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1974/12/31 HR16596 Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974
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1668871
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1974/12/31 HR16596 Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974
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The original documents are located in Box 18, folder "1974/12/31 HR16596 Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974" of the White House Records Office: Legislation Case Files 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 Gerald R. Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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. Exact duplicates within this folder were not digitized. Digitized from Box 18 of the White House Records Office Legislation Case Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library/30 stalement OFFROVED74 12/31/74 ACTION THE WHITE HOUSE Last Day: January 4** WASHINGTON 12/31/74 December 29, 1974 DERAIT ARCHIUES 1/3/75 - MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM: KEN COLE SUBJECT: Enrolled Bill H.R. 16596 Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 Attached for your consideration is H.R. 16596, sponsored by Representative Daniels, which together with H.R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974, represent the Congressional response to the Admistration-proposed National Employment Assistance Act of 1974, submitted to the Congress on October 8, 1974. Specifically, H.R. 16596 would: -- Authorize $2.5 billion for fiscal year 1975 to provide additional public service jobs for unemployed and underemployed persons; -- establishes a temporary Federal program of special unemployment assistance for workers who are not currently eligible for unemployment insurance benefits; and -- authorizes $500 million for fiscal year 1975 for job-creating activities under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1975. In anticipation of approval of this bill, the Urgent Supple- mental Appropriations Bill for FY 75 provides for the above appropriations. ** Approval by December 31st will provide unemployment benefits a month earlier than would approval in January. 2 Paul O'Neill provides additional background information in his enrolled bill report (Tab A) as well as a discussion highlighting the main features of the bill compared with the Administration proposal. While H.R. 16596 departs in several undesirable respects from the Administration's proposal, OMB, Treasury, and CEA state that approval will provide badly needed assistance at a time of rising unemployment -- 100,000 new jobs and unemployment compensation available for 12 million workers not now covered. Because Title III of the bill would create substantial delays and extreme confusion in implementation and administration, a transfer of the $125 million appropriations from Commerce to Labor for the regular Title I Public Service Employment Program is recommended and is so stated in the signing statement. RECOMMENDATIONS Treasury, Labor, OMB, Seidman, Freidersdorf (Loen), Areeda and CEA recommend approval and issuance of the signing statement (Tab B) which covers this bill and the companion enrolled bill, H.R. 17597. Paul Theis has approved the text of the signing statement. DECISION BERALD "If H.R. Sign 16596 HR7 GVO4 Pocket Veto (Tab C) (Prepare Memorandum of Disapproval) Signing Statement Approve HRF Disapprove (Tab B) EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 DEC 2 9 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Enrolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 Sponsor - Rep. Daniels (D) New Jersey Last Day for Action January 4, 1975 - Saturday. Approval in December would pro- vide unemployment benefits a month earlier than approval in January. Purpose Authorizes $2.5 billion for fiscal year 1975 to provide ad- ditional public service jobs for unemployed and underemployed persons; establishes a temporary Federal program of special unemployment assistance for workers who are not currently eligible for unemployment insurance benefits; authorizes $500 million for fiscal year 1975 for job-creating activities under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Agency Recommendations Office of Management and Budget Approval (Signing statement attached) Department of Labor Approval Department of Commerce Approval Council of Economic Advisers Approval (Informally) Department of the Treasury Would not oppose approval recommendation Veterans Administration Defers to Labor Department of Health, Education, Defers to Labor and Welfare (Informally) 2 Discussion H.R. 16596 is one of two enrolled bills currently awaiting your action which, together, represent the congressional re- sponse to the Administration-proposed National Employment Assistance Act of 1974, submitted to the Congress on October 8, 1974. The other bill, H.R. 17597, would provide additional unemployment compensation for workers who are covered by unemployment insurance but exhaust their bene- fits under permanent law. Major Provisions of H.R. 16596 The following discussion highlights the main features of H.R. 16596 compared with the Administration proposal. Title I - Public Service Employment This title of the enrolled bill would amend the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) by adding a new Title VI - Emergency Job Programs - and redesignating the current Title VI as Title VII. Under the new title, the Secretary of Labor would be required to enter into agreements with State and local governments qual- ified as prime sponsors under Title I of CETA and with Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations to provide grants for temporary public service employment for eligible unemployed and underemployed persons. No "trigger," i.e., no specified unem- ployment rate, is provided to initiate the program. Of the funds appropriated for this purpose, at least 90 per- cent would have to be allotted to the grantees. The remaining 10 percent would be available for discretionary use by the Secretary of Labor. The funds to be allotted would be dis- tributed among the grantees as follows: -- 50 percent in proportion to the relative number of un- employed persons in the grantee's area compared to the total number of unemployed persons in the Nation. -- 25 percent in proportion to the area's share of unem- ployed persons in excess of 4.5 percent of the labor force. -- 25 percent among areas of substantial unemployment as defined in Title II of CETA (6.5 percent for three months) in proportion to the total unemployed in all such areas. 3 The bill includes special provisions intended to expand job opportunities in areas with unemployment rates in excess of 7 percent and certain other areas where exceptional circum- stances exist. For example, various "transitional" provi- sions under Title II of CETA could be waived in these areas, and public service employment would be authorized for an in- dividual after 15 rather than 30 days of unemployment. Not less than 90 percent of the funds appropriated under this title would have to be spent for wages and employment benefits to persons employed in public service jobs under the bill. To the maximum extent feasible, preference in hiring for public service jobs under the bill would have to be given by sponsors to experienced unemployed workers who have exhausted their un- employment compensation, are not eligible for unemployment com- pensation, or who have been unemployed for 15 or more weeks, No one could be hired to fill a position created by laying off or terminating a regular employee in anticipation of filling the position with a worker supported under CETA. The maximum annual salary of the public service jobs under the bill would be $10,000, with a national average salary goal among all participants of $7,800. Special efforts are required to be made under the bill to pro- vide job opportunities for veterans within four years after discharge, including outreach and public information programs. The Secretary of Labor, in consultation and cooperation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, would be required to report to the appropriate congressional committees on these efforts within 90 days after enactment. The enrolled bill would authorize appropriations of $2.5 bil- lion for fiscal year 1975 for Title I of H.R. 16596, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1975. The bill provides that funds obligated for public service jobs under this title may be used for projects and activities extending over a 12-month period. Key differences between Title I of H.R. 16596 and the Administration's proposal for a Community Improvement Corps (CIC) as part of the National Employment Assistance Act are the following: -- the CIC would have provided temporary project-type employment limited to 6 months' duration in those labor 4 market areas with 250,000 or more population and an unemploy- ment rate over 6.5 percent for three months. -- eligibility for employment on CIC projects would have been limited to individuals who had exhausted their unemploy- ment benefits. -- CIC project employees could not have been paid more than $7,000 (annual rate), so that the average wages would be considerably less than in the private sector. -- funding for the CIC would have become available in in- crements tied to the national unemployment rate: $500 million at a 6-percent rate, an additional $750 million at 6.5 percent, and $1 billion at 7 percent. -- the CIC would have been a temporary, stand-alone pro- gram outside of CETA, although using CETA prime sponsors in qualifying areas. Title II - Special Unemployment Assistance Program This title of the enrolled bill would establish a temporary Federal program of special unemployment assistance for workers who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits under any other law. Each State which enters into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor would be eligible to participate in this program, which would be financed from the general funds of the Treasury. Workers would be eligible if they are not currently covered under any State or Federal unemployment compensation law or any other law, such as the Public Works and Economic Development Act Amendments of 1974, the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 as amended, or any similar law. Groups primarily affected would be State and local government employees, farm workers, and demestic workers. The weekly benefit amounts and number of weeks of benefits would be based on State law, up to a maximum of 26 weeks. For purposes of this Title, workers in areas served by CETA prime sponsors would be eligible when the national ememploy- ment rate averages 6 percent or more for three most recent consecutive months or the rate of unemployment in the area averages 6.5 percent or more in that period. The program would terminate in areas when both of these conditions are 5 not satisfied. The three-month requirement for eligibility could occur prior to enactment, and has, in fact, been met. When the program triggers "on" in an area, unemployment as- sistance would start in the third week after the first week of the "on" indicator and would terminate in the third week after the first week of the "off" indicator. No special un- employment assistance period could be less than 13 weeks, how- ever. No new unemployment claims under this title could be filed after December 31, 1975, but payments could be made to indi- viduals until March 31, 1976. "Such sums as may be necessary" would be authorized to be ap- propriated for this title of H.R. 16596. The Special Unemployment Assistance Program proposed by the Administration as part of the National Employment Assistance Act would have taken effect when the national unemployment rate averaged 6 percent for three consecutive months. The program would have come into effect in a labor market area with a population of 250,000 or more or in the balance of the State, when these areas had an average unemployment rate over 6.5 percent for three months, and would have triggered off when the areas no longer met this condition. Title III - Job Opportunities Program This title of H.R. 16596 would add a new Title X to the Public Works and Economic Development Act (PWEDA), under which the Secretary-of Commerce in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor would be authorized to provide financial assistance to programs and projects to expand job opportunities for unemployed persons in eligible areas. Such areas would be those with rates of unemployment exceeding 6.5 percent for three consequtive months or those designated by the Secretary of Commerce as redevelopment areas pursuant to section 401 of the PWEDA. Funds allocated under this title would be available as deter- mined jointly by the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce only for programs or projects which (1) contribute significantly to the reduction of unemployment in the eligible area, (2) can be initiated or strengthened promptly, (3) can be substantially completed within 12 months, (4) are not inconsistent with 6 locally approved plans, and (5) are approved on the basis of giving first priority to the most labor intensive activ- ities. Within 45 days of enactment, each Federal agency and each regional commission established under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 or under the PWEDA would be required to review its budget and programs and submit to the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor any recommendations it may have for programs and projects to be funded under this title. The two Secretaries would have 30 days to review these recommendations. Officials of "appropriate units" of general government in the "affected area" must be given an "adequate opportunity" to comment on any specific proposal. There would have to be some form of rural/urban equity. The Secretary of Commerce would allocate the funds. The enrolled bill would authorize $500 million for this title for fiscal year 1975, to remain available for obligation until December 31, 1975. No obligation of funds could be made after that date. Of the funds appropriated, 50 percent would be available only for programs and projects in which no more than 25 percent of the funds would be for non-labor costs. This title of H.R. 16596 was added as a floor amendment in the Senate and originally contained an authorization for appropria- tions of $1 billion. It was strongly opposed by-the Administration, because of the excessive authorization level and the apparent congressional interest in using these funds for public works projects, which are a very ineffective and costly means of creating temporary employment. This title, as finally enacted, does not focus on public works projects, and would permit the funds to be used for essentially any program or project which would be effective in creating temporary jobs for the unemployed. However, the administra- tive requirements in the bill which call for cooperative ad- ministration by Commerce and Labor as well as program and project review by all Federal agencies and "appropriate "units" of general government would create very substantial delays and extreme confusion in the implementation and administration of this program. Budget Impact of H.R. 16596 In anticipation of approval of the enrolled bill, the Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 1975 now also enrolled and awaiting your action provides appropriations of 7 $875 million for Title I of the bill, $2 billion for Title II, and $125 million for Title III. Recommendations Labor urges approval of the bill. The Department notes that the month of November 1974 completed a three-month period for which the national unemployment averaged more than six percent. Accordingly, if the bill is approved in December, unemployment benefits would be payable as of the week beginning December 22, 1974. Should the bill not be approved until January 1975, bene- fits would first be payable in the week beginning January 26, 1975. CEA recommends approval very reluctantly, because unemployment is rising rapidly and there is little near term prospect of a better bill. The Council objects to the long duration (12 months) of the Title I public service projects which may be funded, eligibility of persons with short periods (15 days) of unemployment for work on these projects, and the application of the Davis-Bacon Act. CEA further believes the Title II un- employment assistance for non-covered employees should have included an increased waiting period, cost-sharing with the States, experience rating of the affected employers, and ex- clusion of self-employed workers and part-time domestic workers with several employers. Finally, CEA notes that the projects authorized under Title III need not employ unemployed persons, will be difficult to turn off after the need for them has passed, and essentially constitute a program of aid to depressed areas rather than income-support for the unemployed. Treasury notes that the enrolled bill differs somewhat in scope and coverage from that initially recommended by the Administration. The Department's letter states: "It calls for a $2-1/2 billion appropriation in fiscal 1975 which in our opinion is excessive. Furthermore, the enrolled enactment does not contain certain desir- able safeguards. The Administration proposed that public service employment should be conditioned on the exhaustion of unemployment benefits, there should be a "trigger-in and trigger-out" mechanism, projects should be limited to 6 months, and salaries be limited to $7,000. None of these desirable safeguards in its orig- inally recommended form appears in the enrolled enactment. "Despite these and other shortcomings, the provisions of the enrolled enactment will provide badly needed assist- ance at a time of rising unemployment. Therefore, the Department would not oppose a recommendation that the enrolled enactment be approved by the President." 8 ***** H.R. 16596 departs in several undesirable respects from the Administration's proposal, and we concur in some of the res- ervations expressed by Treasury and CEA. Overall, however, the bill would have the salutory effect of providing 100,000 new jobs and making unemployment compensation available for 12 million workers not now covered. Accordingly, we recom- mend its approval. We also recommend that we not implement Title III and seek a transfer of the $125 million appropria- tions from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Labor for the regular Title I Public Service Employment Program. We. have prepared a signing statement dealing both with this bill and H.R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974. Janew Chin Director Enclosure THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS WASHINGTON December 27, 1974 Dear Mr. Rommel: This is in response to your request for the Council of Economic Advisers' views on the "Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974", (H.R. 16596) and the "Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974" (H.R. 17597). The CEA believes that expanded income support is warranted for those who incur unemploy- ment because of the cyclical downturn in economic activity. And, our forecasts for 1975 suggest that the employment situation will deteriorate further before there is a recovery. With these thoughts in mind we support the signing of the "Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974" (H. R. 17597) which provides additional (longer) income support for the unemployed for a maximum of 52 weeks of benefits. This provides assistance for those hardest hit by unemployment -- the long duration unemployed. Unemployment is rising rapidly and there is little near term prospect of a better bill. Consequently, we support the signing of H.R. 16596, the "Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act, " but we do so very reluctantly because of the following objections, most of which were added by the Congress. H.R. 16596 tries to do too much all at once with inadequate safeguards, and insufficient concern for whether the cure is more costly than the disease. Both H.R. 15797 and H.R. 16596 have the potential for encouraging an increase in the incidence and the duration of unemployment so that we should expect this legislation to result in an increase in the unemployment rate as it is conventionally measured. 