of Water Supply and Police Department; and of recent
legislation in the areas of ethics and aesthetics. We invite legis-
It is our hope that your conference proves highly
lative leaders to meet with our City and County officials, visit our
municipal agencies, and inspect our public facilities.
fruitful, and that in addition to your deliberations, you
may find the opportunity of acquainting yourselves with
Best wishes for a successful and effective conference in
our people and of enjoying yourselves with the relaxation
Honolulu.
that has attracted so many of our visitors.
Aloha, and may the Almighty be with each of you and
yours always.
NeuthBlaisdell
Jam a. Burns
NEAL S. BLAISDELL
Mayor
City and County of Honolulu
HON. JOHN J. HULTEN
President of the Senate
HAWAII
On behalf of the Senators in the Hawaii State
Legislature, I wish to extend to the delegates a
cordial welcome to Hawaii. We are pleased to act
as hosts for the Tenth Annual Meeting of the Na-
tional Conference of State Legislative Leaders. I
DANIEL K. INOUYE
am sure that the delegates will be impressed by
United States Senator
their visit to this, the youngest State, and that they
HAWAII
will leave Hawaii impressed also by Hawaii's de-
sire for legislative improvement. We look forward
I join with the people of Hawaii in welcoming
to the exchange of ideas, the dynamics of group
delegates to the 1968 National Conference of State
concern and group searching, to help us develop
Legislative Leaders.
and strengthen our state legislatures. A meeting
We are proud that you selected Hawaii as the
such as this will move us further in that direction.
site for your convention and I know that you will
Aloha to all of you.
enjoy our pleasant climate and unrivaled scenery.
But I believe that by the time you leave our
islands you will have learned that our most im-
portant asset is our people who are filled with
what we call the Aloha spirit, a very special blend
of friendliness and hospitality.
May I extend to each and everyone of you
HON. TADAO BEPPU
my best wishes for a successful conference.
Speaker, House of Representatives
HAWAII
On behalf of colleagues in the Hawaii State Legis-
lature, may I extend to you a cordial welcome to
Hawaii. We are happy that this state has been
chosen as the site of the tenth annual meeting of
the National Conference of State Legislative Lead-
ers. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve
as your hosts.
State governments have become complex in
operation. Modern technology, advances in science
and industrial development have given rise to a
HIRAM L. FONG
United States Senator
myriad of social and economic problems which
HAWAII
are demanding more and more of the time, re-
sources and attention of state governments. During
the past few years the annual meetings of the Na-
On behalf of the people of Hawaii, I extend a
tional Conference of State Legislative Leaders
warm welcome to the 10th Annual National Con-
have contributed much to strengthening the role
ference of State Legislative Leaders.
of state legislatures in coping with the problems of
As one who served for 14 years in the Hawaii
modern society. May this tenth meeting be as
Legislature, I appreciate the vital role effective
fruitful as those of the past.
State Legislatures have in meeting the mounting
We sincerely hope that your stay in Hawaii
problems and challenging opportunities of modern
will be a pleasant one. May I suggest that, as time
society.
permits, you walk among the people of our state.
I wish for all delegates a most productive
I am certain that you will find that Hawaii is not
and pleasant conference in Honolulu. Hawaii is
only the Land of Aloha, but also a community
proud to be the host State, and we hope that you
which is alert and vibrant, with a deep concern
will enjoy the traditional hospitality and aloha
for the welfare of all mankind.
planned for all of you.
Charles Davis Ir Richard E McDonald. Milwaukee
SECRETARIAT
MICHIGAN
COLORADO
TEXAS
SIGNITTI
Speaker, House of Representatives
Speaker, House of Representatives
Speaker, House of Representatives
President Pro Tempore, The Senate
HON. ROBERT E. WALDRON
ANDER 'a NHOr 'NOH
HON. BEN BARNES
ARRINGTON RUSSELL 'M 'NOH
Past President
Past President
SIGNITTI
GEORGIA
Chrm., Exec. Committee, The Senate
Speaker, House of Representatives
DELAWARE
MARYLAND
Majority Whip, The Senate
Speaker, House of Delegates
BIDMILL r ARTHUR 'NOH
II HIMS 7 GEORGE 'NOH
STEEN M CURTIS NOH
HON. MARVIN MANDEL
Past President
Past President
WISCONSIN
CALIFORNIA
President Pro Tempore, The Senate
Speaker, The Assembly
HON. ROBERT P. KNOWLES
HON. JESSE M. UNRUH
MINNESOTA
NEW MEXICO
House of Representatives
Speaker, House of Representatives
Majority Leader
HON. BRUCE KING
HON. AUBREY W. DIRLAM
Past President
RHODE ISLAND
Minority Leader, The Senate
DESTERANO GEORGE C 'NOH
MASSACHUSETTS
President, The Senate
ARKANSAS
MISSISSIPPI
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
DONAHUE A MAURICE 'NOH
Majority Leader
Majority Leader
Second Vice President
HON. MARION H. CRANK
HON. GEORGE PAYNE COSSAR
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AND MEMBERS OF
PAST PRESIDENTS
WASHINGTON
NEW HAMPSHIRE
House of Representatives
NEW YORK
WEST VIRGINIA
President, The Senate
Minority Leader
President Pro Tempore, The Senate
Speaker, House of Delegates
HON. STEWART LAMPREY
ORBRINE 7 NHOr 'NOH
HON. EARL W. BRYDGES
HON. H. LABAN WHITE
First Vice President
President
OFFICERS
FROM THE
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE
EXECUTIVE
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE
OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
Some of the most important substantive issues facing
Welcome to Hawaii! And welcome to the annual con-
the country today have been explored by the Execu-
vention of the National Conference of State Legislative
tive Committee in its meetings this year.
Leaders. I think I can promise you without question
Early in the year, the Committee agreed that the
one of the finest, and most enjoyable conventions we
Medicaid program is one of the most complicated and
have ever had. Our Hawaiian hosts have gone to great
difficult subjects facing the states. The Committee was
length to make our stay here pleasant, and our
successful in urging the Advisory Commission on
deepest appreciation goes to them for their efforts.
Intergovernmental Relations to launch a major study
Once again, I believe we are going to have
of the Medicaid program. During the course of the
record-breaking attendance at this meeting. And once
year the A.C.I.R. has delved deeply into the ramifica-
again, this attendance will demonstrate the strength
tions of Medicaid, held public hearings and amassed
and continued growth of our organization.
a wealth of useful information for the states. At the
This has been a year of progress for the Na-
same time, a study on Medicaid was conducted by the
tional Conference. As the report from the Executive
staff of the Eagleton Institute of Politics, and a report
Committee indicates, we have moved steadily into the
was made to state legislative leaders on this study.
areas which so concern us as leaders of our state
The broad area of federal-state relations has re-
governments. The broad policy questions of federal-
ceived much attention from the Executive Committee
state relations have been discussed in depth during
this year. In June we held a meeting in Washington,
our meetings this year, and there is every indication
D. C., devoted to federal assist programs. Through the
that we are ready to make our influence as legislative
good offices of Senator Warren Magnuson of Wash-
leaders even more widely felt as we move ahead.
ington, we were offered the unique opportunity of
The expansion of our Executive Committee from
meeting at the Senate Office Buildings in Washington,
ten to twelve members, approved by this convention
and hearing from a number of representatives from
last year, has broadened the base of our representa-
the Departments of Health, Education and Welfare;
tion, and brought with it new strength to our efforts.
Transportation; Justice; Housing and Urban Develop-
In all our activities during the year the Executive
ment, and the Office of Economic Opportunity. The
Committee has shown the same dedication to our
urgent need for better state-federal coordination and
purposes of strengthening state government that has
cooperation in these areas was brought home to legis-
characterized this organization since its founding in
lators and agency representatives alike.
1959.
In addition to our growing concern over federal-
I look forward to the opportunity of visiting with
state issues, we have maintained the previous pro-
you during this convention. Our officers, our staff,
grams of the NCSLL. Through our relationship with
and our hosts, will spare no effort to make your stay
the Eagleton Institute of Politics and the Citizens
enjoyable and worthwhile. I believe you will return
Conference on State Legislatures we have maintained
from this meeting with valuable ideas, strengthened
our leadership in the area of legislative improvement.
convictions, and renewed purpose; and that you will
We have expanded our use of our official publication,
continue your splendid efforts to make this federal
Roll Call, with a series of articles through the year
system of ours continue to be the envy of the world.
from legislative leaders dealing with programs and
techniques they have developed in their own states.
At NCSLL expense, Roll Call is now mailed to
approximately 3,000 state legislators throughout the
country. It provides a weekly source of news about
other states and other state legislatures, devoting its
back page every issue to news of the states.
We have continued our scholarship program, and
with the American Political Science Association's as-
sistance we plan to offer another $2,500 grant this
year to a scholar who plans to write his Ph.D. disser-
tation upon the general subject of state government.
President
We look forward to the opportunity during this
HON. JOHN L. O'BRIEN
annual convention to meet with leaders of all the
states to continue that contact with them that is the
Minority Leader
strong foundation of our organization.
House of Representatives
WASHINGTON
1968
GREETINGS
Honorable John A. Burns, Governor, Hawaii
CONVENTION
Honorable Neal Blaisdell, Mayor, Honolulu
PROGRAM
REPORT FROM EAGLETON INSTITUTE
Donald Herzberg
Executive Director, Eagleton Institute, New Jersey
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
SPECIAL REPORT
Hawaiian Constitutional Convention
All Day
Speaker Tadao Beppu, Hawaii
Registration
In front of Pacific Ballroom
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
10:00 A.M.
Introduction: Senator Arthur Bidwill, Illinois
CINCPAC Briefing
Speaker: Honorable Gerald Ford, M.C., Michigan
Bora-Bora/Moorea Rooms-Ilikai Hotel
12:00 Noon
4:00 P.M.
LUNCHEON
Pago Pago Room-Ilikai Hotel
Executive Committee Meeting
Beau Rivage Room-Ilikai Hotel
LEGISLATIVE REPORT AWARDS
Representative John L. O'Brien
6:30 P.M.
Welcoming "Aloha" Reception
Introduction: Speaker John D. Vanderhoof, Colorado
Marina Roof-Ilikai Hotel
Speaker: Dr. Charles J. Hitch, President, University
of California
Attire: Hawaiian-Ladies-Muus or casual
Men-Aloha shirts or casual
2:00 P.M.
Dinner: On Your Own
Selection of One Business Session-Workshop per Day
BUSINESS SESSION-WORKSHOP
NOTE: LAPEL NAME BADGES REQUIRED FOR
"PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BARGAINING"
ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS.
Bora-Bora Room-Ilikai Hotel
Moderator: Speaker Robert Waldron, Michigan
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Panelists:
Robert Chanin, General Counsel, National
10:00 A.M.
Education Association, Washington, D.C.
OPENING SESSION
Dr. William Hebert, Massachusetts Teachers
Bora-Bora/Moorea Rooms, Ilikai Hotel
Association
Hon. Robert Griffin, U.S. Senate, Michigan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Senator Stewart Lamprey, New Hampshire
Legislative Reactors:
Representative Mark Litchman, Washington
GENERAL REMARKS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Representative Howard Y. Miyake, Hawaii
Representative John L. O'Brien
Speaker Moses Weinstein, New York
Washington-NCSLL President
1968
CONVENTION PROGRAM
2:00 P.M.
BUSINESS SESSION-WORKSHOP
Moderator: Senator John J. Hulten, Hawaii
"MEDICAID-STEPCHILD THAT GREW UP"
Report on Special Research Project
Professor Norman Meller-Political Science
Moorea Room-Ilikai Hotel
Department-University of Hawaii
Moderator: Speaker Marvin Mandel, Maryland
Panelists:
Panelists:
Senator Ray Bateman, New Jersey
Garland L. Bonin, Commissioner of Welfare,
Governor Richard Hughes, New Jersey
Louisiana
Wayne McGown, Secretary, Department of
Donald Herzberg, Executive Director, Eagleton
Administration, Wisconsin
Institute, New Jersey
Senator Norman F. Lent, New York
Legislative Reactors:
Congressman Daniel Rostenkowski, Illinois
Speaker Franklin W. Gunnell, Utah
Senator Stanley W. Holmquist, Minnesota
Legislative Reactors:
Representative Charles M. Jones, Georgia
Speaker Charles F. Kurfess, Ohio
Senator Verle A. Pope, Florida
9:30 A.M.
Representative Oliver L. Thompson, Jr., Rhode
BUSINESS SESSION-WORKSHOP
Island
"WHEN THE MEDIA INTERVIEWS AND
WORKS WITH YOU"
5:45 P.M.
Moorea Room-Ilikai Hotel
Buses leave Ilikai Hotel
Moderator: Senator Stewart Lamprey, New Hampshire
6:30 P.M.
Panelists:
Tour of Hawaiian Throne Room and New State
Al Benjamin, Commentator, WNAC-TV,
Boston, Massachusetts
Capitol Building
Thomas B. Littlewood, Chicago Sun-Times,
Reception at the Governor's Mansion
Washington Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Buses available for return to Ilikai Hotel
Mel Riddle, Director of Public Affairs, Westgate
California Corporation, Burbank, California
Attire: Suits and Cocktail Dresses
Legislative Reactors:
Dinner: On Your Own
Representative George Payne
NOTE: LAPEL NAME BADGES REQUIRED FOR
Cossar, Mississippi
ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS.
Speaker John S. Garrett, Louisiana
Assemblyman Robert Monagan, California
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
6:30 P.M.
Selection of One Business Session-Workshop per Day
Special Reception with Vietnam R & R Troops
9:30 A.M.
Pacific Ballroom-Ilikai Hotel
BUSINESS SESSION-WORKSHOP
Attire: Hawaiian-Ladies-Muumuus or casual
Men-Aloha shirts or casual
"THE LEGISLATIVE LEADER AND THE
GOVERNOR"
Dinner: On Your Own
Bora-Bora Room-Ilikai Hotel
NOTE: LAPEL NAME BADGES REQUIRED FOR
ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS.
1968
CONVENTION PROGRAM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Speaker: The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye,
Selection of One Business Session-Workshop per Day
U.S. Senate, Hawaii
9:30 A.M.
The ACIR Medicaid Society
BUSINESS SESSION-WORKSHOP
1:30 P.M.
"THE LEGISLATURE'S PLACE IN THE WAR
ON CRIME"
FINAL BUSINESS SESSION
Bora-Bora Room-Ilikai Hotel
Immediately Following Luncheon, Royal Hawaiian
Hotel, Monarch Room
Moderator: Speaker Ben Barnes, Texas
Buses available for return to Ilikai Hotel
Panelists:
Dale Anderson, Baltimore County Executive,
3:30 P.M.
Maryland
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
John Ingersoll, Director of the Federal Bureau of
Beau Rivage Room-Ilikai Hotel
Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs, Washington, D.C.
6:30 P.M.
Curtis Brostron, Chief of Police, St. Louis, Missouri
State Banquet Cocktail Party
Hon. Hugh Scott, U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania
Pool Area-Ilikai Hotel
Legislative Reactors:
Speaker Otis R. Bowen, Indiana
8:00 P.M.
Speaker Bruce King, New Mexico
STATE BANQUET-Pacific Ballroom-Ilikai Hotel
Senator Lawrence J. Lee, Missouri
1969 Convention: Speaker George L. Smith II, Georgia
9:30 A.M.
Benediction: Reverend Abraham K. Akaka, Pastor,
BUSINESS SESSION-WORKSHOP
Kawaiahao Church, Hawaii
"RAISING, STRETCHING AND DISTRIBUTING
THE TAX DOLLAR"
Introduction: Representative John L. O'Brien,
Washington-NCSLL President
Moorea Room-Ilikai Hotel
Speaker: The Honorable Henry Jackson, U.S.
Moderator: Rep. Aubrey W. Dirlam, Minnesota
Senate, Washington
Panelists:
Attire: Suits and Cocktail Dresses
Hon. John Byrnes, M.C., Wisconsin
Governor John Connally, Texas
NOTE: LAPEL NAME BADGES REQUIRED FOR
Dr. Murray L. Weidenbaum, Dept. of Economics,
ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS.
Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Legislative Reactors:
Representative John H. Conolly, Illinois
Senator George V. Kenneally, Jr., Massachusetts
Representative Ray S. Smith, Jr., Arkansas
11:45 A.M.
Buses leave Ilikai Hotel
12:00 Noon
LUNCHEON
Royal Hawaiian Hotel,
Monarch Room
Introduction: Senator Maurice A. Donahue,
Massachusetts
HAWAIIAN HOST COMMITTEE
Co-Chairmen:
Representative Tadao Beppu
Senator John J. Hulten
Representative Howard Y. Miyake
SENATE
Toshi Ansai
George Ariyoshi
James K. Clark
William E. Fernandes
Eureka B. Forbes
Seichi Hirai
Harvey Kimura
David C. McClung
Hebden Porteus
Sakae Takahashi
Vincent H. Yano
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The aftermath of tragedy is grief; the
Pedro De La Cruz
aftermath of grief is hope.
Joseph Garcia, Jr.
We have all grieved. Now we await the
dawn of hope;
Stanley I. Hara
Hope that the tears of yesterday will
Stuart Ho
bring forth the beauty of tomorrow:
Peter Iha
Hope that our departed son of Massa-
Frank C. Judd
chusetts will not have given his life in futile
pursuit of his dream of truth and justice in
Tony Kunimura
our nation:
Barney B. Menor
Hope that those high ideals for which he
Howard K. Oda
lived and struggled will find fulfillment, not
Robert C. Oshiro
only in our laws, but in our hearts and
minds as well.
Andrew Poepoe
Robert Kennedy has departed our earth.
James Y. Shigemura
But his spirit will remain in our land as
Wilfred "Buddy" Soares
long - yes longer - than any of us living
Jack Suwa
today will live.
Men are born to die.
Coordinator:
But truth lives on forever.
Allan McGuire, Hawaiian Visitors Bureau
And he was the embodiment of truth -
he pursued it recklessly, at times ultra-
competitively, but never compromisingly.
NCSLL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
We must hold our heads high as his be-
Hon. Marvin Mandel, Chairman
reaved family held theirs in time of sorrow.
Hon. W. Russell Arrington
For there is a higher force we serve
than man.
Hon. George Payne Cossar
And His truth, like the spirit of a Robert
Hon. Aubrey Dirlam
Kennedy, must eventually prevail.
Hon. Curtis W. Steen
So let us sorrow no longer.
Hon. John D. Vanderhoof
And let us not brood in vain.
But let us rather be determined that we'll
Hon. H. Laban White
realize his hopes; that we'll strive to know
and heed the truth; that we will one day be
NCSLL NOMINATING COMMITTEE
worthy, as Robert Kennedy was worthy, to
Hon. George L. Smith II, Chairman
live the truth.
It is for us, the living, to make certain
Hon. Arthur J. Bidwill
that his truth goes marching on.
Hon. C. George DeStefano
Hon. Robert P. Knowles
HON. MAURICE A. DONAHUE
Hon. Jesse M. Unruh
President, The Senate
MASSACHUSETTS
THE ILIKAI HOTEL
At the gateway to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii,
stands the most exceptional structure in the islands -
the Ilikai Hotel. Rising 30 stories, it is built on a
7-acre site which was dredged from the sea; its total
development cost: $45,000,000.
Within this city called "Ilikai," (meaning Surface
of the Sea) there are 850 spacious and tastefully-
appointed hotel rooms and it is the brainchild of one
of Hawaii's foremost industrialists, Chinn Ho and his
Capital Investment Company. Construction began in
1961. In 1966 nearly 400 hotel rooms and a magnifi-
cent PACIFIC BALLROOM with seating capacity of
1,800 was added.
Six individual restaurants contribute to the Ili-
kai's reputation for serving the finest cuisine in Hono-
lulu. From the 24-hour PIER 7 Restaurant to the
"TOP OF THE I," thirty stories up the glass elevator
to dining in glass-enclosed luxury, the restaurants
feature remarkably excellent food and service.
The FOUNTAIN LANI is an informal area for
cocktails and snacks-where bathers need not change
for refreshments - and the COFFEE HOUSE serves
broiler specialties, sandwiches and desserts from its
complete menu.
The jewel of Ilikai dining is the elegant, new
"DYNASTY" Restaurant, a sophisticated dining spot
seating 200 guests, devoted to superb cuisine from the
Orient, the Continent and the Islands.
Two nightclubs provide complete entertainment
within the resort property. The HONG KONG JUNK
is a Chinese Riverboat nightclub anchored one floor
beneath the main lobby featuring excellent Cantonese
Chinese Dinners, and top quality entertainment each
night but Monday.
The CANOE HOUSE
a romantic hideaway
with teak-paneled walls and lava rock gardens from
which fresh orchids grow. Shell light fixtures emit a
soft glow and the tapa carpeting is luxurious and
welcoming. This is Arthur Lyman's new home in
Honolulu, who with his exotic sounds and new vocal
arrangements, remains a favorite with Hawaii's visitors.
Recreation is unlimited at the Ilikai Hotel. With
two pools, a sunway to the sandy beach, boating,
shuffleboard, surfing, a putting green, and arrange-
ments for tennis and golf.
The world's largest shopping center is located two
blocks away, an easy, delightful stroll along the ocean.
ALASKA
UNITED STATES
VIRGIN
HAWAII
ISLANDS
GUAM
PUERTO RICO
CARDS
HONOLULU, HAWAII
DEC, 4, 1968
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
House of Representatives
Herald R. Ford
M.C.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
WEDNESDAY
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF
STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
FORD
.44
192,00
(to 02 Ll 81
Dal, yet
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, REPUBLICAN LEADER OF
THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AT THE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS, WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 3, 1968, AT HONOLULU, HAWAII.