1. (Title I) Counter-cyclical public employment programs are most effective when limited to projects of short duration and when restricted to persons who have had long periods of unemployment and have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits. Under this bill, however, persons with only 15 days of unemployment are eligible. In addition, projects with a long duration (12 months) may be funded. - 2 - 2. (Title II) The unemployment assistance (UA) program is to provide benefits for unemployed persons who work in portions of the economy which are not covered by unemployment compensation. This applies primarily to farm, domestic and self-employed workers, and State and local government employees. Other than for government workers, these are workers whose work history and current unemploy- ment is difficult to verify. The program is administered by the States even though 100 percent of the benefits are paid by the Federal Government. Revenues received by the States will depend upon the number of claims handled and consequently safeguards are required to keep claims down. Since there is no employer tax for these supplemental benefits, employers may be more inclined to lay off workers than otherwise and will also be more inclined to support a previous employee's claim for benefits. In order to reduce such potential abuses the bill should have included: an increase of the waiting period before benefits begin to three to four weeks, a provision for cost sharing with the States, experience rating of agricultural employers and employers of full- time single-employer domestic workers; and the exclusion of the self- employed and part-time domestic worker with several employers from the program. 3. (Title III) The Job Opportunities Program is designed to support job creating labor intensive public works projects which will be difficult to turn off even after the need for them has passed. Moreover, they need not employ unemployed persons. Title III is essentially a program to aid depressed areas, a problem in the 1950's but of less relevant today. It should not be included in a package designed to provide income support for the unemployed during a recession. 4. The bill stipulates that public service construction jobs (Title I) must pay the prevailing wage in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. This is contrary to the spirit of the program and continues the unwarranted special protection from competition. Alson Sincerely yours, Alan Greenspan Mr. Wilfred H. Rommel Assistant Director for Legislative Reference Office of Management and Budget Washington, D.C. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D. C. 20250 December 27, 1974 Honorable Roy L. Ash Director, Office of Management and Budget Dear Mr. Ash: In reply to the request from your office, the following report is submitted on the enrolled enactment H.R. 16596, the "Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974. " Since title I and title II of the enactment would not affect the responsi- bilities of this Department, the Department of Agriculture defers to the Departments of Labor and Commerce for a recommendation on the impact of these titles. The Department of Agriculture supports the provisions of title III and recommends that the President approve the enactment. Title III of the enactment would amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 by adding a new title X, "Job Opportunities Program" to provide emergency financial assistance to stimulate, maintain, or expand job creating activities in areas, both urban and rural, which are suffering from unusually high levels of unemployment. Within 45 days of enactment, each Federal agency would review its budget, plans, and programs; evaluate the job creation effectiveness of programs and projects for 1975; and submit to the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor recommendations for programs and projects which have the potential to stimulate the creation of jobs for unemployed persons in eligible areas. Following reviews of those recommendations, within 30 days of their receipt, the Secretary of Commerce would allocate funds to expand or accelerate the job creating impact of selected programs. There are authorized to be appropriated $500 million for this purpose in fiscal year 1975. The Department of Agriculture supports such a review of its programs, and we believe that several activities of the Forest Service, in particular, could be expanded to meet the objectives of title III of the enactment. There are many opportunities on National Forest System lands for public service employment projects that could provide employment and training benefits for participants while completing much needed conservation work. Furthermore, the location of many severe unemployment areas corresponds closely to the location of Forest Service administered lands. These public lands could help provide sites for public service employment in rural areas, just as State, municipal, and private non-profit facilities now provide such sites in urban areas. The Forest Service, through its State and Private Forestry Program, also has a mechanism by which a public service employment program could be extended to State and local forest lands. The Forest Service Honorable Roy L. Ash 2 already has the procedures and experience needed to operate public service employment projects. The Youth Conservation Corps, the Job Corps, and the Operation Mainstream National Contract are examples of manpower programs now operating within the National Forest System. The Forest Service estimates that it could effectively employ up to 10,000 people during 1975. Sincerely, lat CLAYTON YEUTTER Yeather BERALD ? FORD Acting Secretary U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON DEC 27 1974 Honorable Roy L. Ash Director, Office of Management and Budget Washington, D. C. 20503 Dear Mr. Ash: This is in response to your request for our comments on an enrolled bill, H.R. 16596, the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974. Title I of this bill would add a new Title to the Compre- hensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 providing special financial assistance to CETA prime sponsors and Indian tribes for the employment of unemployed or under- employed persons in public service jobs and for related manpower services. The bill provides that, to the extent feasible, preference in hiring for these jobs will be given to experienced workers who have exhausted all unem- ployment compensation or are not eligible for it and who have been without a job 15 weeks or longer. The bill also provides for the waiver of some provisions of Title II of CETA so as to provide sufficient job opportunities in areas of excessively high unemployment. Title II of H.R. 16596 would provide a one-year program of cash benefits to workers not otherwise eligible for unemployment allowances under any other law, when the national unemployment rate reaches 6%, or the area unem- ployment rate 6.5%, for three consecutive ca lendar months. Title III of the bill is a related amendment to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, on which we defer to the Department of Commerce. The Department of Labor has previously transmitted to you a draft Presidential signing statement and a fact sheet, and urged signature of this bill. This letter will confirm our support of H.R. 16596. 2 Since the rates of unemployment for the months of September, October and November 1974, averaged more than 6%, if the bill is signed in December an "on" indicator will occur with the first week of December 1974 and benefits will be payable beginning with the third week thereafter - the week beginning December 22, 1974. Should the bill not be approved until January 1975, the "three complete calendar months prior to the enactment of this Act" (Section 204 (e)) will become October, November and December 1974; the first week of January 1975 will be the week in which an "on" indicator occurs, and benefits will first be payable for the third week thereafter - the week beginning January 26, 1975. Sincerely, Secretary of Labor DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE THE UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE Washington, D.C. 20230 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEC 27 1974 Honorable Roy L. Ash Director, Office of Management and Budget Washington, D. C. 20503 Attention: Assistant Director for Legislative Reference Dear Mr. Ash: This is in reply to your request for the views of this Department concerning H.R. 16596, an enrolled enactment "To provide assistance for unemployed persons, 11 to be cited as the "Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974". Title I of H.R. 16596 amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) by authorizing the appropriation of $2. 5 billion for fiscal year 1975, to carry out an Emergency Jobs Program providing transitional employment in public service jobs for unemployed and underemployed persons. Title II establishes a temporary Federal program of special unemploy- ment assistance for unemployed workers who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation under existing law. Title III amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (PWEDA) by adding a new Title X creating a Job Opportunities Program, with an authorization of $500 million for fiscal year 1975, to provide emergency financial assistance to stimulate, maintain or expand job creating activities in (a) areas of 6.5% or more unemploy- ment for three consecutive months, (b) areas designated pursuant to section 204(c) of CETA, and (c) areas designated pursuant to sec- tion 401 of PWEDA as a redevelopment area. 2. This Department recommends approval by the President of H.R. 16596. Preliminary estimates of this Department's costs indicate $31, 250, 000 will be expended in FY 1975 and $93, 750, 000 in FY 1976 in program funds, and the administrative costs to implement the bill are estimated to be $300, 000 in FY 1975 and $450, 000 in FY 1976. Sincerely, John John K.Tabor John K. Tabor K,Tabor OF DEPARTMENT THE TREASURY THE THE UNDER SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20220 1789 Director, Office of Management and Budget Executive Office of the President Washington, D. C. 20503 DMOA Attention: Assistant Director for Legislative Reference Sir: Your office has requested the views of this Department on the enrolled enactment of H.R. 16596, "To provide assistance for unemployed persons." The enrolled enactment is an outgrowth of the employment assistance initiatives contained in President Ford's October 8 program and his proposed National Employment Assistance Act. The proposed legislation contains two major elements: public service employment and a special unemployment assistance program. Liberalization of benefits under the existing unemployment compensation program was a third element in the President's program and is covered in a separate piece of legislation, H.R. 17597. The enrolled enactment meets some of the major objectives of the President's program. It should be pointed out, however, that the pro- posal differs somewhat in scope and coverage from that initially recommended by the Administration. It calls for a $2-1/2 billion appro- priation in fiscal 1975 which in our opinion is excessive. Furthermore, the enrolled enactment does not contain certain desirable safeguards. The Administration proposed that public service employment should be conditioned on the exhaustion of unemployment benefits, there should be a "trigger-in and trigger-out" mechanism, projects should be limited to 6 months, and salaries be limited to $7000. None of these desirable safeguards in its originally recommended form appears in the enrolled enactment. Despite these and other shortcomings, the provisions of the enrolled enactment will provide badly needed assistance at a time of rising unemployment. Therefore, the Department would not oppose a recommenda- tion that the enrolled enactment be approved by the President. Sincerely yours, Edward C. Schmults BECEINED STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today I signed into law H.R. 16596, the Emergency Job and Unemployment Assistance Act, and H.R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. These are important measures which provide much needed help to our unemployed fellow citizens. On October 8, when I outlined to Congress my proposals to fight inflation and unemployment, I pointed out that the Conference on Inflation had made us all aware of the undue burden being carried by those who lost their jobs during this period of worsening economic conditions. I proposed a temporary program to expand unemployment assistance and create jobs. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who are now covered by unemployment compensation laws. This makes it possible for workers who have lost jobs to receive up to one full year of protection if they are unable to find employment. Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act creates a temporary unemployment insurance program for jobless workers not now eligible for payments under any other State or Federal programs, including State and local government employees, farm workers, domestic workers, and others not now covered. Designed to respond to changing economic conditions, these two programs providing urgent added protection for workers will automatically expand when unemployment is high and contract when it recedes. 2 Expenditures under existing law of at least $10 billion are projected in fiscal year 1975 for unemployment compensation. The Urgent Supplemental Appropriations bill which I will sign shortly provides $2.75 billion for these two new temporary programs to be used as needed for direct aid to workers. Title I of H.R. 16597 authorizes a temporary expansion of funding for jobs in the public sector. This action provides up to 100,000 new jobs in addition to the 170,000 financed by funds currently available under existing law. At my request, the Secretary of Labor has already urged the State governors to move quickly in making assistance available to the jobless. The Secretary is also working with the States and localities to develop all available resources for the immediate and effective creation of jobs. With regard to Title III of H.R. 16596, I believe that its provisions would create an unnecessarily complex and unwieldy administrative mechanism involving program and project reviews by all Federal agencies, regional commissions, and units of general government. I will, therefore, request that the Congress transfer appropri- ations from this Title to Title I of the Act so that needed employment can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. In sum, however, I commend the 93rd Congress for its action on these two vital measures and am confident that the spurt of cooperation and conciliation which marked their passage will carry over into the new year and the new Congress. THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION MEMORANDUM WASHINGTON LOG NO.: 897 Date: December 28, 1974 Time: 2:30 p.m. FOR ACTION: Roger Semerad oh CC (for information): Warren Hendriks Max Friedersdorf oh Jerry Jones Phil Areeda sign Jack Marsh Paaul Theis on Bill Seidman oh FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY DUE: Date: Monday, December 30 Time: 10:00 amm. SUBJECT: Ernolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 BERALD FORD ACTION REQUESTED: For Necessary Action For Your Recommendations Prepare Agenda and Brief Draft Reply For Your Comments Draft Remarks REMARKS: Please retumbnto Judy JOhnston, Ground Floor West Wing PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED. If you have any questions or if you anticipate a delay in submitting the required material, please K. R. COLE, JR. telephone the Staff Secretary immediately. For the President THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION MEMORANDUM WASHINGTON LOG NO.: 897 Date: December 28, 1974 Time: 2:30 p.m. FOR ACTION: Roger Semerad CC (for information): Warren Hendriks Max Friedersdorf Jerry Jones Phil Areeda Jack Marsh Paul Theis Bill Seidman FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY DUE: Date: Monday, December 30 Time: 10:00 a.m. SUBJECT: Ernolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 GERALD no. ACTION REQUESTED: 0003 For Necessary Action For Your Recommendations Prepare Agenda and Brief Draft Reply X For Your Comments Draft Remarks REMARKS: Please return to Judy JOhnston, Ground Floor West Wing I Recomment sprior l 12/30/74 PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED. If you have any questions or if you anticipate a delay in submitting the required material, please telephone the Staff Secretary immediately. For the President Warren K. Hendriks THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION MEMORANDUM WASHINGTON LOG NO.: 897 Date: December 28, 1974 Time: 2:30 p.m. FOR ACTION: Roger Semerad CC (for information): Warren Hendriks Max Friedersdorf Jerry Jones Phil Areeda Jack Marsh Paul Theis Bill Seidman FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY DUE: Date: Monday, December 30 Time: 10:00 a.m. SUBJECT: Ernolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 BERALD FORD LIBRARY ACTION REQUESTED: For Necessary Action For Your Recommendations Prepare Agenda and Brief Drafi Reply X For Your Comments Draft Remarks REMARKS: Please return to Judy JOhnston, Ground Floor West Wing 2) paragraph of draft datemet enveys n no 1) Sign bill meaning Final to the general reader pathe 0. Areed PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED. If you have any questions or if you anticipate a delay in submitting the required material, please telephone the Staff Secretary immediately. For the President Warren K. Headriks THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION MEMORANDUM WASHINGTON LOG NO.: 897 Date: December 28, 1974 Time: 2:30 p.m. FOR ACTION: Roger Semerad CC (for information): Warren Hendriks Max Friedersdorf Jerry Jones Phil Areeda Jack Marsh Paul Theis Bill Seidman FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY DUE: Date: Monday, December 30 Time: 10:00 a.m. SUBJECT: Ernolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 DERALD R. FORD ACTION REQUESTED: For Necessary Action For Your Recommendations Prepare Agenda and Brief Draft Reply X For Your Comments Draft Remarks REMARKS: Please return to Judy JOhnston, Ground Floor West Wing approve gws PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED. If you have any questions or if you anticipate a delay in submitting the required material, please telephone the Staff Secretary immediately. For the President Warren K. Hendriks THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM FOR: WARREN HENDRIKS FROM: Ver harmfor MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF ANDURY BENALD TONO - SUBJECT: Action Memorandum - Log No. 897 The Office of Legislative Affairs concurs in the attached proposal and has no additional recommendations. Attachment THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION MEMORANDUM WASHINGTON LOG NO.: 897 Date: December 28, 1974 Time: 2:30 p.m. FOR ACTION: Roger Semerad CC (for information): Warren Hendriks Max Friedersdorf Jerry Jones Phil Areeda Jack Marsh Paul Theis Bill Seidman FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY DUE: Date: Monday, December 30 Time: 10:00 a.m. SUBJECT: Ernolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 ACTION REQUESTED: GERALD LIBRETT FORD For Necessary Action For Your Recommendations Prepare Agenda and Brief Draft Reply x For Your Comments Draft Remarks REMARKS: Please return to Judy JOhnston, Ground Floor West Wing 12/30 PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED. If you have any questions or if you anticipate a delay in submitting the required material, please telephone the Staff Secretary immediately. For the President Warren K. Hendriks EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Warren To Nendriks OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON. D.C. 20503 12-29-74 GERALD DEC 2 9 1974 FORD MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Enrolled Bill H.R. 16596 - Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 Sponsor - Rep. Daniels (D) New Jersey Last Day for Action January 4, 1975 - Saturday. Approval in December would pro- vide unemployment benefits a month earlier than approval in January. Purpose Authorizes $2.5 billion for fiscal year 1975 to provide ad- ditional public service jobs for unemployed and underemployed persons; establishes a temporary Federal program of special unemployment assistance for workers who are not currently eligible for unemployment insurance benefits; authorizes $500 million for fiscal year 1975 for job-creating activities under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Agency Recommendations Office of Management and Budget Approval (Signing statement attached) Department of Labor Approval Department of Commerce Approval Council of Economic Advisers Approval (informally) Department of the Treasury Would not oppose approval recommendation Veterans Administration Defers to Labor Department of Health, Education, Defers to Labor and Welfare (Informally) STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today I signed into law H.R. 16596, the Emergency Job and Unemployment Assistance Act, and H.R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. These are important measures which provide much needed help to our unemployed fellow citizens. On October 8, when I outlined to Congress my proposals to fight inflation and unemployment, I pointed out that the Conference on Inflation had made us all aware of the undue burden being carried by those who lost their jobs during this period of worsening economic conditions. I proposed a temporary program to expand unemployment assistance and create jobs. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who are now covered by unemployment compensation laws. This makes it possible for workers who have lost jobs to receive up to one full year of protection if they are unable to find employment. Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act creates a temporary unemployment insurance program for jobless workers not now eligible for payments under any other State or Federal programs, including State and local government employees, farm workers, domestic covered workers, and others not now eligible for such - 2 - Designed to respond to changing economic conditions, these two programs provide ING urgent added protection for workers will automatically expand when unemployment is high and contract when it recedes. Expenditures under existing law of at least $10 billion are projected in fiscal year 1975 for unemployment compensation. The Urgent Supplemental Appropriations bill which I will sign shortly provides $2. 75 billion for these two new temporary programs to be used as needed for direct aid to workers. Title I of H.R. 16597 authorizes a temporary expansion of funding for jobs in the public sector. This action provides up to 100, 000 new jobs in addition to the 170, 000 financed by funds currently available under existing law. At my request, the Secretary of Labor has already urged the State governors to move quickly in making assistance available to the jobless. The Secretary is also working with the States and localities to develop all available resources for the immediate and effective creation of jobs. - 3 - With regard to Title III of H.R. 16596, I believe that its provisions would create an unnecessarily complex and unweildy administrative me chanism involving program and project reviews by all Federal agencies, regional commissions, and units of general delete government. I will, therefore, request that the Congress transfer appropriations from this Title to Title I of the Act SO that needed employment can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. In sum, however, I commend the 93rd Congress for its action on these two vital measures and am confident that the spurt of cooperation and conciliation which marked their passage will carry over into the new year and the new Congress. # # # STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today I have signed into law H.R. 16596, the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act, and H.R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. These bills are important measures for bringing much needed help to our unemployed fellow citizens. On October 8, I addressed the Congress on the economy and outlined my proposals to fight inflation and unemploy- ment. In my address, I pointed out that the Conference on Inflation had made us all aware of the undue burden being borne by those who have lost their jobs during this period of worsening economic conditions. I proposed a temporary program of expanded unemployment assistance and job creation to help them through this period of economic stress. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act will provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who are now covered by unemployment compensation laws and who exhaust their benefits. This will make it possible for experienced workers to obtain up to one full year of protection if they cannot find jobs. Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act creates a new temporary unemployment insurance program for experienced workers not now 2 eligible for payments under any other State or Federal unemployment compensation laws. This will provide needed assistance for unemployed State and local government employees, farm workers, domestic workers, and others who are not eligible for aid under current law when they lose their jobs. These two programs comprise a package of temporary additional protection for unemployed workers -- both those who have used up their unemployment compensation benefits and those who lack the protection of such programs. Together they will draw on the strength of unemployment compensation as a quick response to the needs of the economy and the workers, automatically expanding when unemployment is high and contracting as unemployment recedes. Expenditures under existing law of at least $10 billion are projected in fiscal year 1975 for unemployment compensation. The Urgent Supplemental Appropriations bill provides $2.75 billion for these two new temporary programs to be used as needed for direct aid to workers. Title I of H.R. 16596 authorizes a temporary expansion of funding for jobs in the public sector. This provision will add up to 100,000 new jobs in addition to the 170,000 financed by funds currently available under existing law. 3 At my request, the Secretary of Labor has already urged the State governors to move swiftly to prepare to deliver the new unemployment compensation aid. The Secretary is also working now with the States and localities to put all the available resources for job creation to immediate and effective use. With regard to Title III of H.R. 16596, I believe that its provisions would create an unnecessarily complex and unwieldy administrative mechanism involving program and project reviews by all Federal agencies, regional commissions, and units of general government. I will request the Congress to transfer the appropriations from this Title to Title I of this Act so that needed employment can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. GENERAL ADMINIST ATION VETERANS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WASHINGTON, D.C. 20420 1930 DECEMBER 27 1974 The Honorable Roy L. Ash Director, Office of Management and Budget Washington, D. C. 20503 Dear Mr. Ash: This will respond to the request of the Assistant Director for Legislative Reference for the views and recom- mendations of the Veterans Administration on the enrolled enactment of H. R. 16596, 93d Congress, the "Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974. " The programs authorized under this measure would be administered by the Department of Labor. We, therefore, defer to the views of that Department on this proposal. Since the inception of our United States Veterans Assistance Center (USVAC) program in 1968, the Veterans Administration has assisted in employment matters as part of its concept of one-stop service. Currently, 26 USVAC's have the services of local Veterans Employment Representatives (VER's) available to them on either a full or part-time basis. The Veterans Administration is an active partner in the program of employment assistance to disabled veterans sponsored by the National Alliance of Businessmen and the Department of Labor. We also participate wholeheartedly in job fairs and other local or civic activities having as an objective the employment of veterans. Insofar as H. R. 16596 pertains to the Veterans Administration, we have and will continue through outreach and other activities to assist in employment matters as envisioned by the proposed legislation. Accordingly, we have no objection to the enrolled enactment of H. R. 16596 insofar as it pertains to the Veterans Administration and would have no objection to its approval by the President. Sincerely, Deputy Administrator in the absence of RICHARD L. ROUDEBUSH Administrator 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 31,1974 Ofc Jawn Press Say Vail, Colorado) THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT FORDO WILL Today I signed into law H.R. 16596, the Emergency Job and Unemployment Assistance Act, and H.R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. These are important measures which provide much needed help to our unemployed fellow citizens. On October 8, when I outlined to Congress my proposals to fight inflation and unemployment, I pointed out that the Conference on Inflation had made us all aware of the undue burden being carried by those who lost their jobs during this period of worsening economic conditions. I proposed a temporary program to expand unemployment assistance and create jobs. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who are now covered by unemployment compensation laws. This makes it possible for workers who have lost jobs to receive up to one full year of protection if they are unable to find employment. Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act creates a temporary unemployment insurance program for jobless workers not now eligible for payments under any other State or Federal programs, including State and local government employees, farm workers, domestic workers, and others not now covered. Designed to respond to changing economic conditions, these two programs providing urgent added protection for workers will automatically expand when unemployment is high and contract when it recedes. 2 Expenditures under existing law of at least $10 billion are projected in fiscal year 1975 for unemployment compensation. The Urgent Supplemental Appropriations bill which I will sign shortly provides $2.75 billion for these two new temporary programs SEALD to be used as needed for direct aid to workers. Title I of H.R. 16597 authorizes a temporary expansion of funding for jobs in the public sector. This action provides up to 100,000 new jobs in addition to the 170,000 financed by funds currently available under existing law. At my request, the Secretary of Labor has already urged the State governors to move quickly in making assistance available to the jobless. The Secretary is also working with the States and localities to develop all available resources for the immediate and effective creation of jobs. With regard to Title III of H.R. 16596, I believe that its provisions would create an unnecessarily complex and unwieldy administrative mechanism involving program and project reviews by all Federal agencies, regional commissions, and units of general government. I will, therefore, request that the Congress transfer appropri- ations from this Title to Title I of the Act so that needed employment can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. In sum, however, I commend the 93rd Congress for its action on these two vital measures and am confident that the spurt of cooperation and conciliation which marked their passage will carry over into the new year and the new Congress. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 31, 1974 Office of the White House Press Secretary (Vail, Colorado) GREAT THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today I signed into law H. R. 16596, the Emergency Job and Unemployment Assistance Act, and H. R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensa- tion Act. These are important measures which provide much needed help to our unemployed fellow citizens. On October 8, when I outlined to Congress my proposals to fight inflation and unemployment, I pointed out that the Conference on Inflation had made us all aware of the undue burden being carried by those who lost their jobs during this period of worsening economic conditions. I proposed a temporary program to expand unemployment assistance and create jobs. The Emergency Unemployment Compansation Act provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who are now covered by unemployment compen- sation laws. This makes it possible for workers who have lost jobs to re- ceive up to one full year of protection if they are unable to find employment. Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act creates a temporary unemployment insurance program for jobless workers not now eligible for payments under any other State or Federal programs, including State and local government employees, farm workers, domestic workers, and others not now covered. Designed to respond to changing economic conditions, these two programs providing urgent added protection for workers will automatically expand when unemployment is high and contract when it recedes. Expenditures under existing law of at least $10 billion are projected in fiscal year 1975 for unemployment compensation. The Urgent Supplemental Appro- priations bill which I will sign shortly provides $2. 75 billionfor these two new temporary programs to be used as needed for direct aid to workers. Title I of H. R. 16597 authorizes a temporary expansion of funding for jobs in the public sector. This action provides up to 100, 000 new jobs in addition to the 170,000 financed by funds currently available under existing law. At my request, the Secretary of Labor has already urged the State governors to move quickly in making assistance available to the jobless. The Secretary is also working with the States and localities to develop all available resources for the immediate and effective creation of jobs. With regard to Title III of H. R. 16596, I believe that its provisions would create an unnecessarily complex and unwieldy administrative mechanism in- volving program and project reviews by all Federal agencies, regional com- missions, and units of general government. I will, therefore, request that the Congress transfer appropriations from this Title to Title I of the Act 80 that needed employment can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. In sum, however, I commend the 93rd Congress for its action on these two vital measures and am confident that the spurt of cooperation and conciliation which marked their passage will carry over into the new year and the new Congress. # # # 93D CONGRESS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT 2d Session No. 93-1528 EMERGENCY JOBS ACT OF 1974 DECEMBER 9, 1974.-Ordered to be printed Mr. PERKINS, from the Committee on Education and Labor, submitted the following REPORT [To accompany H.R. 16596] The Committee on Education and Labor, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 16596) to amend the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to provide additional jobs for unemployed per- sons through programs of public service employment, having consid- ered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. The amendment strikes out all after the enacting clause and inserts a substitute text which appears in italic type in the reported bill. INTRODUCTION The Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 is a direct outgrowth of the deteriorating economic situation. No more devastating description of the current situation can be written than the dry prose of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Official release on "The Employment Situation: November, 1974." The situation as described by the statisticians of BLS should be known to all who will act on this bill and the Committee is therefore reproducing the following extract from the release as the best statement of the neces- sity for immediate action on this bill: "THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION : NOVEMBER 1974 "The Nation's unemployment rate rose from 6.0 percent in October to 6.5 percent in November, and the number of persons with jobs declined sharply, it was announced today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. The jobless rate was at its highest level since October 1961. "Total employment (as measured by the monthly sample survey of households) fell by nearly 800,000 in November to 85.7 million- a level approximating that of a year earlier. Until this large decline, employment had been advancing, although slowly and unevenly, throughout the year. 38-006 2 3 "Nonfarm payroll employment (as measured by the monthly survey OVERVIEW of business establishments) declined by 440,000 in November to 78.4 million. Employment reductions occurred in a number of indus- The Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 tries, with the largest in manufacturing and retail trade. (Beginning has a two-pronged approach to the problems caused by the deteriorat- with this release, establishment data have been revised based on new ing economic situation. Title I will provide for a large scale expan- benchmark levels and seasonal adjustment factors.) sion of the public service employment program that is already operat- ing under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act while "UNEMPLOYMENT title II provides cash benefits both for the unemployed who have exhausted their benefits under current law and for those who are not "The number of persons unemployed reached nearly 6 million in eligible for these benefits because their employment is excluded under November, up 460,000 from the previous month. Most of the increase the unemployment insurance law of their State. was accounted for by workers who have lost their last jobs. Since the Title I authorizes $2 billion for only FY 1975, sufficient to fund October 1973 low, the number of unemployed persons has risen by about 300,000 jobs. Persons can be hired rapidly after the appropria- almost 1.9 million, and the portion of job losers among the unem- tion is available and the jobs would be expected to last about a year ployed has increased from 37 to 47 percent. after funds are distributed. Title II will pay unemployment benefits "After moving down to the 31/2 year low of 4.6 percent in October to persons who file valid claims before December 31, 1975, with bene- 1973, the Nation's unemployment rate has risen almost 2 full per- fits payable until March 31, 1976. The total cost will depend on the centage points. A small part of this increase took place last winter severity of unemployment but is expected to be about $3 billion. during the energy crisis, but the bulk occurred since June. Over this There is broad consensus among economists that public service 5-month span, the rate of joblessness has moved from 5.2 percent to employment is an effective tool for creating jobs with a minimal im- the present level of 6.5 percent." pact on inflation. The net cost of a public service employment program TABLE A.-HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION (SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA) is substantially less than the expenditures made for it because of large offsetting savings in unemployment compensation, food stamps and Quarterly averages Monthly data welfare payments and because of increases in tax receipts. The experi- 1973 1974 Septem- Octo- Novem- ence under the Emergency Employment Act, the program which has ber ber ber Selected categories III IV I II III 1974 1974 1974 had the most favorable evaluations of any manpower program, shows that a large scale public service employment program can be quickly Millions of persons mounted and provides significant additions both to employment and needed public services. Civilian labor force 89.0 89.9 90.5 90.6 91.4 91.9 92.0 91.7 Total employment 84.8 85.7 85.8 86.0 86.3 86.5 86.5 85.7 Unemployment insurance has been a basic tool for counteracting Adult men 48.1 48.5 48.5 48.4 48.5 48.6 48.7 48.4 Adult women 29.5 29.7 29.7 30.1 30.5 30.3 30.3 30.0 cyclical downturns in the economy since the 1930's. It is the basic pro- Teenagers 7.2 7.6 7.6 7.4 7.3 7.6 7.6 7.4 Unemployment 4.2 4.2 4.7 4.7 5.0 5.3 5.5 6.0 gram to cushion the shock of unemployment, but experience has shown that its gaps in coverage and limited duration leaves many workers Percent of labor force without essential protection. Title II provides an interim approach to Unemployment rates: All workers 4.7 4.7 5.2 5.1 5.5 5.8 6.0 6.5 the problem. It is estimated that about 2 million workers will run out Adult men 3.1 3.0 *3.5 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.3 4.6 Adult women 4.8 4.7 5.1 5.0 5.4 5.7 5.6 of regular State unemployment insurance benefits at some time during 6.6 Teenagers 14.3 14.3 15.3 15.1 16.1 16.7 16.9 17.3 1974. Though some of these workers were eligible for Federal-State White 4.2 4.2 4.7 4.7 5.0 5.3 5,4 5.8 Negro and other races 9.0 8.6 9.4 9.0 9.5 9.8 10.9 11.7 extended benefits and others have gone back to work, the overall figure Household heads 2.7 2.8 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.7 3.9 indicates the magnitude of the problem. In addition, over 10% of the Married men 2.1 2.1 2.4 2.4 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.3 Full-time workers 4.2 4.3 4.6 4.6 5.0 5.3 5.6 6.2 work force are not covered by any unemployment insurance law at all. State insured 2.6 2.6 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.6 4.3 Weeks COMMITTEE ACTION Average duration of unem- ployment 9.7 9.9 9.5 9.7 9.9 9.6 10.0 9.8 In response to the growing concern over the worsening unemploy- ment prospects for the economy, the Select Subcommittee on Labor Grim though the present picture is, it is necessary to add that the under the chairmanship of Dominick V. Daniels held hearings on pub- prospects for the future are even more grim. The Chairman of the lic service employment bills on October 1, 2, 3, and 10. In addition, on Council of Economic Advisors has predicted a substantial increase in October 9th the Select Subcommittee on Labor held a joint hearing the unemployment rate by Spring and economists differ only on the with the Senate Subcommittee on Employment, Poverty and Migra- extent of the deterioration that lies ahead. tory Labor to hear testimony from Secretary of Labor Peter Bren- 4 5 nan and Assistant Secretary for Manpower, William H. Kolberg. On November 26, the Select Subcommittee on Labor unanimously re- In addition, recipients of funds under this new title must give pref- ported H.R. 16596 as amended for full committee consideration and erence to unemployed persons who have exhausted their unemploy- on December 4, the full Education and Labor Committee unanimously ment insurance benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible reported H.R. 16596. for such benefits and to the long term unemployed (those who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more.) This provision for preference ESTIMATE OF COSTS was added to underline the Committee's concern that jobs be furnished to those most in need of them, but it must be emphasized that the Fiscal year 1975 Fiscal year 1976 preference is only a preference-not a qualification. It is not a bar against hiring of persons outside the preference category nor is the Title I $2,000,000,000 Title II 1,200,000,000 $1, 800, 000, 000 preference to be applied at any other time than at the actual time of Total 3,200,000,000 1, 800, 000 hiring. The preference is not to be used in order to fire one person and replace him with one in the preferred category. The basic purpose of This estimate is derived from data supplied by the Department of the preference is that, when a number of equally qualified persons Labor. That Department has not submitted an official cost estimate. apply for a position priority shall be given to those in the preferred category. It should also be emphasized that a person qualifies as long- GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TITLE I term unemployed even if the 15 weeks of unemployment has been inter- rupted by intermittent or casual employment. While the preference provision is applicable to all hiring under the FUNDING Act, the bill also has special provisions for areas of excessively high The bill authorizes $2 billion for fiscal year 1975. The Committee unemployment. These areas are defined as prime sponsor areas with an provided an authorization for only a single year because it intends to unemployment rate of 7% or more and areas within the balance of examine the operation of public service programs both under the new state which qualify for assistance under title II. These special provi- title and under titles I and II of CETA early in the next Congress. sion are also applicable to prime sponsors who qualify under section The Committee believes that the current economic situation and the 102 (a) (4) or (5) of title I. Programs in these areas do not need to extent of unemployment is such that at least $2 billion is needed im- comply with the various provisions of title II which are designed to mediately to expend on public service employment programs. By facilitate transition from subsidized jobs into regular employment. specifying this figure for current economic circumstances, the Com- Furthermore, these areas may use these funds to fund publicly oper- mittee is not in any way prejudging what would be appropriate under ated work experience programs and to pay wages on publicly oper- other circumstances at future times. ated capital improvement programs. These latter programs are limited to rehabilitation, alteration or improvement and do not include new DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS construction or improvements of the kind making fundamental changes in the nature of the building or facility. Funds are distributed among prime sponsors qualified under Title I Hiring in these areas is also excluded from the generally applicable and Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations in accordance with requirement that the person be unemployed for 30 days before being the following formula: one fourth is distributed on the basis of the employed under the Act. The 30 day period is shortened to 7 days, but number of unemployed in one area compared to the number of unem- the Committee wishes to make clear that this reduction in the waiting ployed in all areas. The remainder gives due weight to the severity period is not designed to facilitate the substitution of Federal for State of unemployment, as well as the number of the unemployed, by a dis- and local funds; it is not designed to permit local governments to lay tribution based on the number of unemployed in excess of 41/2%. off persons in order to get them hired under this Act. To make this The decision to distribute 75% of the funds subject to the formula intention crystal clear, the Committee has included in the bill a reasser- in accordance with the severity of unemployment was made in recogni- tion of the applicability of section 205 (c) (8) which is designed to tion of the fact that funds must be targeted to those areas which are prohibit these "paper layoffs". The purpose of the reduction in the hardest hit by unemployment. waiting period is only to mitigate the hardship on the unemployed Ten percent of the total appropriation is not subject to the formula and preclude an unnecessary period of unemployment. It should also be but is left to distribution at the Secretary's discretion. The Committee pointed out that the reduction in the ineligibility period does not in intends that these funds be distributed to areas which have experienced any way waive the preference in hiring for the long-term unemployed. increases in unemployment since the base period that was used in mak- ing the formula distribution. TITLE II. SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM USE OF FUNDS The present unemployment insurance program provides a basic measure of income maintenance for all covered workers, providing in In general, funds are available for public employment programs in most States a maximum of 26 weeks of regular benefits, depending on accordance with provisions of Title II of the Comprehensive Employ- previous labor force attachment. Also in place is the Federal-State ment and Training Act. Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, providing an ad- 7 6 Domestic Workers.-The pressures of inflation upon households in ditional period of benefits for up to 13 weeks for covered workers which domestics are customarily employed may well cause unemploy- who exhaust benefits in a State with an insured unemployment rate of ment or substantial reduction in hours of work for such workers. Only 4.0 percent or if the national rate reaches 4.5 percent. four State UI laws now require coverage of any household workers. It is obvious that we are in the throes of an economic crunch of More than a million additional household workers would be covered major scope. Prompt action to provide at least a reasonable measure under Title II. of income maintenance is required to avoid further spreading of the State and Local Government.-More than 8 million workers in ripple effects of unemployment. This is the purpose of the program State and local government, who are still outside the regular UI incorporated in Title II of this Act. One of the major phenomena of system, would be included under Title II. Particularly vulnerable are the present situation is that the impact of unemployment is highly large numbers employed in this field, especially at lower skill levels, uneven in varying areas throughout the Nation and even within the in public works and maintenance, and in hospital and food service States. This program is subject to a double trigger: (i) there must first be occupations. Governments are subject to the same inflationary pres- sures and shortages as other employers and restructuring of priorities a national "on" trigger, occurring when the level of total unemploy- due to limitations on revenues may have considerable impact on these ment (seasonally adjusted) averages at least 6 percent for three con- employees. secutive months; (ii) the program would then trigger "on" in areas in which the total unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) aver- SUMMARY OF MAJOR UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS ages at least 6.5 percent for three consecutive months. It will provide (TITLE II) benefits in these areas to workers who have used up their regular and extended UI benefit rights and to other unemployed workers who meet Summary.-Program will pay up to 13 weeks of benefits to unem- State requirements for regular benefits that their previous work need ployed workers who have exhausted their State unemployment benefit not have been in covered employment. rights and up to 26 weeks to other qualified unemployed workers lack- This program will pay up to 13 weeks of additional benefits to un- ing State unemployment insurance protection. Workers must have employed workers who have exhausted their State unemployment been most recently employed (for at least five days) in areas of high benefit rights and up to 26 weeks to unemployed workers otherwise unemployment. Program begins with enactment and ends March 31, lacking State unemployment insurance protection. To be eligible for 1976. benefits, a worker's most recent five days of employment must have Area.-Any area which is eligible to become a prime sponsor under been in an area of 6.5 percent or more unemployment. The local areas Title I of CETA. utilized for this Act are defined as areas eligible to become prime spon- Special Unemployment Assistance Period.-The period when spe- sors under Title I of the Comprehensive Employment and Training cial unemployment assistance is payable in an area (when there is a Act. Benefits under the program are payable from the date of enact- national "on" trigger) begins the fourth week after there is an "on" ment until March 31, 1976. trigger for the area and ends the fourth week after there is an "off" trigger. Minimum duration of period-13 weeks. NEW COVERAGE National "On" Trigger.-There is a national "on" trigger when the rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) for three con- New coverage equivalent to that under State UI laws would be secutive months has averaged 6.0 percent or more. available for the first time for up to 12 million workers not now cov- National "Off" Trigger.-There is a national "off" trigger when the ered. Any individual (who meets the requirements under this Act) rate of national unemployment (seasonally adjusted) for three con- and whose wages and employment, during the most recent 52-week secutive months has averaged less than 6.0 percent. period just before filing his claim, satisfy the State qualifying re- Area "On" Trigger.-There is an area "on" trigger if there is a quirement, would be eligible to receive assistance for a period of up national "on" trigger AND the area rate of unemployment (not ad- to 26 weeks (depending on State law), as computed under the UI law justed) for three consecutive months has averaged 6.5 percent or more. of the State in which he last worked. Area "Off" Trigger.-There is an area "off" trigger if there is a The major groups newly covered for the duration of this Act national "off" trigger OR the area rate of unemployment (not ad- include: justed) for three consecutive months has averaged less than 6.5 Farmworkers.-With minor exceptions, workers in agriculture are percent. generally excluded from coverage under State UI laws. Title II would Eligible Workers.-Unemployed workers who were last employed provide such coverage for over a million farmworkers. High costs, (for at least five days), before filing a claim, in an area in which a tight money, and spot shortages of fuel and fertilizer, as well as shifts special unemployment assistance period is in effect for the week being in crop patterns, may cause significant farm unemployment in indi- claimed. vidual areas. The generally high level of unemployment will also mean Exhaustees.-Workers who have exhausted all rights to regular, that many farmworkers will not be able to find other work outside the additional and extended benefits under Federal law. Such rights must crop planting and harvesting seasons. have been exhausted after the date of enactment of this Act or, if 9 8 exhausted earlier, the benefit year did not end until on or after such prehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 and Indian tribes SO as to make financial assistance available for transitional jobs for date of enactment. unemployed and underemployed persons in needed public services, for Other Qualified Workers.-If not otherwise eligible for unemploy- otherwise unavailable related training and manpower services, and ment benefits under any State or Federal law a worker may be eligible for enabling such persons to move into employment not supported by if he meets the employment and wage qualifying requirements of the the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. State in which the triggered area is located, on the basis of (a) all Under this section at least 90 percent of the funds appropriated his wages and employment, both covered and not covered by the State under the new title used by an eligible applicant for public service unemployment insurance law (b) during the 52-week period preced- employment shall be expended only for wages and employment bene- ing the week in which he filed his claim. fits to persons employed in public service jobs under the new title, and Benefits.-Payable for weeks of unemployment during a special certain provisions (relating to applications and administration of unemployment assistance period. An individual who has not exhausted assistance) of title II of the Comprehensive Employment and Train- his special unemployment assistance entitlement may continue beyond ing Act of 1973 are made applicable to financial assistance under the the period if he remains unemployed, but not for any week beyond 26 new title. In addition, section 602 of the new title provides that eligible weeks after the period ends. applicants shall give preference, in public service employment pro- Weekly Benefit Amount.-For an exhaustee, the average weekly grams under the new title, to unemployed persons who have exhausted benefit amount payable to him during the worker's most recent benefit unemployment insurance benefits, to unemployed persons who are not year. For other qualified workers: The weekly benefit amount provided eligible for such benefits, and to unemployed persons who have been by the State law for the amount of employment and earnings. unemployed for 15 or more weeks. Benefit Duration.-For an exhaustee, one-half his regular State Section 603 duration but not more than 13 weeks. Total of regular, additional, and extended plus special assistance may not exceed 52 weeks. For other Section 603 of the new title provides that 90 percent of funds appro- qualified workers: The benefit duration provided by the State law for priated under the new title for any fiscal year shall be allotted among the amount of employment and earnings, but not more than 26 weeks. eligible applicants as follows: 25 percent of such 90 percent shall be Administration.