AT THIS MOMENT WE ARE APPROACHING A TIME OF GREAT
OPPORTUNITY AND GREAT CHALLENGE. THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE
CHALLENGE ARE CAUGHT UP IN A SINGLE QUESTION: HOW DO WE
SOLVE THE CRUSHING PROBLEMS OF THE LATE SIXTIES AND THE
SEVENTIES IN THE AMERICA WE ALL LOVE?
WHERE ARE WE TODAY? WHAT ARE THE CHIEF PROBLEMS THAT
FACE YOU AND ME AND ALL AMERICANS?
2/HONOLULU
IT'S GREAT TO BE HERE. AS A CONGRESSMAN, I FIND IT
WONDERFUL TO BE ABLE TO DROP IN ON A PLUSH SPOT LIKE THIS
ON BUSINESS WITHOUT GOING ON A CONGRESSIONAL JUNKET.
AND I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE HERE DESPITE THE FACT THAT
HAWAII GAVE REPUBLICANS SHORT SHRIFT IN THE NOVEMBER 5
ELECTION. HAWAIIANS HAVE A GIFT FOR MAKING EVEN REPUBLICANS
FEEL WELCOME IN THE ISLANDS.
OF COURSE, HAWAII IS KIND OF UNREAL, ANYWAY. IT'S NOT
JUST THE CLIMATE. I GUESS IT'S THE RATES THEY CHARGE FOR
3/HONOLULU
HOTEL ROOMS HERE IN HONOLULU.
HONOLULU IS A LOT LIKE WASHINGTON, D.C. THERE's THAT
AIR OF UNREALITY ABOUT BOTH PLACES. AND THERE's THE FEEL
OF BIG MONEY EVERYWHERE. IN THE ISLANDS IT'S IN PINEAPPLE,
REAL ESTATE AND RESORT HOTELS. IN WASHINGTON, IT'S IN THE
APPROPRIATIONS ROOMS OF THE CONGRESS AND THE BUREAUCRATIC
HONEYCOMB WHERE THE GRANTS-IN-AID ARE DISPENSED.
ACTUALLY, WASHINGTON IS UNIQUE. IT IS THE ONLY CAPITAL
IN THE WORLD WHERE A $30,000-A-YEAR AGENCY HEAD IN A PLUSH
4/HONOLULU
OFFICE CAN PICK UP A RINGING TELEPHONE AND ANSWER:
"POVERTY..." MAY I HELP YOU?"
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE VERY PROMINENT IN HAWAII. AND SOON
THERE WILL BE MANY MORE OF THEM IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ONCE
DICK NIXON FOLLOWS THROUGH ON HIS GOAL OF BRINGING MORE
YOUNG PEOPLE INTO GOVERNMENT. BUT THERE'S A GENERATION GAP
HERE JUST AS THERE IS IN WASHINGTON AND ELSEWHERE. OF
COURSE, ONCE YOUNG PEOPLE START MAKING MONEY ON THEIR OWN
THE GENERATION GAP BEGINS TO CLOSE BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN THEY
5/HONOLULU
FIND OUT THAT THE "MAN FROM UNCLE" IS REALLY THE TAX
COLLECTOR.
THAT IS ONE OF THE MATTERS I WANT TO DISCUSS WITH YOU
TODAY -- TAXES -- AND ALSO THE SUBJECT WHICH HAS LONG BEEN
UPPERMOST IN MY MIND: HOW DO WE SOLVE THE CRUSHING
PROBLEMS OF THE LATE SIXTIES AND THE SEVENTIES IN THE
AMERICA WE ALL LOVE?
WHERE ARE WE TODAY? WHAT ARE THE CHIEF PROBLEMS THAT
FACE YOU AND ME AND ALL AMERICANS?
6/HONOLULU- turn For other
matters
Let me
APART FROM THE BLOODY CONFLICT IN VIETNAM, THE SEETHING
CAULDRON OF IMMINENT WAR IN THE MIDEAST, AND THE IMBALANCE
IN EUROPE PRECIPITATED BY THE INVASION OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA,
domestic
OUR MOST PERPLEXING PROBLEMS CAN BE SUMMED UP IN THREE
WORDS: "THE URBAN CRISIS."
THE URBAN CRISIS IS NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM. IT IS A
Let me put it in its wrust context
COMPLEX OF PROBLEMS .A POISONOUS BREW CONCOCTED FROM ALL
THE MAJOR ILLS OF OUR NATION -- RAMPANT CRIME, INADEQUATE
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, HARD-CORE UNEMPLOYMENT, SHOCKINGLY
7/HONOLULU
DANGEROUS POLLUTION OF OUR AIR AND WATER, ANTIQUATED
TRANSPORTATION, DISGRACEFUL HOUSING, INSUFFICIENT AND
INEFFECTIVE PUBLIC FACILITIES, DETERIORATION OF THE FAMILY
AS A UNIT OF SOCIETY, LACK OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
AMERICANS, AND AN EXPLOSIVE FAILURE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
YOUNG AND OLDER AMERICANS, NEGROES AND WHITES.
ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS CRY OUT FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION.
THE QUESTION: WHO DOES WHAT AND HOW? AND HOW WILL THE
ACTION PROGRAM BE PAID FOR?
8/HONOLULU
IN WASHINGTON THERE IS A GOVERNMENT BUILDING ON WHICH
THERE IS ETCHED IN STONE THESE WORDS: "WHAT IS PAST IS
PROLOGUE."
TO KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO GO AND HOW YOU MIGHT GET
THERE, IT IS OFTEN HELPFUL TO SEE WHERE YOU'VE BEEN.
HOW DID THE COMPLEX OF CITY PROBLEMS REACH CRISIS
PROPORTIONS? LET ME GIVE YOU A CAPSULE REVIEW.
WHEN OUR CORE CITIES WERE YOUNGER AND STILL GROWING,
THEIR OWN RESOURCES WERE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
THEIR PEOPLE. WHERE GOVERNMENT FAILED TO RESPOND TO THOSE
9/HONOLULU
and
NEEDS, IT WAS A FAILURE OF ORGANIZATION, REPRESENTATION AND
inept
BIG-CITY POLITICAL MACHINES. THEN WORLD WAR II EXPLODED,
AND DOMESTIC CONCERNS WERE necessarily LAID ASIDE. AFTER THE WAR, CITIES
h
STRUGGLED WITH A HUGE BACKLOG OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES SPILLED OVER THE CORE CITY'S
BORDERS. SUBURBIA BEGAN TO DEVELOP AND GROW. UPPER AND
MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS LEFT THE CORE CITY FOR THE SUBURBS,
LEAVING BEHIND THOSE ECONOMIC GROUPS MOST IN NEED OF PUBLIC
SERVICES AND LEAST ABLE TO PAY FOR THEM. YOUNG PEOPLE
10/HONOLULU
LEFT, LEAVING BEHIND OLDER CITIZENS TO RELUCTANTLY SUPPORT
THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN FROM LOW INCOME FAMILIES. OFTEN,
INDUSTRY LEFT, AND THIS SAPPED THE REVENUE SOURCES OF THE
CITY STILL FURTHER. WHILE THE COST OF CITY SERVICES
INCREASED, THE CITY'S ABILITY TO MEET THOSE COSTS DIMINISHED.
CITIES TURNED TO THEIR PARENT STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR HELP.
BUT THE STATES WERE CAUGHT IN THEIR OWN CRISES, AND THEY
ALSO WERE HAMPERED BY A RELIANCE ON LIMITED TAX SOURCES.
THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT WAS BOUND BY NO SUCH RESTRAINTS.
11/HONOLULU
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD THE RICH REVENUE TOOL OF THE
PROGRESSIVE INCOME TAX, WITH A NATURAL GROWTH IN FEDERAL
right or wrong
REVENUE AS THE ECONOMY GREW. IN ANY CASE, THE CONGRESS
OFTEN WAS WILLING TO SPEND favor MORE THAN TAXES BROUGHT IN. TAX
SOURCES FOR THE STATES FAILED TO MATCH THOSE OF THE FEDERAL
in the 1930s
GOVERNMENT. THE NEW DEAL HAD PRODUCED AN ABUNDANCE OF NEW
PROGRAMS. AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION HAD PRODUCED AN ATTITUDE
OF LOOKING TO WASHINGTON FOR SOLUTIONS TO LOCAL PROBLEMS.
THUS BEGAN A SYSTEM OF FEDERAL AID TO THE CITIES,
12/HONOLULU
SOMETIMES TOTALLY BYPASSING THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE STATES.
IS THIS BAD?
THERE ARE THOSE WHO PREACH A "NEW FEDERALISM" WHICH
WOULD GREATLY EXPAND DIRECT CONTACTS BETWEEN THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT AND THE CITIES. THEY SEEK TO PILE NEW PROGRAMS
OF CATEGORICAL GRANTS-IN-AID ATOP THE PRESENT TOWERING
FEDERAL AID STRUCTURE OF MORE THAN 400 PROGRAMS.
LET'S LAY ASIDE PHILOSOPHICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL
party
CONSIDERATIONS. A KEY QUESTION REGARDING ANY PROGRAM OR
13/HONOLU
simply
SYSTEM IS: DOES IT WORK? I POSE THIS QUESTION ABOUT THE
CATEGORICAL GRANT-IN-AID SYSTEM ON BEHALF OF THOSE AMERICANS
WHO ARE UNCONCERNED ABOUT THE FLOW OF IMMENSE POWER TO THE
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN WASHINGTON AND THE CONSEQUENT WEAKNESS
OF THE CITIES AND THE STATES.
THE REAL ISSUE -- DOES THE PRESENT SYSTEM WORK? IS
AMERICA GETTING A SATISFACTORY RETURN FOR ITS TALENT AND ITS
DOLLARS? ANY THINKING AMERICAN WHO SIFTS OBJECTIVELY
THROUGH THE EVIDENCE WOULD HAVE TO SAY, "NO." DESPITE A
14/HONOLULU
MASSIVE INFUSION OF FEDERAL FUNDS INTO GRANT-IN-AID PROGRAMS,
THE URBAN CRISIS PERSISTS AND GROWS MORE ACUTE. PERSISTENT
CITY PROBLEMS PRODUCE A DEADLY COMBINATION OF DISADVANTAGE
AND DISCONTENT AND CONTRIBUTE TO LAWLESSNESS AND DISORDER.
A SHARPLY GROWING NUMBER OF AMERICANS NOW ARE LOOKING
FOR NEW SOLUTIONS. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR GOVERNMENT TO LEAD
THEM IN NEW DIRECTIONS. TO USE THE EVERYDAY LANGUAGE OF
POLITICS, THEY WANT A CHANGE.