-By the States, based on agreements between them allotted on the basis of the relative number of unemployed persons re- and the Secretary of Labor. siding within the jurisdictions of all eligible applicants, and 75 percent Limitation on Payments.-If for any week a State would have had of such 90 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the relative excess an "on" trigger under which Federal-State extended benefits would number (over 41/2 percent of the labor force in the jurisdiction of the be payable but are not because of failure by the State to accept the 120 applicant) of unemployed persons residing within the jurisdictions percent waiver, no special unemployment assistance may be paid in of all eligible applicants. Section 603 of the new title also provides that 10 percent of funds appropriated under the new title for any fiscal that State for any such week. Program Duration.-The program is effective upon enactment. No year may be allotted as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out initial claim may be made after December 31, 1975, and no payment of the purposes of the new title, taking into account changes in rates of assistance may be made for any week of unemployment ending after unemployment. March 31, 1976. Section 60.4 Section 604 of the new title provides that the funds allotted under SECTION-BY-SECTION DESCRIPTION OF H.R. 16596, AS REPORTED the new title to eligible applicants having unemployment rates in excess of 7 percent may be used for public service employment without First Section regard to certain provisions of title II of the Comprehensive Employ- This section provides that the Act may be cited as the "Emergency ment and Training Act of 1973 which relate to the transitional nature Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974". of such employment, for providing employment to persons unemployed for at least 7 days (without regard to the provision of section 205 (a) TITLE I-EMERGENCY JOBS of such Act which requires at least 30 days of unemployment provided Section 101 that the provision of section 208(a) (8) relating to the prohibition of This section amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training paper layoffs applies to such employment), for making payments to Act of 1973 by inserting a new title pertaining to emergency job public employers to expand job opportunities, and for payment of programs. wages for unemployed and underemployed persons as employees of public employers in jobs on community capital improvement projects. Section 601 This section also provides for such uses of the funds allotted under the Section 601 of the new title provides for the authorization of $2,000,- new title to eligible applicants, without regard to the rate of unem- 000,000 to carry out the title for fiscal year 1975. ployment, in any area served by a prime sponsor which qualifies under Section 602 section (4) (units of general local government in exceptional Section 602 of the new title directs the Secretary to enter into ar- circumstances) or section 102(a) (5) (concentrated employment pro- rangements with prime sponsors qualifying under title I of the Com- H. Rept. 93-1528-2 10 11 gram grantees serving rural areas of high unemployment) of the Com- prehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, or in an area which Compenstion Act of 1970 and for which there would be a State "on" is eligible for assistance under title II of such Act and which is served indicator in effect under section 203 (e) of the Federal-State Extended by a State prime sponsor, if the prime sponsor for such area certifies to Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 but for failure of the State the Secretary that such uses of such funds are necessary in order to law to provide that the determination of whether there has been a State provide sufficient job opportunities. "off" indicator ending any extended benefit period shall be made with- Section 102 out regard to the provision of section 203 (e) (1) (A) (relating to the This section amends section 211 of the Comprehensive Employment rate of insured employment under the State law for a period equaling or exceeding 120 per centum of the average of such rates for the corre- and Training Act of 1973 in order to provide that, in the application of certain provisions (relating to the transitional nature of employ- sponding period in each of the preceding two calendar years) ; but the ment) of title II of such Act to public employment programs under Secretary of Labor may, where he determines that special conditions exist, waive the provisions of this subsection. such title, placement goals for eligible applicants may be established by the Secretary, but such goals must be identified as goals and not Section 203 requirements, and any form or other document developed pursuant to Section 203 prescribes the criteria of eligibility for individuals to such application of such provisions shall contain written notice that receive payment of assistance or waiting period credit with respect such placement goals are goals, and not requirements. The amendment to weeks of employment occurring during and after a special unem- made by this section also provides that any eligible applicant shall have ployment assistance period under title II of the bill. The individual the right, at any time, to request a "Waiver of Performance" with must exhaust all rights to regular, additional, and extended compen- respect to such placement goals where, in the opinion of such applicant, sation under all Federal and State unemployment compensation laws such goals are not feasible, that the Secretary shall grant any such and have no further rights to regular, additional, or extended compen- request for such a waiver which is supported by substantial evidence sation under any Federal or State unemployment compensation law, and may grant any such request for such a waiver where, in the judg- must have no right to allowances payable under certain public laws, ment of the Secretary, local conditions SO warrant, and that, where and must not receive compensation with respect to unemployment such a "Waiver of Performance" has been granted to an eligible appli- under the unemployment compensation law of Canada (provided that cant, failure to meet placement goals shall not be cited in any official such rights to compensation were exhausted in or subsequent to the first review or evaluation of such eligible applicant's public employment week beginning on or after the date of enactment of title II, or if programs. exhausted prior to that date, that the benefit year in which such rights Section 103 to compensation were exhausted did not end until on or after the date Section 103 of the bill amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 of enactment of title II) ; or the individual must not otherwise be eligi- ble for allowances payable with respect to unemployment under cer- in order to provide that the National Advisory Council on Vocational tain public laws or for compensation under any State or Federal Education may accept gifts and may accept transfer of funds from other departments or agencies. unemployment compensation law and must not be receiving compen- sation with respect to unemployment under the unemployment com- pensation law of Canada (provided that the individual meets the TITLE II-SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM qualifying employment and wage requirements of the applicable State Section 201 unemployment compensation law in a base year, which shall be the Section 201 states that it is the purpose of title II of the bill to fifty-two-week period preceding the first week with respect to which establish Federal unemployment assistance for the purpose of pro- the individual files a claim for compensation or waiting period credit viding supplemental unemployment assistance to workers affected by under title II of the bill, with respect to which the individual is totally or partially unemployed, and with respect to which the individual adverse economic conditions in areas of aggravated unemployment. meets such qualifying employment and wage requirements of such Section 202 State law; for purposes of this proviso employment and wages which Subsection (a) of section 202 provides that each State which enters are not covered by State law are to be treated as though they were into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor under which the State covered, except for employment and wages covered by the Railroad makes payments of special unemployment assistance in accordance Unemployment Insurance Act which shall be excluded to the extent with the provisions of title II of the bill shall be paid by the United that the individual was or is entitled to compensation for unemploy- States such amounts from time to time as the Secretary of Labor deems ment thereunder on the basis of such employment or wages). The indi- necessary to carry out the provisions of such title. vidual must also be totally or partially unemployed, be able to work, Subsection (b) of section 202 provides that a State may not enter available for work, and seeking work, within the meaning of or as re- into an agreement for payment of assistance under this title with re- quired by the applicable State unemployment compensation law, and spect to weeks for which there is no national "on" indicator in effect must not be subject to disqualification under that law. The individual under section 203 (d) of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment must also have filed a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under title II of the bill. 12 13 A further criterion of eligibility is that, in the area in which the (1) (individuals having exhausted rights to compensation) of title II individual was last employed for at least five days prior to filing a of the bill shall be entitled for a week of total unemployment shall be claim under title II of the bill for assistance or waiting period credit the average weekly benefit amount of regular compensation which was with respect to a week of unemployment, a special unemployment payable to the individual for a week of total unemployment in the assistance period must be in effect with respect to such week of un- individual's most recent benefit' year. Section 205 also provides that employment, provided that if the individual was otherwise eligible for the amount of assistance under title II of the bill to which an eligible a payment of assistance or waiting period credit under title II of the individual described in section 203 (a) (2) (individuals otherwise in- bill with respect to a week of unemployment which began during a eligible for compensation) of title II of the bill shall be entitled for special unemployment assistance period but did not exhaust entitle- a week of total unemployment shall be the average weekly benefit ment to assistance during such period, entitlement shall continue after amount for a week of total unemployment that would be payable to the end of the period, but no assistance shall be paid under title II the individual as regular compensation under the applicable State of the bill for any week of unemployment which begins more than unemployment compensation law (provided that in computing the twenty-six weeks after the end of such period. Finally, it is a criterion weekly benefit amount for such individuals the individual's base year of eligibilty that the State in which the individual was last employed shall be the fifty-two-week period preceding the first week with re- for at least five days before filing a claim under title II of the bill for spect to which the individual files a claim for assistance or waiting assistance or waiting period credit with respect to such week of period credit under title II of the bill, with respect to which the indi- unemployment must have an agreement with the Secretary of Labor vidual is totally or partially unemployed, and with respect to which under section 202 of the bill which is in effect with respect to such week the individual meets qualifying employment and wage requirements of unemployment. of the applicable State unemployment compensation law; for pur- Section 204 poses of this proviso employment and wages which are not covered by Subsection (a) of section 204 provides that a special unemploy- the State law shall be treated as though they were covered except that ment assistance period shall commence, in an area designated by the employment and wages covered by the Railroad Unemployment In- Secretary of Labor, with the third week after the first week for which surance Act shall be excluded to the extent that the individual is or there is an "on" indicator for such area, and shall terminate with the was entitled to compensation for unemployment thereunder on the third week after the first week for which there is an "off" indicator basis of such employment and wages). for such area, but no special unemployment assistance period shall Section 206 have a duration of less than thirteen weeks. Section 206 provides that the maximum amount of assistance under Subsection (b) of section 204 provides that the Secretary of Labor title II of the bill to which an individual described in section 203 (a) shall designate as areas under section 204 labor market areas (those (1) (individuals having exhausted rights to compensation) of title II which qualify as prime sponsors under section 102 (a) of the Compre- of the bill shall be entitled shall be one-half the maximum amount of hensive Employment and Training Act of 1973), and all parts of a regular compensation payable to the individual in his most recent State which are not within such a labor market area. benefit year, but not exceeding the lesser of thirteen times the average Subsection (c) of section 204 provides that there is an "on" indi- weekly benefit amount which was payable to the individual for a week cator for a week in an area if, for the most recent three consecutive of total unemployment (as determined for such individual under sec- calendar months for which data are available, the Secretary of Labor tion 205 (a)) and fifty-two times such weekly benefit amount reduced determines that the seasonally adjusted rate of national unemploy- by the regular, additional, and extended compensation payable to the ment averaged 6 percent or more, and that the rate of unemployment individual with respect to such benefit year. Section 206 also provides in the area averaged 6.5 percent or more. that the maximum amount of assistance under title II of the bill to Subsection (d) of section 204 provides that there is an "off" indi- which an individual described in section 203 (a) (2) (individuals cator for a week if, for the most recent three consecutive calendar otherwise ineligible for compensation) of title II of the bill shall be months for which data are available, the Secretary of Labor deter- entitled shall be the maximum amount of regular compensation that mines that either the seasonally adjusted rate of national unemploy- would be payable to such individual as computed under the provisions ment does not average 6 percent or more, or that the rate of unemploy- of the applicable State unemployment compensation law, but not ex- ment in the area does not average 6.5 percent or more. Subsection (e) of section 204 provides that determinations made ceeding twenty-six times the weekly benefit amount payable to the in- dividual for a week of total unemployment as determined under sec- under section 204 shall take into account the rates of unemployment tion 205 (b) (provided that the individual's base year shall be the fifty- for three consecutive months, even though any or all of such months two-week period preceding the first week with respect to which the may have occurred not more than three complete calendar months individual files a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under before the enactment of title II of the bill. title II of the bill, with respect to which the individual is totally or Section 205 partially unemployed, and with respect to which the individual meets Section 205 provides that the amount of assistance under title II the qualifying employment and wage requirements of the applicable of the bill to which an eligible individual described in section 203 (a) State unemployment compensation law; for purposes of this proviso 14 15 employment and wages which are not covered by the State law shall be priate officials in units of general local government of the area to be treated as though they were covered except that employment and served. wages covered by the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act shall be (b) (1) The Secretary shall not finally disapprove any comprehen- excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to com- sive manpower plan submitted under this title, or any modifications pensation for unemployment thereunder on the basis of such employ- thereof, without first affording the prime sponsor submitting the plan ment and wages). reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. (2) If the Secretary receives a formal allegation from an affected Section 207 unit of general local government that a prime sponsor has changed Section 207 provides that, except where inconsistent with the provi- its comprehensive manpower plan SO that it no longer complies with sions of title II of the bill, the terms and conditions of the applicable section 105 or that in the administration of the plan there is a failure State unemployment compensation law which apply to claims there- to comply substantially with any such provision, with any provision under for regular compensation and the payment thereof shall apply of the plan, or with any requirements of section [603 or 604], 703 or to claims for assistance under title II of the bill, and the payment 704, he shall, and, if he receives such an allegation from any other in- thereof. terested person, he may, or, if such allegation is supported by substan- Section 208 tial evidence, he shall after due notice and opportunity for a hearing Section 208 provides that, notwithstanding any other provisions of to the prime sponsor, determine whether the allegation is true. If he title II of the bill, no payment of assistance under title II of the bill determines such an allegation to be true, the Secretary shall notify the shall be made with respect to any week of unemployment ending after prime sponsor that no further payments will be made to the prime March 31, 1976, and that no individual shall be entitled to any com- sponsor under the plan (or, in his discretion, that further payments pensation with respect to any initial claim for assistance or waiting will be limited to programs under or portions of the plan not affected period credit made after December 31, 1975. by such failure), until he is satisfied that there will no longer be any failure to comply. Until he is SO satisfied, the Secretary shall make no Section 209 further payments to such sponsor under the plan (or shall limit pay- Section 209 provides that there are authorized to be appropriated ments to programs under the plan not affected by the failure). for purposes of title II of the bill such sums as are necessary. (c) The Secretary shall not disapprove any plan solely because of Section 210 the percentage of funds devoted to a particular program or activity authorized under section 101 of this Act. Section 210 provides definitions of certain terms which are to be used for purposes of title II of the bill. (d) Whenever the Secretary determines, after notice and oppor- tunity for a public hearing, that any prime sponsor designated to serve under