THAT IS THE MANDATE GIVEN TO US IN THE RECENT ELECTION --
15/HONOLULU
THE MANDATE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO WILL GOVERN IN THE CITY
COUNCILS AND COMMISSIONS, IN THE STATE LEGISLATURES, AND
IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE CONGRESS IN THE YEARS
IMMEDIATELY AHEAD.
A MANDATE FOR CHANGE.
THE PEOPLE SAID: WE HAVE HAD VIOLENCE AND WILD
DESTRUCTION THRUST UPON US. CONDITIONS OF DISADVANTAGE AND
SOCIAL FAILURE HAVE BEEN LAID BARE FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE.
THE OLD RESPONSES -- ONE MORE FEDERAL PROGRAM / ANOTHER
16/HONOLULU
STUDY COMMISSION / ANOTHER PLEA FOR LAW AND ORDER -- JUST
WON'T DO. PRESENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN TRIED
AND FOUND WANTING. LET US MOVE IN NEW DIRECTIONS TO LIFT
THE URBAN CRISIS FROM OUR LAND.
NOW THE LAWMAKERS MUST RESPOND. WE MUST CHART THOSE
NEW DIRECTIONS. WE MUST FASHION A WINNING COMBINATION OF
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL COOPERATION IF THE URBAN CRISIS IS
TO BE MET.
HOW CAN WE MEET THE CHALLENGE OF THE URBAN CRISIS?
17/HONOLULU
IN GENERAL TERMS, THERE IS BUT ONE ANSWER: EVERY LEVEL
OF GOVERNMENT AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN MUST BECOME
every sigment 3 our rocuty
COMMITTED TO THE TASK OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF OUR URBAN
AND SUBURBAN AREAS. WE NEED A NEW APPROACH -- AN APPROACH
IN WHICH STATE GOVERNMENTS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE, AN APPROACH
local
WHICH FOSTERS THE INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL GROUPS AND GOVERNMENTS.
TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, THE FOUNDATION OF THAT NEW APPROACH
But, 2 add an important postacript a new prescription
IS MONEY THE USE OF TAX MONEY IN NEW WAYS TO ACHIEVE
SOCIAL OBJECTIVES. i/ The new tool can be The
Internal R wenne Code.
18/HONOLULU
/
OUR STATES AND CITIES NEED AN UNFETTERED SHARE OF THE
REVENUES WHICH NOW POUR INTO THE NATIONAL TREASURY.
2
INDUSTRY NEEDS SPECIAL TAX CREDITS AS AN INCENTIVE TO
MOVE INTO THE CORE CITIES WITH NEW PLANT LARGE-SCALE
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING FOR THE HARD-CORE UNEMPLOYED / AND BOLD
VENTURES INTO LOW-INCOME HOUSING.
BUT MONEY ALONE IS NOT THE ANSWER. LOCAL CITIZENS AND
LOCAL GROUPS MUST ASSUME GREATER RESPONSIBILITY AND BECOME
IMBUED WITH THE DESIRE TO SOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS LOCALLY. AND
19/HONOLULU
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MUST FIND THE EXPERTS THEY NEED TO PLAN
AND GUIDE LOCAL PROGRAMS.
THROUGH IT ALL, THE CENTRAL CONSIDERATION IS A CHANGE
OF HANDS ON THE PURSE STRINGS .A SHIFT OF DECISION-MAKING
AND SPENDING POWER FROM WASHINGTON TO THE CITIES AND THE
STATES. FOR THAT REASON I URGE THAT CATEGORICAL GRANTS-IN-AID
commonly called bloc grants
BE CONSOLIDATED INTO BROAD PROBLEM AREA GRANTS AND THAT
1
ULTIMATELY A PERCENTAGE OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX REVENUE BE
SHARED UNDER A REBATE AND EQUALIZATION FORMULA WITH THE STATES
20/HONOLULU
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS.
I BELIEVE IN THE INHERENT VITALITY OF THE STATES.
I BELIEVE IN THE ABILITY OF THE STATES TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT
AND ESSENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE REHABILITATION OF OUR
METROPOLITAN AREAS. AND DESPITE THE TREND IN RECENT YEARS,
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT LOCAL PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED BY LOCAL
OFFICIALS IF THEY ARE GIVEN THE TOOLS, PARTICULARLY THE
REVENUE, TO DO THE JOB.
TODAY WE HAVE ENTERED UPON A NEW ERA OF GREAT
21/HONOLULU
OPPORTUNITY AND EQUALLY GREAT CHALLENGE.
WITH THE ELECTION OF A NEW PRESIDENT, THE OPPORTUNITY
IS HERE TO SWING AMERICA AROUND AND HEAD IT IN THE DIRECTION
OF A DYNAMIC FEDERALISM WHICH WILL FLOURISH IN OUR SYSTEM
OF FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT / IF WE WILL BUT
NOURISH IT.
honest, conserentions
THE WAY IS OPEN BUT IT WILL BE HARD. THERE ARE MEN IN
CONGRESS, PRIMARILY LIBERALS, WHO WILL FIGHT A FLOW OF
FEDERAL FUNDS TO THE STATES AND CITIES WITHOUT STRICT
22/ HONOLULU
equally able & dedicated
FEDERAL CONTROLS. THERE ARE ALSO MEN IN CONGRESS, AMONG
THEM POWERFUL CONSERVATIVES, WHO WILL STRONGLY OPPOSE TAX
CREDITS TO BRING INDUSTRY INTO THE CORE CITIES AS THE
LEADER IN AN ASSAULT ON HARD-CORE UNEMPLOYMENT AND SLUM
HOUSING.
as your legislative bodies your constitutions reMect
BUT CONGRESS REFLECTS THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE 1 AND THE
LEADERS IN THE STATE LEGISLATURES ARE AMONG THE GREAT
MOLDERS OF PUBLIC OPINION.
THIS, THEN, IS ONE OF THE CHALLENGES FACING STATE
23/ HONOLULU
LEGISLATIVE LEADERS IN THIS TIME OF OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICA.
But itio it's not issulour
NEW PRESIDENT WILL PROVIDE THE IMPETUS, THE
INITIATIVE FOR THE DYNAMIC FEDERALISM REPRESENTED BY
Revenue
FEDERAL Meral REVENUE is SHARING. partican WHETHER product THAT - MOVEMENT Walter WILL Hiller MOVE
n
FORWARD TO SUCCESS, OR FALTER AND FAIL WILL DEPEND IN LARGE
MEASURE ON WHAT YOU, THE STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS OF
AMERICA, DO IN THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS.
LOFTY LANGUAGE AND AN EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN WILL NOT BE
ENOUGH. THE CHALLENGE TO THE STATES IS FAR GREATER.
24/ HONOLULU
THE STATES MUST HELP THEMSELVES. THEY MUST CONVINCE
THE CONGRESS AND THE PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE THE WILL AND
THE MACHINERY TO MEET CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS.
WHEREVER STATE CONSTITUTIONS HAVE LAGGED BEHIND
TODAY'S PROBLEMS, REVIEW AND REVISION SHOULD BECOME THE
ORDER OF THE DAY. THE BASIC DOCUMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENTS
MUST FACILITATE -- NOT HAMPER -- THE TASK OF PROVIDING VITAL
SERVICES.
I COMMEND TO OTHER STATES THE EXAMPLE OF MY OWN STATE
25/ HONOLULU
OF MICHIGAN, WHERE A NEW CONSTITUTION SUITABLE TO THE NEEDS
OF MODERN SOCIETY WAS SHAPED AND APPROVED IN RECENT YEARS.
THERE MUST BE GREATER COOPERATION BETWEEN THE STATES.
These meetings reflect that fort & will
KEEN ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE quated USE OF INTERSTATE
1
COMPACTS IN THE FIELDS OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT,
CONTROL OF FISHERIES, TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, PORT
ADMINISTRATION, AND HIGHER EDUCATION. THE POTENTIALITIES OF
SUCH INTERSTATE COOPERATION HAVE HARDLY BEEN TAPPED, AND
THE END-RESULT WOULD BE TO REDUCE THE FEDERAL ROLE AND
26/HONOLULU
INCREASE STATE RESPONSIBILITIES IN MANY IMPORTANT FIELDS.
THE ALREADY IMPORTANT WORK OF INTERSTATE COMPACTS AND
AGREEMENTS IN CRIME CONTROL, UNIFORM STATE LAWS, AND
RECIPROCAL SUPPORT OF DEPENDENTS SHOULD BE EXTENDED. NEW
ADVANCES SHOULD BE MADE IN CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION,
ELIMINATION OF INTERSTATE TRADE BARRIERS, AND OTHER
COOPERATIVE STATE GOVERNMENT ATTACKS ON MUTUAL PROBLEMS.
OUR DYNAMIC NEW FEDERALISM WILL BLOSSOM ONLY IF LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS AS WELL AS STATE GOVERNMENTS GROW IN STRENGTH,
27/ HONOLULU
RESPONSIBILITY AND CAPABILITY.
STATE GOVERNMENTS CAN AND SHOULD PROMOTE THE STRONG
LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT WHICH IS THE FOUNDATION OF A DYNAMIC
FEDERAL SYSTEM. THEY COULD ESTABLISH OFFICES OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT TO WORK IN LIAISON WITH LOCAL UNITS. THEY COULD
ENCO URAGE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS TOO SMALL TO BE EFFICIENT
TO MERGE WITH OTHERS OR ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS SUCH AS WATER
AUTHORITIES.
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IS TO WIN THE INVOLVEMENT AND
28/ HONOLULU
LOYALTY OF THE ALIENATED CITIZENS IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WE MUST
LEARN TO RELATE TO THEM NOT ONLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
INDIVIDUALS ESTRANGED FROM OUR SOCIETY BUT FOR THE BENEFIT
OF THE WHOLE SOCIETY. WE MUST SAVE THE FAMILY IF WE ARE TO
SAVE THE COMMUNITY. WE MUST SAVE THE COMMUNITY IF WE ARE TO
SAVE THE STATE AND THE NATION
AND GROW TO NEW GREATNESS
AS A PEOPLE.
CRIME IS A PROBLEM WHICH DEMANDS THE GREATEST POSSIBLE
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL COOPERATION AND FRESH NEW EFFORT.
29/ HONOLULU
THE CONGRESS IN THE LAST SESSION ADOPTED A NEW APPROACH --
A COOPERATIVE PROGRAM THROUGH BLOC GRANTS TO ATTACK CRIME.
UNDER STATE PLANS WITH FEDERAL FUNDS. These funds will help to
train + up -gndle
However
WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIAL
AND EDUCATIONAL CONDITIONS IN AN AREA AND THE INCIDENCE OF
CRIME_SHIRE. AT THE SAME TIME WE SHOULD FULLY AND FIRMLY
ENFORCE THE LAW. THE GUILTY MUST BE APPREHENDED, TRIED AND
PUNISHED. A SOCIETY THAT ALLOWS ITS LAWS TO BE FLOUTED,
LOSES THE RESPECT OF ALL OF ITS MEMBERS.
30/ HONOLULU
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MUST ENCOURAGE PUBLIC
SUPPORT OF LAW ENFORCEMTNT WITH JUSTICE WHILE WORKING WITH
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN THE COURTS AND IMPROVE
LOCAL POLICE WORK. THE OVERALL PROGRAM MIGHT WELL INCLUDE
STATE AND LOCAL EXPERIMENTATION WITH HEALTH, WELFARE AND
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE BETTER LAW
ENFORCEMENT ATTITUDES.
WE MUST, AS A NATION, ELEVATE THE MORAL AND ETHICAL
ATTITUDES OF OUR PEOPLE.
The TASK AHEAD is GREAT-/BUT
31/ HONOLULU
I AM SURE THAT OUR NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE WILL BE DEEPLY
CONCERNED WITH THE MORAL TONE NOT ONLY OF THE PRESIDENCY
BUT OF THE NATION.
ABOVE ALL, HE WILL SEEK TO LEAD, NOT TO DICTATE. HE
WILL MOVE TO STRENGTHEN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND TO
INVOLVE ALL AMERICANS IN THE TREMENDOUS TASK OF MEETING THE
URBAN CRISIS.
I URGE THAT WE ALL LEND HIM OUR HANDS AND OUR HEARTS,
THAT UNITY AND INVOLVEMENT BE OUR THEME. ONLY IN THAT WAY
32/ HONOLULU
CAN THIS GREAT NATION OF OURS ACHIEVE THE HIGH PURPOSE
WHICH IS THE DREAM OF ALL OUR CITIZENS.
###
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE
LEADERS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1968, AT
HONCLULU, HAWAII.
AT THIS MOMENT WE ARE APPROACHING
A TIME OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND GREAT
CHALLENGE. THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE CHALLENGE
ARE CAUGHT UP, IN A SINGLE QUESTION: HOW DO
WE SOLVE THE CRUSHING PROBLEMS OF THE LATE
SIXTIES AND THE SEVENTIES IN THE AMERICA WE
ALL LOVE?
WHERE ARE WE TODAY? WHAT ARE THE
CHIEF PROBLEMS THAT FACE YOU AND ME AND ALL
AMERICANS?
IT'S GREAT TO BE HERE. AS A
CONGRESSMAN, I FIND IT WONDERFUL TO BE ABLE
TO DROP IN ON A PLUSH SPOT LIKE THIS ON
BUSINESS WITHOUT GOING ON A CONGRESSIONAL
JUNKET.
AND I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE HERE
1) Have bi -
Partner / executive
2) Problem -
Political - people have solved.
Constitutional 1 electoral
International- - V.N.
Domentic - 1 Comony
2
Yohn cars
-2-
DESPITE THE FACT THAT HAWAII GAVE REPUBLICANS
SHORT SHRIFT IN THE NOVEMBER 5 ELECTION.
HAWAIIANS HAVE A GIFT FOR MAKING EVEN
REPUBLICANS FEEL WELCOME IN THE ISLANDS.
OF COURSE, HAWAII IS KIND OF UNREAL,
ANYWAY. IT'S NOT JUST THE CLIMATE. I GUESS
IT'S THE RATES THEY CHARGE FOR HOTEL ROOMS
HERE IN HONOLULU.
HONOLULU IS A LOT LIKE WASHINGTON,
D.C. THERE'S THAT AIR OF UNREALITY ABOUT
BOTH PLACES. AND THERE'S THE FEEL OF BIG
MONEY EVERYWHERE. IN THE ISLANDS IT'S IN
PINEAPPLE, REAL ESTATE AND RESORT HOTELS.
IN WASHINGTON, IT'S IN THE APPROPRIATIONS
ROOMS OF THE CONGRESS AND THE BUREAUCRATIC
HONEYCOMB WHERE THE GRANTS-IN-AID ARE
DISPENSED.
ACTUALLY, WASHINGTON IS UNIQUE.
IT IS THE ONLY CAPITAL IN THE WORLD WHERE
A $30,000-A-YEAR AGENCY HEAD IN A PLUSH
-3-
OFFICE CAN PICK UP A RINGING TELEPHONE AND
ANSWER: "POVERTY " MAY I HELP YOU?"
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE VERY PROMINENT
IN HAWAII. AND SOON THERE WILL BE MANY MORE
OF THEM IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ONCE DICK NIXON
FOLLOWS THROUGH ON HIS GOAL OF BRINGING MORE
YOUNG PEOPLE INTO GOVERNMENT. BUT THERE'S
A GENERATION GAP HERE JUST AS THERE IS IN
WASHINGTON AND ELSEWHERE. OF COURSE, ONCE
YOUNG PEOPLE START MAKING MONEY ON THEIR OWN
THE GENERATION GAP BEGINS TO CLOSE...BECAUSE
THAT'S WHEN THEY FIND OUT THAT THE "MAN FROM
UNCLE" IS REALLY THE TAX COLLECTOR.
THAT IS ONE OF THE MATTERS I WANT
TO DISCUSS WITH YOU TODAY -- TAXES -- AND ALSO
THE SUBJECT WHICH HAS LONG BEEN UPPERMOST IN
MY MIND: HOW DO WE SOLVE THE CRUSHING
PROBLEMS OF THE LATE SIXTIES AND THE
SEVENTIES IN THE AMERICA WE ALL LOVE?
1
WHERE ARE WE TODAY? WHAT ARE THE
-4-
CHIEF PROBLEMS THAT FACE YOU AND ME AND ALL
AMERICANS
to othermation
APART FROM THE BLOODY CONFLICT IN
vietnam, THE SEETHING CAULDRON OF IMMINENT
WAR IN THE MIDEAST, AND THE IMBALANCE IN
EUROPE PRECIPITATED BY THE INVASION OF
downther
CZECHOSLOVAKIA, OUR MOST PERPLEXING PROBLEMS
CAN BE SUMMED UP IN THREE WORDS: "THE URBAN
CRISIS."
THE URBAN CRISIS IS NOT A. SINGLE
we
me
put
if
wont
control
PROBLEM. IT IS A COMPLEX OF PROBLEMS
A
POISONOUS BREW CONCOCTED FROM ALL THE MAJOR
ILLS OF OUR NATION -- RAMPANT CRIME,
INADEQUATE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, HARD-CORE
UNEMPLOYMENT, SHOCKINGLY DANGEROUS POLLUTION
OF OUR AIR AND WATER, ANTIQUATED TRANSPOR-
TATION, DISGRACEFUL HOUSING, INSUFFICIENT AND
INEFFECTIVE PUBLIC FACILITIES, DETERIORATION
OF THE FAMILY AS A UNIT OF SOCIETY, LACK OF
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AMERICANS, AND AN
-5-
EXPLOSIVE FAILURE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
YOUNG AND OLDER AMERICANS, NEGROES AND WHITES.
ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS CRY OUT FOR
IMMEDIATE ACTION. THE QUESTION: WHO DOES
WHAT AND HOW? AND HOW WILL THE ACTION PROGRAM
BE PAID FOR?
IN WASHINGTON THERE IS A GOVERNMENT
BUILDING ON WHICH THERE IS ETCHED IN STONE
THESE WORDS: "WHAT IS PAST IS PROLOGUE."
TO KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO GO AND
HOW YOU MIGHT GET THERE, IT IS OFTEN HELPFUL
TO SEE WHERE YOU'VE BEEN.
HOW DID THE COMPLEX OF CITY
PROBLEMS REACH CRISIS PROPORTIONS? LET ME
GIVE YOU A CAPSULE REVIEW.
WHEN OUR CARE CITIES WERE YOUNGER
AND STILL GROWING, THEIR OWN RESOURCES WERE
SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR PEOPLE.
WHERE GOVERNMENT FAILED TO RESPOND TO THOSE
NEEDS, IT WAS A FAILURE OF ORGANIZATION,
REPRESENTATION AND POLITICAL
MACHINES. THEN WORLD WAR II EXPLODED, AND
DOMESTIC CONCERNS WERE LAID ASIDE. AFTER THE
WAR, CITIES STRUGGLED WITH A HUGE BACKLOG OF
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. RESIDENTS AND
BUSINESSES SPILLED OVER THE CORE CITY'S
BORDERS. SUBURBIA BEGAN TO DEVELOP AND GROW.
UPPER AND MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS LEFT THE CORE
CITY FOR THE SUBURBS, LEAVING BEHIND THOSE
ECONOMIC GROUPS MOST IN NEED OF PUBLIC
SERVICES AND LEAST ABLE TO PAY FOR THEM.
YOUNG PEOPLE LEFT, LEAVING BEHIND OLDER
CITIZENS TO RELUCTANTLY SUPPORT THE EDUCATION
OF CHILDREN FROM LOW INCOME FAMILIES. OFTEN,
INDUSTRY LEFT, AND THIS SAPPED THE REVENUE
SOURCES OF THE CITY STILL FURTHER. WHILE
THE COST OF CITY SERVICES INCREASED, THE
CITY'S ABILITY TO MEET THOSE COSTS
DIMINISHED. CITIES TURNED TO THEIR PARENT
STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR HELP. BUT THE STATES
-7-
WERE CAUGHT IN THEIR OWN CRISES, AND THEY
ALSO WERE HAMPERED BY A RELIANCE ON LIMITED
TAX SOURCES.
THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT WAS BOUND
BY NO SUCH RESTRAINTS. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
HAD THE RICH REVENUE TOOL OF THE PROGRESSIVE
INCOME TAX, WITH A NATURAL GROWTH IN FEDERAL
REVENUE AS THE ECONOMY GREW. IN ANY CASE
THE CONGRESS OFTEN WAS WILLING TO SPEND MORE
THAN TAXES BROUGHT IN. TAX SOURCES FOR THE
STATES FAILED TO MATCH THOSE OF THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT. THE NEW DEAL HAD PRODUCED AN
ABUNDANCE OF NEW PROGRAMS. AND THE GREAT
DEPRESSION HAD PRODUCED AN ATTITUDE OF LOOKING
TO WASHINGTON FOR SOLUTIONS TO LOCAL PROBLEMS.
THUS BEGAN A SYSTEM OF FEDERAL AID
TO THE CITIES, SOMETIMES TOTALLY BYPASSING
THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE STATES.
IS THIS BAD?
THERE ARE THOSE WHO PREACH A
-8-
"NEW FEDERALISM" WHICH WOULD GREATLY EXPAND
DIRECT CONTACTS BETWEEN THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT AND THE CITIES. THEY SEEK TO
PILE NEW PROGRAMS OF CATEGORICAL GRANTS-IN-
AID ATOP THE PRESENT TOWERING FEDERAL AID
STRUCTURE OF MORE THAN 400 PROGRAMS.