this Act is- CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED (1) maintaining a pattern or practice of discrimination in vio- In compliance with clause 3 of rule XIII of the Rules of the House lation of section (1) (1) or section 712 (a) of of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as re- this Act or otherwise failing to serve equitably the economically ported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is disadvantaged, unemployed, or underemployed persons in the area enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law it serves; in which no change is proposed is shown in roman) : (2) incurring unreasonable administrative costs in the conduct of activities and programs, as determined pursuant to regulation; COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACT (3) failing to give due consideration to continued funding of OF 1973 programs of demonstrated effectiveness including those previ- ously conducted under provisions of law repealed by section 614 of this Act; or (4) otherwise materially failing to carry out the purposes and TITLE I-COMPREHENSIVE MANPOWER SERVICES provisions of this Act; the Secretary shall revoke the prime sponsor's plan for the area, in whole or in part, and to the extent necessary and appropriate shall not REVIEW OF PLANS make any further payments to such prime sponsor under this Act, and he shall notify such sponsor to return to him all or part of the SEC. 108. (a) The Secretary shall not approve a comprehensive man- unexpended sums paid under this Act during that fiscal year. power plan or any amendment thereto until he determines that it * meets the requirements of section 105, and in the case of a State plan section 106, and that the plan was submitted to, and an opportunity TITLE II-PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS to comment thereon provided, the Governor of the State and appro- 16 17 SPECIAL [PROVISION] PROVISIONS (b) Not less than 90 per centum of the funds appropriated pur- suant to this title which are used by an eligible applicant for public SEC. 211. (a) The determinations to be made under section 204 service employment programs shall be expended only for wages and shall take into account the rate of unemployment for a period of three employment benefits to persons employed in public service jobs pur- consecutive months even though all or part of such period may have suant to this title. occurred prior to the enactment of this Act. (c) The provisions of section 204(d) and sections 205 through 209 (b) In promulgating regulations under sections 205 (b), 205 (4), shall apply to financial assistance under this title, and eligible appli- 205(c) (6), 205 (16), 205(c) (17), and 207 (a), the Secretary may cants shall give preference, in public service employment programs establish placement goals for eligible applicants, except that such under this title, to unemployed persons who have exhausted unem- goals must be identified as goals, not requirements, and any form or ployment insurance benefits, to unemployed persons who are not other document developed pursuant to such regulations shall give eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, and to unemployed written notice to that effect. Any eligible applicant shall have the persons who have been unemployed for 15 or more weeks. right, clearly stated in such regulations, to request a "Waiver of (d) For purposes of this section, the term "eligible applicants" Performance" if, in his judgment, such goals are not feasible. Such means prime sponsors qualified under title I and Indian tribes on waiver, a request for which may be submitted at any time, shall be Federal or State reservations. granted by the Secretary when supported by substantial evidence, and may be granted by him where, in his judgment, local conditions war- ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS rant it. Wherever a "Waiver of Performance" has been granted, fail- ure to meet placement goals shall not be cited in any official review or SEC. 603. (a) (1) Not less than 90 per centum of the amount appro- evaluation of that eligible applicant's programs. priated under section 601 for any fiscal year shall be allotted among eligible applicants as defined in section 602 (d) by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. TITLE IV-JOB CORPS (2) (A) From the amount allotted under this subsection, 25 per centum shall be allotted on the basis of the relative number of un- employed persons who reside within the jurisdiction of the applicant as compared to the total number of unemployed persons who reside ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS within the jurisdiction of all eligible applicants. (B) The remainder of the amount allotted under this subsection SEC. 419. (a) 'In carrying out the provisions of this title, the Secre- shall be allotted on the basis of the relative excess number of unem- tary shall have the same powers as the Director of the Office of ployed persons who reside within the jurisdiction of the applicant Economic Opportunity under section 602 of the Economic Opportu- as compared to the total excess number of unemployed persons who nity Act of 1964. reside within the jurisdiction of all eligible applicants. For purposes (b) The provisions of section [603] 703 of this Act shall apply to of this subparagraph, the term "excess number" means the number this title only to the extent that such provisions are consistent with which represents unemployed persons in excess of 41/2 per centum of the provisions of this title. the labor force in the jurisdiction of the applicant in whose jurisdic- * tion such persons reside. (b) The remainder of the amount appropriated under section 601 TITLE VI-EMERGENCY JOB PROGRAMS shall be available to the Secretary for financial assistance under section 602 as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS this title, taking into account changes in rates of unemployment. SEC. 601. There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000,000 (c) For purposes of determining the allotments under paragraph for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the provisions of this title. (2) of this section only, the term "applicant" includes each unit of general local government of any prime sponsor which consists of a FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE combination of units of general local government under section 102 (a) (3) or section 102 (4). SEC. 602. (a) The Secretary shall enter into arrangements with eligible applicants in accordance with the provisions of this title in SPECIAL PROVISION FOR AREAS OF EXCESSIVELY HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of pro- viding transitional employment for unemployed and underemployed SEC. 604. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 602 persons in jobs providing needed public services, and training and and 602 (b), funds allotted under section 603 to eligible applicants manpower services related to such employment which are otherwise (as defined in section 602(d)) having unemployment rates in excess unavailable, and enabling such persons to move into employment not of 7 per centum may be used for- supported under this Act. H. Rept. 93-1528-3 19 18 applicable, under title II of the Manpower Development and (1) public service employment programs without regard to the Training Act of 1962, and part B of title I of the Economic provisions of sections 205(b), 205(c) (4), 205(c) (6) 205(c) Opportunity Act of 1964). (16), 205(c) (19), 207 (a), 207 (b), and (6). (6) "Offender" means any adult or juvenile who is confined in (2) providing employment for persons who have been unem- any type of correctional institution and also includes any indi- ployed for at least 7 days without regard to the provision of sec- vidual or juvenile assigned to a community based facility or tion 205 (a) relating to 30 days of unemployment: Provided, That subject to pretrial, probationary, or parole or other stages of the the provisions of section 205(c) (8) shall apply with respect to judicial correctional or probationary process where manpower the hiring of any person under this title, training and services may be beneficial, as determined by the (3) making payments to public employers to expand job oppor- Secretary, after consultation with judicial, correctional, proba- tunities in accordance with the provisions of section 101 (5), and tiónary, or other appropriate authorities. (4) payment of wages (at rates not less than those prevailing (7) "Public service" includes, but is not limited to, work in such on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secre- fields as environmental quality, health care, education, public tary in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 safety, crime prevention and control, prison rehabilitation, trans- U.S.C. 276a-276a-5)) for unemployed and underemployed per- portation, recreation, maintenance of parks, streets, and other sons as employees of public employers in jobs on community public facilities, solid waste removal, pollution control, housing capital improvement projects, including the rehabilitation, alter- and neighborhood improvements, rural development, conserva- ation, or improvement of public buildings, roads and other public tion, beautification, veterans outreach, and other fields of human transportation facilities, health and education facilities, and other betterment and community improvement. facilities for the improvement of the community in which the (8) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor. project is or will be located. (9) "State" includes the District of Columbia, the Common- (b) The provisions of subsection (a) shall apply to any area, with- wealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American out regard to the rate of unemployment of such area, if such area is Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. served by a prime sponsor which qualifies under section 102 (a) (4) or (10) "Unit of general local government" means any city, mu- section 102 (a) (5) or is in an area which is eligible for assistance under nicipality, county, town, township, parish, village or other general title II and which is served by a State prime sponsor, and if the prime purpose political subdivision which has the power to levy taxes sponsor for such area certifies to the Secretary that the application and spend funds, as well as general corporate and police powers. of such provisions is necessary in order to provide sufficient job (11) "Underemployed persons" means- opportunities. (A) persons who are working part-time but seeking full- time work; TITLE [VI] VII-GENERAL PROVISIONS (B) persons who are working full-time but receiving wages below the poverty level determined in accordance with cri- DEFINITIONS teria as established by the Director of the Office of Manage- SEC. [601] 701. (a) As used in this Act, the term- ment and Budget. (12) "Unemployed persons" means— (1) "Community-based organizations" means organizations (A) persons who are without jobs and who want and are which are representative of communities or significant segments available for work; and of the communities and which provide manpower services (for (B) except for purposes of sections 103 and 202, adults example, Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Jobs for Prog- who or whose families receive supplemental security income ress, Mainstream, and Community Action Agencies). or money payments pursuant to a State plan approved under (2) "Governor" means the chief executive of any State. title I, IV, X, or XVI of the Social Security Act or would, as (3) "Health care" includes, but is not limited to, preventive and defined in regulations to be issued by the Secretary, be eligi- clinical medical treatment, family planning services, nutrition ble for such payments but for the fact that both parents are services, and appropriate psychiatric, psychological, and pros- present in the home (1) who are determined by the Secretary thetic services, to the extent any such treatment or services are of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Edu- necessary to enable the recipient of manpower services to obtain cation, and Welfare, to be available for work, and (2) who or retain employment. are either (i) persons without jobs, or (ii) persons working (4) "Low-income level" means $7,000 with respect to income in in jobs providing insufficient income to enable such persons 1969, and for any later year means that amount which bears the and their families to be self-supporting without welfare same relationship to $7,000 as the Consumer Price Index for that assistance; year bears to the Consumer Price Index for 1969, rounded to the and the determination of whether persons are without jobs shall nearest $1,000. be made in accordance with the criteria used by the Bureau of (5) "Manpower allotment" means sums received by a State or Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor in defining persons area under title I of this Act for any fiscal year (or, where 20 21 as unemployed, but such criteria shall not be applied differently (1) the grant, contract, or agreement with respect thereto spe- on account of a person's previous employment. cifically provides that no person with responsibilities in the oper- (13) "Wagner-Peyser Act" means "An Act to provide for the ation of such program will discriminate with respect to any establishment of a national employment system and for coopera- program participant or any applicant for participation in such tion with the States in the promotion of such system, and for other program because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, po- purposes", approved June 6, 1933 (48 Stat. 113), as amended (29 litical affiliation, or beliefs; U.S.C. 49 et seq.). (2) such program does not involve political activities; (b) As used in section 208 (c) of this Act, the term "area" means— (3) participants in the program will not be employed on the (1) where the applicant is an eligible unit of government or an construction, operation, or maintenance of so much of any facility Indian tribe, that geographical area over which the applicant ex- as is used or to be used for sectarian instruction or as a place for ercises general political jurisdiction, or religious worship; (2) where the applicant is a public agency or institution which (4) conditions of employment or training will be appropriate is a subdivision of an eligible unit of government, that geographi- and reasonable in the light of such factors as the type of work, cal area over which such unit of government exercises general geographical region, and proficiency of the participant; political jurisdiction. (5) appropriate standards for the health, safety, and other conditions applicable to the performance of work and training on LEGAL AUTHORITY any project are established and will be maintained; SEC. [602.] 702. (a) The Secretary may, in accordance with chapter (6) appropriate workmen's compensation protection will be provided to all participants; 5 of title 5, United States Code, prescribe such rules, regulations, guide- lines, and other published interpretations under this Act as he deems (7) the program will not result in the displacement of employed necessary. Rules, regulations, guidelines and other published interpre- workers or impair existing contracts for services or result in the substitution of Federal for other funds in connection with work tations or orders may include adjustments authorized by section 204 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. For purposes of that would otherwise be performed; chapter 5 of such title any condition or guideline for receipt of finan- (8) persons shall not be referred for training in an occupation cial assistance shall be deemed a rule to which section 553 applies. All which requires less than two weeks of preemployment training such rules, regulations, guidelines, and other published interpretations unless there are immediate employment opportunities available or orders under this Act shall be published in the Federal Register at in that occupation; least thirty days prior to their effective date. Copies of all such rules, (9) training and related services under any such program are regulations, guidelines, and other published interpretations or orders designed, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with shall be transmitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress at every individual's fullest capabilities, to lead to employment the same time and shall contain with respect to each material provision opportunities enabling participants to become economically self- of such rules, regulations, guidelines, and other published interpreta- sufficient; tions or orders, citations to the particular substantive section of law (10) no person shall be referred for training authorized under which is the basis therefor. paragraph (3) or (4) of section 101 unless the Secretary or the (b) The Secretary may make such grants, contracts, or agreements, prime sponsor, as appropriate, shall have determined that there establish such procedures (subject to such policies, rules, and regula- is a reasonable expectation of employment for such person in the tions as he may prescribe), and make such payments, in installments occupation for which he is being trained; and in advance or by way of reimbursement, or otherwise allocate or (11) funds will be used to supplement, to the extent practicable, the level of funds that would otherwise be made available from expend funds made available under this Act, as he may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, including (without regard to non-Federal sources for the purpose of planning and adminis- the provisions of section 4774(d) of title 10, United States Code) tration of programs within the scope of this Act and not to sup- expenditures for construction, repairs, and capital improvements, and plant such other funds; including necessary adjustments in payments on account of overpay- (12) the applicant will make such reports, in such form and ments or underpayments. The Secretary may also withhold funds containing such information as the Secretary may from time to otherwise payable under this Act, but only in order to recover any time require, and will keep such records and afford such access amounts expended in the current or immediately prior fiscal year in thereto as the Secretary may find necessary to assure that funds violation of any provision of this Act or any term or condition of are being expended in accordance with the provisions of this Act; assistance under this Act. (13) the program will, to the maximum extent feasible, con- tribute to the occupational development or upward mobility of individual participants; CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL PROGRAMS (14) the program has adequate internal administrative con- SEC. [603.] 703. The Secretary shall not provide financial assistance trols, accounting requirements, personnel standards, evaluation for any program under this Act unless- 22 23 procedures, availability of inservice training and technical assist- ance programs, and other policies as may be necessary to promote (c) The Secretary shall transmit to the Congress at the earliest the effective use of funds; and appropriate date, but not later than March 1, of each calendar year (15) the program makes appropriate provision for the man- a report setting forth a description of summer programs providing power needs of youths in the area to be served. jobs for economically disadvantaged youth to begin in June of such year, including the number of opportunities in public and private SPECIAL LIMITATION agencies or organizations that will be provided under section 304 (a) (3) of this Act or in the case of the summer of 1974 under sec- SEC. [604.] 