LET'S LAY ASIDE PHILOSOPHICAL AND
IDEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS. A KEY QUESTION
REGARDING ANY PROGRAM OR SYSTEM IS: DOES
IT WORK? I POSE THIS QUESTION ABOUT THE
CATEGORICAL GRANT-IN-AID SYSTEM ON BEHALF OF
THOSE AMERICANS WHO ARE UNCONCERNED ABOUT THE
FLOW OF IMMENSE POWER TO THE CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT IN WASHINGTON AND THE CONSEQUENT
WEAKNESS OF THE CITIES AND THE STATES.
THE REAL ISSUE -- DOES THE PRESENT
SYSTEM WORK? IS AMERICA GETTING A
SATISFACTORY RETURN FOR ITS TALENT AND ITS
DOLLARS? ANY THINKING AMERICAN WHO SIFTS
OBJECTIVELY THROUGH THE EVIDENCE WOULD HAVE
-9-
TO SAY, "NO." DESPITE A MASSIVE INFUSION OF
FEDERAL FUNDS INTO GRANT-IN-AID PROGRAMS,
THE URBAN CRISIS PERSISTS AND GROWS MORE
ACUTE. PERSISTENT CITY PROBLEMS PRODUCE A
DEADLY COMBINATION OF DISADVANTAGE AND
DISCONTENT AND CONTRIBUTE TO LAWLESSNESS AND
DISORDER.
A SHARPLY GROWING NUMBER OF AMERICANS
NOW ARE LOOKING FOR NEW SOLUTIONS. THEY ARE
LOOKING FOR GOVERNMENT TO LEAD THEM IN NEW
DIRECTIONS. TO USE THE EVERYDAY LANGUAGE
OF POLITICS, THEY WANT A CHANGE.
THAT IS THE MANDATE GIVEN TO
US
IN THE RECENT ELECTION -- THE MANDATE GIVEN
TO THOSE WHO WILL GOVERN IN THE CITY COUNCILS
AND COMMISSIONS, IN THE STATE LEGISLATURES,
AND IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE CONGRESS IN
THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD.
A MANDATE FOR CHANGE.
THE PEOPLE SAID: WE HAVE HAD
-10-
VIOLENCE AND WILD DESTRUCTION THRUST UPON
US. CONDITIONS OF DISADVANTAGE AND SOCIAL
FAILURE HAVE BEEN LAID BARE FOR ALL THE
WORLD TO SEE. THE OLD RESPONSES -- ONE MORE
FEDERAL PROGRAM, ANOTHER STUDY COMMISSION,
ANOTHER PLEA FOR LAW AND ORDER -- JUST
WON'T DO. PRESENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
HAVE BEEN TRIED AND FOUND WANTING. LET US
MOVE IN NEW DIRECTIONS TO LIFT THE URBAN
CRISIS FROM OUR LAND.
NOW THE LAWMAKERS MUST RESPOND.
WE MUST CHART THOSE NEW DIRECTIONS. WE MUST
FASHION A WINNING COMBINATION OF FEDERAL,
STATE AND LOCAL COOPERATION IF THE URBAN
CRISIS IS TO BE MET.
HOW CAN WE MEET THE CHALLENGE OF
THE URBAN CRISIS?
IN GENERAL TERMS, THERE IS BUT
ONE ANSWER: EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT AND
EVERY INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN MUST BECOME
-11-
COMMITTED TO THE TASK OF SOLVING THE
PROBLEMS OF OUR URBAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS.
WE NEED A NEW APPROACH -- AN APPROACH IN
WHICH STATE GOVERNMENTS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE,
AN APPROACH WHICH FOSTERS THE INVOLVEMENT OF
LOCAL GROUPS AND GOVERNMENTS.
TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, THE FOUNDATION
OF THAT NEW APPROACH IS MONEY...THE USE OF
TAX MONEY IN NEW WAYS TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL
OBJECTIVES.
OUR STATES AND CITIES NEED AN
UNFETTERED SHARE OF THE REVENUES WHICH NOW
POUR INTO THE NATIONAL TREASURY.
INDUSTRY NEEDS SPECIAL TAX CREDITS
AS AN INCENTIVE TO MOVE INTO THE CORE CITIES
WITH NEW PLANT, LARGE-SCALE ON-THE-JOB
TRAINING FOR THE HARD-CORE UNEMPLOYED, AND
BOLD VENTURES INTO LOW-INCOME HOUSING.
BUT MONEY ALONE IS NOT THE ANSWER.
LOCAL CITIZENS AND LOCAL GROUPS MUST ASSUME
-12-
GREATER RESPONSIBILITY AND BECOME IMBUED
WITH THE DESIRE TO SOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS
LOCALLY. AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MUST FIND
THE EXPERTS THEY NEED TO PLAN AND GUIDE
LOCAL PROGRAMS.
THROUGH IT ALL, THE CENTRAL
CONSIDERATION IS A CHANGE OF HANDS ON THE
PURSE STRINGS...A SHIFT OF DECISION-MAKING
AND SPENDING POWER FROM WASHINGTON TO THE
CITIES AND THE STATES. FOR THAT REASON I
URGE THAT CATEGORICAL GRANTS-IN-AID BE
CONSOLIDATED INTO BROAD PROBLEM AREA GRANTS
AND THAT ULTIMATELY A PERCENTAGE OF FEDERAL
INCOME TAX REVENUE BE SHARED UNDER A REBATE
AND EQUALIZATION FORMULA WITH THE STATES
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS.
I BELIEVE IN THE INHERENT VITALITY
OF THE STATES. I BELIEVE IN THE ABILITY OF
THE STATES TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT AND ESSENTIAL
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE REHABILITATION OF OUR
-13-
METROPOLITAN AREAS. AND DESPITE THE TREND
IN RECENT YEARS, I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT LOCAL
PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED BY LOCAL OFFICIALS IF
THEY ARE GIVEN THE TOOLS, PARTICULARLY THE
REVENUE, TO DO THE JOB.
TODAY WE HAVE ENTERED UPON A NEW
ERA OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND EQUALLY GREAT
CHALLENGE.
WITH THE ELECTION OF A NEW
PRESIDENT, THE OPPORTUNITY IS HERE TO SWING
AMERICA AROUND AND HEAD IT IN THE DIRECTION
OF A DYNAMIC FEDERALISM WHICH WILL FLOURISH
IN OUR SYSTEM OF FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENT IF WE WILL BUT NOUR ISH IT.
THE WAY IS OPEN BUT IT WILL BE
HARD. THERE ARE MEN IN CONGRESS, PRIMARILY
LIBERALS, WHO WILL FIGHT A FLOW OF FEDERAL
FUNDS TO THE STATES AND CITIES WITHOUT
STRICT FEDERAL CONTROLS. THERE ARE ALSO MEN
IN CONGRESS, AMONG THEM POWERFUL CONSERVATIVES,
-14-
WHO WILL STRONGLY OPPOSE TAX CREDITS TO
BRING INDUSTRY INTO THE CORE CITIES AS THE
LEADER IN AN ASSAULT ON HARD-CORE UNEMPLOYMENT
AND SLUM HOUSING.
BUT CONGRESS REFLECTS THE WILL OF
THE PEOPLE. AND THE LEADERS IN THE STATE
LEGISLATURES ARE AMONG THE GREAT MOLDERS OF
PUBLIC OPINION.
THIS, THEN, IS ONE OF THE CHALLENGES
FACING STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS IN THIS
TIME OF OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICA.
OUR NEW PRESIDENT WILL PROVIDE THE
IMPETUS, THE INITIATIVE FOR THE DYNAMIC
FEDERALISM REPRESENTED BY FEDERAL REVENUE
SHARING. WHETHER THAT MOVEMENT WILL MOVE
FORWARD TO SUCCESS, OR FALTER AND FAIL WILL
DEPEND IN LARGE MEASURE ON WHAT YOU, THE STATE
LEGISLATIVE LEADERS OF AMERICA, DO IN THE
COMING MONTHS AND YEARS.
LOFTY LANGUAGE AND AN EDUCATIONAL
-15-
CAMPAIGN WILL NOT BE ENOUGH. THE CHALLENGE
TO THE STATES IS FAR GREATER.
THE STATES MUST HELP THEMSELVES.
THEY MUST CONVINCE THE CONGRESS AND THE
PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE THE WILL AND THE
MACHINERY TO MEET CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS.
WHEREVER STATE CONSTITUTIONS HAVE
LAGGED BEHIND TODAY'S PROBLEMS, REVIEW AND
REVISION SHOULD BECOME THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
THE BASIC DOCUMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENTS
MUST FACILITATE -- NOT HAMPER -- THE TASK OF
PROVIDING VITAL SERVICES.
I COMMEND TO OTHER STATES THE
EXAMPLE OF MY OWN STATE OF MICHIGAN, WHERE
A NEW CONSTITUTION SUITABLE TO THE NEEDS OF
MODERN SOCIETY WASE SHAPED AND APPROVED IN
RECENT YEARS.
THERE MUST BE GREATER COOPERATION
BETWEEN THE STATES. KEEN ATTENTION SHOULD
BE GIVEN TO THE USE OF INTERSTATE COMPACTS
-16-
IN THE FIELDS OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT,
CONTROL OF FISHERIES, TRANSPORTATION
FACILITIES, PORT ADMINISTRATION, AND HIGHER
EDUCATION. THE POTENTIALITIES OF SUCH
INTERSTATE COOPERATION HAVE HARDLY BEEN
TAPPED, AND THE END-RESULT WOULD BE TO
REDUCE THE FEDERAL ROLE AND INCREASE STATE
RESPONSIBILITIES IN MANY IMPORTANT FIELDS.
THE ALREADY IMPORTANT WORK OF INTERSTATE
COMPACTS AND AGREEMENTS IN CRIME CONTROL,
UNIFORM STATE LAWS, AND RECIPROCAL SUPPORT
OF DEPENDENTS SHOULD BE EXTENDED. NEW ADVANCES
SHOULD BE MADE IN CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION,
ELIMINATION OF INTERSTATE TRADE BARRIERS,
AND OTHER COOPERATIVE STATE GOVERNMENT
ATTACKS ON MUTUAL PROBLEMS.
OUR DYNAMIC NEW FEDERALISM WILL
BLOSSOM ONLY IF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AS WELL AS
STATE GOVERNMENTS GROW IN STRENGTH,
RESPONSIBILITY AND CAPABILITY.
-17-
STATE GOVERNMENTS CAN AND SHOULD
PROMOTE THE STRONG LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
WHICH IS THE FOUNDATION OF A DYNAMIC FEDERAL
SYSTEM. THEY COULD ESTABLISH OFFICES OF
LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO WORK IN LIAISON WITH
LOCAL UNITS. THEY COULD ENCOURAGE LOCAL
GOVERNMENTAL UNITS TOO SMALL TO BE EFFICIENT
TO MERGE WITH OTHERS OR ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS
SUCH AS WATER AUTHORITIES.