704. (a) No authority conferred by this Act shall be used tion 3(c), and a statement as to the total number of such persons who to enter into arrangements for, or otherwise establish, any training would be eligible for such programs, together with his recommenda- programs in the lower wage industries in jobs where prior skill or tions, if any, for supplemental appropriations for such programs. training is typically not a prerequisite to hiring and where labor turn- (d) The Secretary, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shall over is high, or to assist in relocating establishments from one area to annually compile and maintain information on the incidence of unem- another. Such limitations on relocation shall not prohibit assistance to ployment among offenders and shall publish the results of the infor- a business entity in the establishment of a new branch, affiliate, or sub- mation obtained pursuant to this subsection in the report required sidiary of such entity if the Secretary of Labor finds that assistance under subsection (a) of this section. will not result in an increase in unemployment in the area of original (e) The Chairman of the United States Civil Service Commission, location or in any other area where such entity conducts business oper- in consultation with the Secretary, shall report to the President and ations, unless he has reason to believe that such branch, affiliate, or to the Congress no later than six months after the effective date of subsidiary is being established with the intention of closing down the this Act on the extent to which and manner in which employment operations of the existing business entity in the area of its original opportunities for offenders may be increased in the Federal service, location or in any other area where it conducts such operations. with special reference to the criteria used in determining the suita- (b) Acceptance of family planning services provided to trainees bility of offenders for Federal employment, including such recom- shall be voluntary on the part of the individual to whom such serv- mendations for additional legislation as they deem advisable. ices are offered and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for or (f) Each prime sponsor shall prepare for the Secretary, and make receipt of any benefit under the program. available, to the public, a report on its activities under the Act, (c) No non-governmental individual, institution, or organization including a detailed comparison of program performance. with shall evaluate-any programs under this Act if that individual or such approved plan. institution or organization is associated with that program as a con- LABOR STANDARDS sultant, technical adviser, or in any similar capacity. SEC. [605.] 705. (a) The Secretary shall make such reports and rec- SEC. [606.] 706. All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors ommendations to the President as he deems appropriate pertaining to or subcontractors in any construction, alterations, or repair, including employment and occupational requirements, resources, use, and train- painting and decorating of projects, buildings, and works which are ing, and his recommendations for the succeeding fiscal year, and the federally assisted under this Act, shall be paid wages at rates not less President shall transmit to the Congress within sixty days after the than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as deter- beginning of each regular session a report pertaining to manpower mined by the Secretary in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as requirements, resources, utilization, and training. amended (40 U.S.C. 276a-276a-5). The Secretary shall have, with re- (b) The Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and spect to such labor standards, the authority and functions set forth in Welfare shall report to the Congress on the extent to which community Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (15 F.R. 3176; 64 Stat. colleges, area vocational and technical schools and other vocational 1267) and section 2 of the Act of June 1, 1934, as amended (48 Stat. educational agencies and institutions, and vocational rehabilitation 948, as amended 40 U.S.C. agencies are being utilized to carry out training programs supported in whole or in part from provisions of this and related Acts, the extent ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS to which administrative steps have been taken and are being taken to encourage the use of such facilities and institutions and agencies SEC. [607.] 707. The Secretary is authorized, in carrying out his in the carrying out of the provisions of this Act and any further leg- functions and responsibilities under this Act, to accept in the name of islation that may be required to assure effective coordination and uti- the Department, and employ or dispose of in furtherance of the pur- lization of such facilities and agencies to the end that all federally poses of this Act, or any title thereof, an unconditional gift of any supported employment and training, vocational education, and voca- money or property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, tional rehabilitation programs can more effectively accomplish their received by gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise; and to accept voluntary objectives of providing employment and training opportunities to all and uncompensated services, notwithstanding the provisions of sec- persons needing occupational training. tion 3679 (b) of the Revised Statutes of the United States. 24 25 UTILIZATION OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES employment in connection with a grant or contract of assistance under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, induces SEC. [608.] 708. (a) In addition to such other authority as he may any person to give up any money or thing of any value to any person have, the Secretary is authorized, in the performance of his functions (including such grantee agency) shall be fined not more than $1,000, under this Act, and to the extent permitted by law, to utilize the serv- or imprisoned not more than one year, or both." ices and facilities of departments, agencies, and establishments of the (b) The analysis of chapter 31 is amended by adding at the end United States. The Secretary is also authorized to accept and utilize thereof the following new item the services and facilities of the agencies of any State or political "665. Theft or embezzlement from manpower funds; improper inducement." subdivisions of a State, with their consent. (b) The Secretary shall carry out his responsibilities under this Act NONDISCRIMINATION through the utilization, to the extent appropriate, of all resources for skill development available in industry, labor, public and private edu- SEC. [612.] 712. (a) No person in the United States shall on the cational and training institutions, vocational rehabilitation agencies, ground of race, color, national origin, or sex be excluded from par- and other State, Federal, and local agencies, and other appropriate ticipation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimina- public and private organizations and facilities, with their consent. tion under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this Act. INTERSTATE AGREEMENTS (b) Whenever the Secretary determines that a prime sponsor or eligible applicant has failed to comply with subsection (a) or an ap- SEC. [609.] 709. In the event that compliance with provisions of plicable regulation, he shall notify the prime sponsor or eligible appli- this Act would be enhanced by cooperative agreements between States, cant of the noncompliance and shall request the prime sponsor or the consent of Congress is hereby given to such States to enter into such eligible applicant to secure compliance. If within a reasonable period compacts and agreements to facilitate such compliance, subject to the of time, not to exceed sixty days, the prime sponsor or eligible appli- approval of the Secretary. cant fails or refuses to secure compliance, the Secretary, in addition to exercising the powers and functions provided for the termination of PROHIBITION AGAINST POLITICAL ACTIVITIES financial assistance under this Act, is authorized (1) to refer the mat- ter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that an appropri- SEC. [610.] 710. The Secretary shall not provide financial assist- ate civil action be instituted; (2) to exercise the powers and functions ance for any program under this Act which involves political activities; provided by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. and neither the program, the funds provided therefor, nor personnel 2000d) ; or (3) to take such other action as may be provided by law. employed in the administration thereof, shall be, in any way or to any (c) When a matter is referred to the Attorney General pursuant to extent, engaged in the conduct of political activities in contravention subsection (b), or whenever he has reason to believe that a prime of chapter 15 of title 5, United States Code. sponsor or eligible applicant is engaged in a pattern or practice in vio- lation of the provisions of this section, the Attorney General may CRIMINAL PROVISIONS bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court for such relief as may be appropriate, including injunctive relief. SEC. [611.] 711. (a) Chapter 31 of title 18, United States Code, is (d) The Secretary shall enforce the provisions of subsection (a) amended by adding a new section 665 to read as follows: dealing with discrimination on the basis of sex in accordance with sec- tion 602 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Section 603 of such Act shall "THEFT OR EMBEZZLEMENT FROM MANPOWER FUNDS; IMPROPER apply with respect to any action taken by the Secretary to enforce such INDUCEMENT provisions of such subsection. This section shall not be construed as "SEC. 665. (a) Whoever, being an officer, director, agent, or employee affecting any other legal remedy that a person may have if that person of, or connected in any capacity with, any agency receiving financial is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to assistance under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act discrimination under, or denied employment in connection with any of 1973 embezzles, willfully misapplies, steals, or obtains by fraud any program or activity receiving assistance under this Act. of the moneys, funds, assets, or property which are the subject of a grant or contract of assistance pursuant to this Act shall be fined not RECORDS, AUDITS, AND REPORTS more than. $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both; SEC. [613.] 713. In order to assure that funds provided under this but if the amount SO embezzled, misapplied, stolen, or obtained by Act are used in accordance with its provisions, each recipient shall- fraud does not exceed $100, he shall be fined not more than $1,000, or (1) use such fiscal, audit, and accounting procedures as may be imprisoned not more than one year, or both. necessary to assure (A) proper accounting for payments received " (b) Whoever, by threat of procuring dismissal of any person from by it, and (B) proper disbursement of such payments; employment or of refusal to employ or refusal to renew a contract of 26 27 (2) provide to the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States access to, and the right to examine, any books, (2) The National Council shall- documents, papers, or records as he requires; and (A) advise the Commissioner concerning the administration of, (3) make such reports to the Secretary or the Comptroller preparation of general regulations for, and operation of, voca- General of the United States as he requires. tional education programs supported with assistance under this title, and under Part B of title X of the Higher Education Act of REPEALER 1965; (B) review the administration and operation of vocational SEC. [614.] 714. Effective with respect to fiscal years after June 30, education programs under this title, and under Part B of title X 1974, the Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 and parts of the Higher Education Act of 1965, including the effectiveness A, B, and E of title I of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 are of such programs in meeting the purposes for which they are repealed. Unexpected appropriations for carrying out such Acts may established and operated, make recommendations with respect be made available to carry out this Act, as directed by the President. thereto, and make annual reports of its findings and recommenda- tions (including recommendations for changes in the provisions of this title) to the Secretary for transmittal to the Congress; and SECTION 104 OF THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION Act OF 1963 (C) conduct independent evaluations of programs carried out under this title, and under Part B of title X of the Higher Edu- NATIONAL AND STATE ADVISORY COUNCILS cation Act of 1965, and publish and distribute the results thereof. (4) The Council is authorized, without regard to the civil service SEC. 104. (a) (1) There is hereby created a National Advisory laws, to engage such technical assistance as may be required to carry Council on Vocational Education (hereinafter referred to as the out its functions, and to this end there are hereby authorized to be "National Council") consisting of twenty-one members appointed by appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1969, $100,000, and the President, without regard to the civil service laws, for terms of for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and each of the five succeed- three years, except that (i) in the case of the initial members, seven ing fiscal years, $150,000. shall be appointed for terms of one year each and seven shall be (5) The National Council shall review the possible duplication of appointed for terms of two years each, and (ii) appointments to fill vocational education programs at the postsecondary and adult levels vacancies shall be only for such terms as remain unexpired. The Coun- within geographic areas, and shall make annual reports of the extent cil shall include persons- to which such duplication exists, together with its findings and recom- (A) representative of labor and management, including per- mendations, to the Secretary. In making these reports, the Council sons who have knowledge of the semiskilled, skilled, and technical shall seek the opinions of persons familiar with postsecondary and employment in such occupational fields as agriculture, home eco- adult vocational education in each State from schools, junior colleges, nomics, distribution and marketing, health, trades, manufactur- technical institutes, and other institutions of higher education, as well ing, office and service industries, and persons representative of as from State boards of education, State junior college boards, and new and emerging occupational fields, State boards of higher education, and persons familiar with area (B) familiar with manpower problems and administration of schools, labor, business and industry, accrediting commissions, pro- manpower programs, prietary institutions, and manpower programs. (C) knowledgeable about the administration of State and lo- (6) The National Council may accept gifts or grants and may ac- cal vocational education programs, including members of local cept transfer of funds from other departments or agencies. school boards, (D) experienced in the education and training of handicapped persons, (E) familiar with the special problems and needs of indi- viduals disadvantaged by their socioeconomic backgrounds, (F) having special knowledge of postsecondary and adult vo- cational education programs, and (G) representative of the general public who are not Federal employees, including parents and students, except that they may not be representative of categories (A) through (F), and who shall constitute no less than one-third of the total membership. The National Council shall meet at the call of the Chairman, who shall be selected by the President, but not less than four times a year. 93D CONGRESS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT 2d Session No. 93-1621 PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT DECEMBER 17, 1974.-Ordered to be printed Mr. PERKINS, from the committee of conference, submitted the following CONFERENCE REPORT [To accompany H.R. 16596] The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 16596) to amend the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to provide additional jobs for unemployed persons through programs of public service employment, having met, after full and free confer- ence, have agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective Houses as follows: That the House recede from its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate to the text of the bill and agree to the same with an amend- ment as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the Senate amend- ment insert the following: That this Act may be cited as the "Emergency Jobs and Unemploy- ment Assistance Act of 1974". TITLE I-PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT EMERGENCY JOB PROGRAMS AUTHORIZED SEC. 101. The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 is amended by redesignating title VI, and all references thereto, as title VII, by redesignating sections 601 through 615, and all refer- ences thereto, as sections 701 through 715, respectively, and by insert- ing after title V of the following new title: "TITLE VI-EMERGENCY JOB PROGRAMS "AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS "Sec. 601. There are authorized to be appropriated $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the provisions of this title. Any amounts so appropriated for such fiscal year which are not obligated prior to the end of such fiscal year shall remain available for obliga- tion until December 31, 1975. 