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IS TO WIN
THE INVOLVEMENT AND LOYALTY OF THE ALIENATED
CITIZENS IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WE MUST LEARN
TO RELATE TO THEM...NOT ONLY FOR THE BENEFIT
OF THE INDIVIDUALS ESTRANGED FROM OUR SOCIETY
BUT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE SOCIETY.
WE MUST SAVE THE FAMILY IF WE ARE TO SAVE THE
COMMUNITY. WE MUST SAVE THE COMMUNITY IF WE
ARE TO SAVE THE STATE AND THE NATION AND
GROW TO NEW GREATNESS AS A PEOPLE.
CRIME IS A PROBLEM WHICH DEMANDS
-18-
THE GREATEST POSSIBLE FEDERAL, STATE AND
LBS
LOCAL COOPERATION AND FRESH NEW EFFORT.
THE CONGRESS IN THE LAST SESSION ADOPTED A
NEW APPROACH -- A COOPERATIVE PROGRAM THROUGH
BLOC GRANTS TO ATTACK CRIME UNDER STATE PLANS
WITH FEDERAL FUNDS.
WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN THE SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL CONDITIONS
IN AN AREA AND THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME WE SHOULD FULLY AND FIRMLY
ENFORCE THE LAW. THE GUILTY MUST BE
APPREHENDED, TRIED AND PUNISHED. A SOCIETY
THAT ALLOWS ITS LAWS TO BE FLOUTED, LOSES
THE RESPECT OF ALL OF ITS MEMBERS.
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MUST
ENCOURAGE PUBLIC SUPPORT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
WITH JUSTICE WHILE WORKING WITH THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN THE COURTS AND
IMPROVE LOCAL POLICE WORK. THE OVERALL
PROGRAM MIGHT WELL INCLUDE STATE AND LOCAL
-19-
EXPERIMENTATION WITH HEALTH, WELFARE AND
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE
BETTER LAW ENFORCEMENT ATTITUDES.
WE MUST, AS A NATION, ELEVATE THE
MORAL AND ETHICAL ATTITUDES OF OUR PEOPLE.
I AM SURE THAT OUR NEW CHIEF
EXECUTIVE WILL BE DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH THE
MORAL TONE NOT ONLY OF THE PRESIDENCY BUT
OF THE NATION.
ABOVE ALL, HE WILL SEEK TO LEAD,
NOT TO DICTATE. HE WILL MOVE TO STRENGTHEN
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND TO INVOLVE
ALL AMERICANS IN THE TREMENDOUS TASK OF
MEETING THE URBAN CRISIS.
I URGE THAT WE ALL LEND HIM OUR
HANDS AND OUR HEARTS, THAT UNITY AND
INVOLVEMENT BE OUR THEME. ONLY IN THAT WAY
CAN THIS GREAT NATION OF OURS ACHIEVE THE
HIGH PURPOSE WHICH IS THE DREAM OF ALL OUR
CITIZENS.
-- END --
O Office Copy
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD
REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1968
AT HONOLULU, HAWAII
FOR RELEASE IN WEDNESDAY PM's.
At this moment we are approaching a time of great opportunity and great
challenge. The opportunity and the challenge are caught up in a single question:
How do we solve the crushing problems of the late sixties and the seventies in
the America we all love?
Where are we today? What are the chief problems that face you and me and
all Americans?
Apart from the bloody conflict in Vietnam, the seething cauldron of
imminent war in the Mideast, and the imbalance in Europe precipitated by the
invasion of Czechoslovakia, our most perplexing problems can be summed up in
three words: "the urban crisis."
The urban crisis is not a single problem. It is a complex of problems
a poisonous brew concocted from all the major ills of our Nation--rampant crime,
inadequate educational systems, hard-core unemployment, shockingly dangerous
pollution of our air and water, antiquated transportation, disgraceful housing,
insufficient and ineffective public facilities, deterioration of the family as
a unit of society, lack of equal opportunity for all Americans, and an explosive
failure of communication between young and older Americans, Negroes and whites.
All of these problems cry out for immediate action. The question: Who
does what and how? And how will the action program be paid for?
In Washington there is a government building on which there is etched in
stone these words: "What is past is prologue."
To know where you want to go and how you might get there, it is often
helpful to see where you've been.
How did the complex of city problems reach crisis proportions? Let me
give you a capsule review.
When our core cities were younger and still growing, their own resources
were sufficient to meet the needs of their people. Where government failed to
respond to those needs, it was a failure of organization, representation and
(more)
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-2-
big-city political machines. Then World War II exploded, and domestic concerns
were laid aside. After the War, cities struggled with a huge backlog of public
improvement projects. Residents and businesses spilled over the core city's
borders. Suburbia began to develop and grow. Upper and middle income groups
left the core city for the suburbs, leaving behind those economic groups most
in need of public services and least able to pay for them. Young people left,
leaving behind older citizens to reluctantly support the education of children
from low income families. Often, industry left, and this sapped the revenue
sources of the city still further. While the cost of city services increased,
the city's ability to meet those costs diminished. Cities turned to their parent
state governments for help. But the states were caught in their own crises,
and they also were hampered by a reliance on limited tax sources.
The national government was bound by no such restraints. The federal
government had the rich revenue tool of the progressive income tax, with a
natural growth in federal revenue as the economy grew. In any case, the
Congress often was willing to spend more than taxes brought in. Tax sources
for the states failed to match those of the federal government. The New Deal
had produced an abundance of new programs, and the Great Depression had produced
an attitude of looking to Washington for solutions to local problems.
Thus began a system of federal aid to the cities, sometimes totally
bypassing the governments of the states.
Is this bad?
There are those who preach a "New Federalism" which would greatly expand
direct contacts between the federal government and the cities. They seek to
pile new programs of categorical grants-in-aid atop the present towering federal
aid structure of more than 400 programs.
Let's lay aside philosophical and ideological considerations. A key
question regarding any program or system is: Does it work? I pose this question
about the categorical grant-in-aid system on behalf of those Americans who are
unconcerned about the flow of immense power to the central government in
Washington and the consequent weakness of the cities and the states.
The real issue -- Does the present system work? Is America getting a
satisfactory return for its talent and its dollars? Any thinking American who
sifts objectively through the evidence would have to say, "No." Despite a
massive infusion of federal funds into grant-in-aid programs, the urban crisis
(more)
-3-
persists and grows more acute. Persistent city problems produce a deadly
combination of disadvantage and discontent and contribute to lawlessness and
disorder.
A sharply growing number of Americans now are looking for new solutions.
They are looking for government to lead them in new directions. To use the
everyday language of politics, they want a change.
That is the mandate given to us in the recent election -- the mandate
given to those who will govern in the city councils and commissions, in the
state legislatures, and in the White House and the Congress in the years
immediately ahead.
A mandate for change.
The people said: We have had violence and wild destruction thrust upon us.
Conditions of disadvantage and social failure have been laid bare for all the
world to see. The old responses -- one more federal program, another study
commission, another plea for law and order -- just won't do. Present policies
and programs have been tried and found wanting. Let us move in new directions
to lift the urban crisis from our land.
Now the Compess lawmskers must respond. We must chart those new directions. We
must fashion a winning combination of federal, state and local cooperation if
the urban crisis is to be met.
How can we meet the challenge of the urban crisis?
In general terms, there is but one answer: Every level of government and
every individual citizen must become committed to the task of solving the
problems of our urban and suburban areas. We need a new approach -- an approach
n
which
governments
lay
a
majok
an
approad
which
fosters
the
involvement of local groups and governments.
To put it bluntly, the foundation of that new approach is money the
use
of tax money in new ways to achieve social objectives.
Our states and cities need an unfettered share of the revenues which now
pour into the National Treasury.
Industry needs special tax credits as an incentive to move into the core
cities with new plant, large-scale on-the-job training for the hard-core
unemployed, and bold ventures into low-income housing.
But money alone is not the answer. Local citizens and local groups must
assume greater responsibility and become imbued with the desire to solve local
(more)
-4-
problems locally. And local governments must find the experts they need to plan
and guide local programs.
Through it all, the central consideration is a change of hands on the
purse strings a shift of decision-making and spending power from Washington
to the cities and the states. For that reason I urge that categorical grants-in-
aid be consolidated into broad problem area grants and that ultimately a
percentage of federal income tax revenue be shared under a rebate and equalization
formula with the states and local governmental units.
I believe in the inherent vitality of the states. I believe in the
ability of the states to make significant and essential contributions to the
rehabilitation of our metropolitan areas. And despite the trend in recent years,
I firmly believe that local problems can be solved by local officials if they
are given the tools, particularly the revenue, to do the job.
Today we are entering upon a new era of great opportunity and equally
great challenge.
With the election of a new President, the opportunity is here to swing
America around and head it in the direction of a dynamic federalism which will
flourish in our system of federal, state and local government if we will but
nourish it.
The way is open but it will be hard. There are men in Congress,
primarily liberals, who will fight a flow of federal funds to the states and
cities without strict federal controls. There are also men in Congress, among
them powerful conservatives, who will strongly oppose tax credits to bring
industry into the core cities as the leader in an assault on hard-core unemploy-
ment and slum housing.
But Congress reflects the will of the people. And the leaders in the
state legislatures are among the great molders of public opinion
This, then, is one of the challenges facing state legislative leaders
in this time of opportunity for America.
Our new President will provide the impetus, the initiative for the dynamic
federalism represented by federal revenue sharing. Whether that movement will
move forward to success, or falter and fail, will depend in large measure on
what you, the state legislative leaders of America, do in the coming months and
years.
(more)
-5-
Lofty language and an educational campaign will not be enough. The
challenge the states is far greater.
The states must help themselves. They must convince the Congress and the
people that they have the will and the machinery to meet contemporary problems.
Wherever state constitutions have lagged behind today's problems, review
and revision should become the order of the day. The basic documents of state
governments must facilitate -- not hamper -- the task of providing vital services.
I commend to other states the example of my own state of Michigan, where
a new constitution suitable to the needs of modern society was shaped and
approved in recent years.
There must be greater cooperation between the states. Keen attention
should be given to the use of interstate compacts in the fields of water
resources management, control of fisheries, transportation facilities, port
administration, and higher education. The potentialities of such interstate
cooperation have hardly been tapped, and the end-result would be to reduce the
federal role and increase state responsibilities in many important fields. The
already important work of interstate compacts and agreements in crime control,
uniform state laws, and reciprocal support of dependents should be extended. New
advances should be made in control of air pollution, elimination of interstate
trade barriers, and other cooperative state government attacks on mutual
problems.
Our dynamic new federalism will blossom only if local governments as well
as state governments grow in strength, responsibility and capability.
State governments can and should promote the strong local self-government
which is the foundation of a dynamic federal system. They could establish Offices
of Local Government to work in liaison with local units. They could encourage
local governmental units too small to be efficient to merge with others or enter
into agreements such as water authorities.
The ultimate challenge is to win the involvement and loyalty of the
alienated citizens in our communities. We must learn to relate to them not only
for the benefit of the individuals estranged from our society but for the benefit
of the whole society. We must save the family if we are to save the community.
We must save the community if we are to save the state and the nation and grow
to new greatness as a people.
(more)
-6-
Crime is a problem which demands the greatest possible federal, state
and local cooperation and fresh new effort. The Congress in the last session
adopted a new approach -- a cooperative program through bloc grants to attack
crime under state plans with federal funds.
We must recognize the relationship between the social and educational
conditions in an area and the incidence of crime there. At the same time we
should fully and firmly enforce the law. The guilty must be apprehended, tried
and punished. A society that allows its laws to be flouted loses the respect of
all of its members.
State and local governments must encourage public support of law enforce-
ment with justice while working with the federal government to strengthen the
courts and improve local police work.
The overall program might well include state and local experimentation
with health, welfare and educational programs designed to encourage better law
enforcement attitudes.
We must, as a nation, elevate the moral and ethical attitudes of our
people.
I am sure that our new chief executive will be deeply concerned with the
moral tone not only of the Presidency but of the Nation.
Above all, he will seek to lead, not to dictate. He will move to
strengthen state and local governments and to involve all Americans in the
tremendous task of meeting the urban crisis.
I urge that we all lend him our hands and our hearts, that unity and
involvement be our theme. Only in that way can this great Nation of ours achieve
the high purpose which is the dream of all our citizens.
###
Distribution Full +100 Capies to Hawaii
Galleries 11:30a.m. 12/3/68/M Office Copy
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD
REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1968
AT HONOLULU, HAWAII
FOR RELEASE IN WEDNESDAY PM's.
At this moment we are approaching a time of great opportunity and great
challenge. The opportunity and the challenge are caught up in a single question:
How do we solve the crushing problems of the late sixties and the seventies in
the America we all love?
Where are we today? What are the chief problems that face you and me and
all Americans?
Apart from the bloody conflict in Vietnam, the seething cauldron of
imminent war in the Mideast, and the imbalance in Europe precipitated by the
invasion of Czechoslovakia, our most perplexing problems can be summed up in
three words: "the urban crisis."
The urban crisis is not a single problem. It is a complex of problems
a poisonous brew concocted from all the major ills of our Nation--rampant crime,
inadequate educational systems, hard-core unemployment, shockingly dangerous
pollution of our air and water, antiquated transportation, disgraceful housing,
insufficient and ineffective public facilities, deterioration of the family as
a unit of society, lack of equal opportunity for all Americans, and an explosive
failure of communication between young and older Americans, Negroes and whites.
All of these problems cry out for immediate action. The question: Who
does what and how? And how will the action program be paid for?
In Washington there is a government building on which there is etched in
stone these words: "What is past is prologue."
To know where you want to go and how you might get there, it is often
helpful to see where you've been.
How did the complex of city problems reach crisis proportions? Let me
give you a capsule review.
When our core cities were younger and still growing, their own resources
were sufficient to meet the needs of their people. Where government failed to
respond to those needs, it was a failure of organization, representation and
(more) GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-2-
big-city political machines. Then World War II exploded, and domestic concerns
were laid aside. After the War, cities struggled with a huge backlog of public
improvement projects. Residents and businesses spilled over the core city's
borders. Suburbia began to develop and grow. Upper and middle income groups
left the core city for the suburbs, leaving behind those economic groups most
in need of public services and least able to pay for them. Young people left,
leaving behind older citizens to reluctantly support the education of children
from low income families. Often, industry left, and this sapped the revenue
sources of the city still further. While the cost of city services increased,
the city's ability to meet those costs diminished. Cities turned to their parent
state governments for help. But the states were caught in their own crises,
and they also were hampered by a reliance on limited tax sources.
The national government was bound by no such restraints. The federal
government had the rich revenue tool of the progressive income tax, with a
natural growth in federal revenue as the economy grew. In any case, the
Congress often was willing to spend more than taxes brought in. Tax sources
for the states failed to match those of the federal government. The New Deal
had produced an abundance of new programs, and the Great Depression had produced
an attitude of looking to Washington for solutions to local problems.
Thus began a system of federal aid to the cities, sometimes totally
bypassing the governments of the states.
Is this bad?
There are those who preach a "New Federalism" which would greatly expand
direct contacts between the federal government and the cities. They seek to
pile new programs of categorical grants-in-aid atop the present towering federal
aid structure of more than 400 programs.
Let's lay aside philosophical and ideological considerations. A key
question regarding any program or system is: Does it work? I pose this question
about the categorical grant-in-aid system on behalf of those Americans who are
unconcerned about the flow of immense power to the central government in
Washington and the consequent weakness of the cities and the states.
The real issue -- Does the present system work? Is America getting a
satisfactory return for its talent and its dollars? Any thinking American who
sifts objectively through the evidence would have to say, "No." Despite a
massive infusion of federal funds into grant-in-aid programs, the urban crisis
(more)
-3-
persists and grows more acute. Persistent city problems produce a deadly
combination of disadvantage and discontent and contribute to lawlessness and
disorder.
A sharply growing number of Americans now are looking for new solutions.
They are looking for government to lead them in new directions. To use the
everyday language of politics, they want a change.
That is the mandate given to us in the recent election -- the mandate
given to those who will govern in the city councils and commissions, in the
state legislatures, and in the White House and the Congress in the years
immediately ahead.
A mandate for change.
The people said: We have had violence and wild destruction thrust upon us.
Conditions of disadvantage and social failure have been laid bare for all the
world to see. The old responses -- one more federal program, another study
commission, another plea for law and order -- just won't do. Present policies
and programs have been tried and found wanting. Let us move in new directions
to lift the urban crisis from our land.
Now the lawmakers must respond. We must chart those new directions. We
must fashion a winning combination of federal, state and local cooperation if
the urban crisis is to be met.
How can we meet the challenge of the urban crisis?
In general terms, there is but one answer: Every level of government and
every individual citizen must become committed to the task of solving the
problems of our urban and suburban areas. We need a new approach -- an approach
in which state governments play a major role, an approach which fosters the
involvement of local groups and governments.
To put it bluntly, the foundation of that new approach is money the
use
of tax money in new ways to achieve social objectives.
Our states and cities need an unfettered share of the revenues which now
pour into the National Treasury.
Industry needs special tax credits as an incentive to move into the core
cities with new plant, large-scale on-the-job training for the hard-core
unemployed, and bold ventures into low-income housing.
But money alone is not the answer. Local citizens and local groups must
assume greater responsibility and become imbued with the desire to solve local
(more)
-4-
problems locally. And local governments must find the experts they need to plan
and guide local programs.
Through it all, the central consideration is a change of hands on the
purse strings a shift of decision-making and spending power from Washington
to the cities and the states. For that reason I urge that categorical grants-in-
aid be consolidated into broad problem area grants and that ultimately a
percentage of federal income tax revenue be shared under a rebate and equalization
formula with the states and local governmental units.
I believe in the inherent vitality of the states. I believe in the
ability of the states to make significant and essential contributions to the
rehabilitation of our metropolitan areas. And despite the trend in recent years,
I firmly believe that local problems can be solved by local officials if they
are given the tools, particularly the revenue, to do the job.
Today we are entering upon a new era of great opportunity and equally
great challenge.
With the election of a new President, the opportunity is here to swing
America around and head it in the direction of a dynamic federalism which will
flourish in our system of federal, state and local government if we will but
nourish it.
The way is open but it will be hard. There are men in Congress,
primarily liberals, who will fight a flow of federal funds to the states and
cities without strict federal controls. There are also men in Congress, among
them powerful conservatives, who will strongly oppose tax credits to bring
industry into the core cities as the leader in an assault on hard-core unemploy-
ment and slum housing.
But Congress reflects the will of the people. And the leaders in the
state legislatures are among the great molders of public opinion.
This, then, is one of the challenges facing state legislative leaders
in this time of opportunity for America.
Our new President will provide the impetus, the initiative for the dynamic
federalism represented by federal revenue sharing. Whether that movement will
move forward to success, or falter and fail, will depend in large measure on
what you, the state legislative leaders of America, do in the coming months and
years.
(more)
-5-
Lofty language and an educational campaign will not be enough. The
challenge to the states is far greater.
The states must help themselves. They must convince the Congress and the
people that they have the will and the machinery to meet contemporary problems.
Wherever state constitutions have lagged behind today's problems, review
and revision should become the order of the day. The basic documents of state
governments must facilitate -- not hamper -- the task of providing vital services.
I commend to other states the example of my own state of Michigan, where
a new constitution suitable to the needs of modern society was shaped and
approved in recent years.
There must be greater cooperation between the states. Keen attention
should be given to the use of interstate compacts in the fields of water
resources management, control of fisheries, transportation facilities, port
administration, and higher education. The potentialities of such interstate
cooperation have hardly been tapped, and the end-result would be to reduce the
federal role and increase state responsibilities in many important fields. The
already important work of interstate compacts and agreements in crime control,
uniform state laws, and reciprocal support of dependents should be extended. New
advances should be made in control of air pollution, elimination of interstate
trade barriers, and other cooperative state government attacks on mutual
problems.
Our dynamic new federalism will blossom only if local governments as well
as state governments grow in strength, responsibility and capability.
State governments can and should promote the strong local self-government
which is the foundation of a dynamic federal system. They could establish Offices
of Local Government to work in liaison with local units. They could encourage
local governmental units too small to be efficient to merge with others or enter
into agreements such as water authorities.
The ultimate challenge is to win the involvement and loyalty of the
alienated citizens in our communities. We must learn to relate to them not only
for the benefit of the individuals estranged from our society but for the benefit
of the whole society. We must save the family if we are to save the community.
We must save the community if we are to save the state and the nation and
grow
to new greatness as a people.
(more)
-6-
Crime is a problem which demands the greatest possible federal, state
and local cooperation and fresh new effort. The Congress in the last session
adopted a new approach -- a cooperative program through bloc grants to attack
crime under state plans with federal funds.
We must recognize the relationship between the social and educational
conditions in an area and the incidence of crime there. At the same time we
should fully and firmly enforce the law. The guilty must be apprehended, tried
and punished. A society that allows its laws to be flouted loses the respect of
all of its members.
State and local governments must encourage public support of law enforce-
ment with justice while working with the federal government to strengthen the
courts and improve local police work.
The overall program might well include state and local experimentation
with health, welfare and educational programs designed to encourage better law
enforcement attitudes.
We must, as a nation, elevate the moral and ethical attitudes of our
people.
I am sure that our new chief executive will be deeply concerned with the
moral tone not only of the Presidency but of the Nation.
Above all, he will seek to lead, not to dictate. He will move to
strengthen state and local governments and to involve all Americans in the
tremendous task of meeting the urban crisis.
I urge that we all lend him our hands and our hearts, that unity and
involvement be our theme. Only in that way can this great Nation of ours achieve
the high purpose which is the dream of all our citizens.
###