38-006 2 3 "FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE the applicant in whose jurisdiction such persons reside or (ii), in the "Sec. 602. (a) The Secretary shall enter into arrangements with case of an applicant which is a State, the term 'excess number' means eligible applicants in accordance with the provisions of this title in such number as defined in clause (i) or the number which represents order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of provid- unemployed persons in excess of 4½ per centum of the labor force in ing transitional employment for unemployed and underemployed per- areas eligible for assistance under title II located in the geographical sons in jobs providing needed public services, and training and area served by such State prime sponsor under title I or II, whichever manpower services related to such employment which are otherwise is greater. unavailable and enabling such persons to move into employment not (b) The remainder of the amount appropriated under section 601 supported under this Act. shall be available to the Secretary for financial assistance under sec- (b) Not less than 90 per centum of the funds appropriated pursu- tion 602 as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out the purposes ant to this title which are used by an eligible applicant for public of this title, taking into account changes in rates of unemployment. service employment programs shall be expended only for wages and (c) For purposes of determining allocationsu nder this section, the employment benefits to persons employed in public service jobs pur- term 'jurisdiction' includes the jurisdiction of each unit of general suant to this title. local government as described in section 102 (a) (2) whether or not (c) The provisions of section 204(d) and sections 205 through 211 such unit has entered into a combination of units of general local gov- shall apply to financial assistance under this title. ernment for purposes of section 102(a) (3) or section (4). (d) In filling public service jobs with financial assistance under this title, eligible applicants shall give preferred consideration, to "SPECIAL PROVISION FOR AREAS OF EXCESSIVELY HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT AND the maximum extent feasible and consistent with other provisions of TO EXPAND JOB OPPORTUNITIES this Act, to unemployed persons who have exhausted unemployment "SEC. 604. (a) Funds allocated from appropriations for carrying insurance benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for un- out this title to any eligible applicant, which certifies to the Secretary employment insurance benefits (except for persons lacking work ex- that the application of the provisions of this section is necessary in perience), and to unemployed persons who have been unemployed for order to provide sufficient job opportunities in the area served by such fifteen or more weeks. eligible applicant, may be used for making payments to public em- '(e) For purposes of this section, the term 'eligible applicants' ployers to expand the provision of job opportunities of the type de- means prime sponsors qualified under title I and Indian tribes on Fed- scribed in paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) of section 304(a) of this eral or State reservations. Act. "(b) In accordance with the provisions of subsection (c), and not- "ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS withstanding the provisions of sections 602 and 602(b), funds "SEC. 603. (a) (1) Not less than 90 per centum of the amounts allotted under section 603 to eligible applicants may be used for- appropriated under section 601 for any fiscal year shall be allotted (1) public service employment programs without regard to among eligible applicants by the Secretary in accordance with the the provisions of sections (b), (c) (4), 205(c) (6), provisions of this subsection. (16), 205(c) (19), and 208(a) (6), (2) (A) Fifty per centum of the amount allotted under this sub- (2) providing employment for persons who have been unem- section shall be allotted among eligible applicants in proportion to ployed for at least 15 days without regard to the provision of sec- the relative number of unemployed persons who reside in areas within tion 205 (a) relating to 30 days of unemployment, if the applicant the jurisdiction of each such applicant as compared to the number certifies that the hiring of an individual will not violate the pro- of unemployed persons who reside in all such areas in all the States. visions of section 205 (c) (8), (B) Twenty-five per centum of the amount allotted under this '(3) payment of wages (at rates not less than those prevailing subsection shall be allotted among eligible applicants in accordance on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Sec- with the number of unemployed persons residing in areas of substan- retary in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 tial unemployment (defined in section 204(c)) within the jurisdiction U.S.C. 276a-276a-5)) for unemployed and underemployed per- of the applicant compared to the number of unemployed persons sons as employees of public employers in jobs on community capi- residing in all such areas. tal improvement projects which would not otherwise be carried '(C) Twenty-five per centum of the amount allotted under this sub- out, including the rehabilitation, alteration, or improvement of section shall be allotted among eligible applicants on the basis of the public buildings, roads and other public transportation facilities, relative excess number of unemployed persons who reside within the health and education facilities, and other facilities for the im- jurisdiction of the applicant as compared to the total excess number provement of the community in which the project is or will be of unemployed persons who reside within the jurisdiction of all eligi- located, and including construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or ble applicants. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term 'excess improvement of water and waste disposal facilities in communi- number' means (i) the number which represents unemployed persons in excess of 4½ per centum of the labor force in the jurisdiction of 4 5 ties having populations of 10,000 individuals or less which are time, may be granted by the Secretary where, in his judgment, local outside the boundaries of a Standard Metropolitan Statistical conditions warrant it. herever such a waiver has been granted, fail- Area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census). ure to meet placement goals shall not be cited in any official review or (c) The provisions of subsection (b) shall apply to any area having evaluation of that eligible applicant's programs." an unemployment rate in excess of my per centum, and to any area, without regard to the rate of unemployment of such area, if such area VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS is served by a prime sponsor which qualifies under section 102(a) (4) or section 102 (a) (5) or is in an area which is eligible for assistance SEC. 104. (a) The Director of the Veteran's Employment Service, under title II and which is served by a State prime sponsor, and if the Department of Labor, established by section 2002 of title 38, United prime sponsor for such area certifies to the Secretary that the applica- States Code, together with the Secretary and Under Secretary of tion of such provisions is necessary in order to provide sufficient job Labor and such Assistant Secretaries of Labor as the Secretary may opportunities, and gives public notice of such certification. designate, shall be responsible for formulating and monitoring the im- plementation of all departmental policies and programs as they affect "EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS veterans, especially those relating to unemployment, job training, em- ployment, and placement under any provision of law. "SEC. 605. Funds obligated for the purposes of providing public (b) The Secretary of Labor, in consultation and cooperation with service employment under this title may be utilized by prime spon- the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Health, sors for projects and activities planned to extend over a twelve-month Education, and Welfare, shall provide for an outreach and public in- period from the commencement of any such project or activity. formation program utilizing, to the maximum extent, the facilities of "REALLOCATION OF FUNDS the Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare and the Veterans' Administration in order to (A) exercise maximum ef- "SEC. 606. The Secretary is authorized to make such reallocations as forts to produce jobs and job training opportunities for individuals he deems appropriate of any amount of any allocation under this title who served in the Armed Forces and were discharged within 4 years to the extent that the Secretary determines that an eligible applicant before the date of their application for such jobs or job training and in- will not be able to use such amount within a reasonable period of time. form all eligible veterans about employment, job training, on-the-job Any such amount may be reallocated only if the Secretary has pro- training, and educational opportunities, under the Comprehensive vided thirty days' advance notice to the prime sponsor for such area Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended by this Act, as pro- and to the Governor of the State of the proposed reallocation, during vided for under title 38, United States Code, and under any other which period of time the prime sponsor and the Governor may submit provision of law, and (B) inform all eligible applicants under the comments to the Secretary. After considering any comments submitted Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, Federal con- during such period of time, the Secretary shall notify the Governor tractors and subcontractors, all Federal departments and agencies, and affected prime sponsors of any decision to reallocate funds, and educational institutions, labor unions, and other employers, of their shall publish any such decision in the Federal Register. Any such funds responsibilities under this subsection and under all such laws, and (C) shall be reallocated to other areas within the same State." provide the entities described in clause (B) of this subsection technical assistance in carrying out those responsibilities. The Secretary of PLACEMENT GOALS Labor, in consultation and cooperation with the Administration of SEC. 103. Section 211 of the Comprehensive Employment and Train- Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Wel- ing Act of 1973 is amended by striking out "PROVISION" in the title fare shall report to the appropriate committees of the Congress not and inserting in lieu thereof "PROVISIONS", by inserting "(a)" immedi- later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act on the steps ately before the first sentence, and by adding at the end thereof the taken and regulations issued to carry out the provisions of this section following new subsection: and of section 205(c) (5) of the Comprehensive Employment and (b) No officer or employee of the Department of Labor shall, by Training Act of 1973. regulation or otherwise, impose on any eligible applicant, as a condi- SPECIAL REPORT tion for the receipt of financial assistance under this title, any require- ment that any eligible applicant must place in other jobs a specific SEC. 105. Section 209 of such Act is amended by striking out "Sec. number or proportion of public service jobholders supported under 209." and inserting in lieu thereof "Sec. 209. (a) and by adding at this title. The Secretary may establish placement goals for eligible the end of such section the following new subsection applicants, except that such goals must be identified as goals, not re- "(b) In compiling the data which the Secretary is required to re- quirements, and any form or other document developed pursuant to port to the Congress under section 208 (e), the Secretary shall obtain such regulations shall give written notice to that effect. Any eligible and compile information on practices and procedures implemented by applicant shall have the right, clearly stated in such regulations, to re- prime sponsors affecting average annual wage rates paid to public quest a waiver of such goals if, in his judgment, such goals are not service job holders and public service job opportunities described feasible. Such waiver, a request for which may be submitted at any under this title. The Secretary is authorized to make general recom- mendations to prime sponsors, on a regional and area basis, as he may 6 7 deem appropriate, consistent with section 208(a) (3) (relating to the NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION maximum annual wage rate per public service job holder), taking into account average wages in the various areas served and the cost of liv- SEC. 108. Section 104(a) of the Vocational Education Act of 1963 ing in such areas, with the aim of maintaining the number of jobs on (as amended) is amended by adding at the end thereof a new para- a nationwide average in federally supported wage rates equivalent to graph as follows: $7,800 per public service job holder." (6) The National Council may accept gifts or grants and may accept transfer of funds from other departments or agencies.". TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TITLE II-SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT SEC. 106. (a) Section 201 of the Comprehensive Employment and ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Training Act of 1973 is amended by striking out the words "of sub- stantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "qualifying for STATEMENT OF PURPOSE assistance". (b) Section 202(a) of such Act is amended by inserting before the SEC. 201. It is the purpose of this title to establish a temporary Fed- words "under this title" the following: "for use in areas of substantial eral program of special unemployment assistance for workers who are unemployment". unemployed during a period of aggravated unemployment and who (c) Section 204(a) (2) of such Act is amended by striking out "and are not otherwise eligible for unemployment allowances under any other law. which include areas of substantial unemployment". (d) (1) Section 204(d) (1) of such Act is amended by striking out GRANTS TO STATES: AGREEMENT WITH STATES the words "of substantial unemployment" each place they appear and inserting "qualifying for assistance". SEC. 202. Each State which enters into an agreement with the Secre- (2) Section 204(d)( (3) of such Act is amended by striking out "of tary of Labor, pursuant to which it makes payments of special un- substantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "qualify- employment assistance in accordance with the provisions of this title ing for assistance". and the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor (e) Section 205(a) of such Act is amended by striking out "of sub- hereunder, shall be paid by the United States from time to time, prior stantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "qualifying for to audit or settlement by the General Accounting Office, such amounts assistance". as are deemed necessary by the Secretary of Labor to carry out the (f) Section (3) of such Act is amended by striking out "areas provisions of this title in the State. Assistance may be paid under of substantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "area this title to individuals only pursuant to such an agreement. qualifying for assistance". (g) Section 210 of such Act is amended by striking out "for resi- ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS dents of the areas of substantial unemployment designated under this SEC. 203. An individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of title" and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "for residents of the assistance or waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemploy- area qualifying for such assistance". ment occurring during and subsequent to a special unemployment MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS assistance period in accordance with the provisions of this title if- (1) the individual is not eligible for compensation under any SEC. 107. (a) Section 701(a) (7) of such Act (as redesignated by sec- State or Federal unemployment compensation law (including tion 101 of this Act) is amended by inserting after "education," the the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et following "child care.". seq.)) with respect to such week of unemployment, and is not (b) Section 701 (7) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 receiving compensation with respect to such week of unemploy- of this Act) is further amended by inserting after "work" the follow- ment under the unemployment compensation law of Canada and ing: including part-time work for individuals who are unable, be- is not eligible for assistance or an allowance payable with respect cause of age, handicap, or other factors, to work full time,". to such week of unemployment under such laws as the Public (c) Section 701(a) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 of Works and Economic Development Act Amendments of 1974, the this Act) is amended by inserting after paragraph (13) the following Disaster Relief Act of 1974, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as new paragraph; amended, or any successor legislation or similar legislation, as de- (14) 'veterans outreach' means the veterans outreach services termined by the Secretary: Provided, That the individual meets program carried out under subchapter IV of chapter 3 of title 38. the qualifying employment and wage requirements of the applic- United States Code, with full utilization of veterans receiving able State unemployment compensation law in a base year which, educational assistance or vocational rehabilitation under chapter notwithstanding the State law, shall be the fifty-two-week period 31 or 34 of such title 38." preceding the first week with respect to which the individual: (d) Section 703(1) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 of (1) files a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this Act) is amended by inserting after "sex," the followings "age,". this title; (2) is totally or partially unemployed; and (3) meets 8 9 such qualifying employment and wage requirements; and for the (1) the rate (seasonally adjusted) of national unemployment purpose of this proviso employment and wages which are not averaged a per centum or more; or covered by the State law shall be treated as though they were (2) the rate of unemployment in the area averaged 6.5 per covered, except that employment and wages covered by any State centum or more. or Federal unemployment compensation law, including the Rail- (d) There is an "off" indicator for a week, if for the most recent road Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), shall three consecutive calendar months for which data are available the be excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to Secretary determines that both subsections (c) (1) and (c) (2) are not compensation for unemployment thereunder on the basis of such satisfied. (e) The determinations made under this section shall take into employment and wages; and (2) the individual is totally or partially unemployed, and is account the rates of unemployment for three consecutive months, even able to work, available for work, and seeking work, within the though any or all of such months may have occurred not more than meaning of, or as required by, the applicable State unemploy- three complete calendar months prior to the enactment of this Act. ment compensation law, and is not subject to disqualification under WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT that law; and (3) the individual has filed a claim for assistance or waiting SEC. 205. (a) The amount of assistance under this title to which an period credit under this title; and eligible individual shall be entitled for a week of unemployment shall (4) in the area in which the individual was last employed for be the weekly benefit amount for a week of unemployment that would at least five work days prior to filing a claim under this title for be payable to the individual as regular compensation as computed assistance or waiting period credit with respect to such week of under the provisions of the applicable State unemployment compensa- unemployment, a special unemployment assistance period is in tion law: Provided, That in computing the weekly benefit amount effect with respect to such week of unemployment: Provided, under this subsection the individual's base year, notwithstanding the That if the individual, except for the imposition of a disqualifi- State law, shall be the fifty-two-week period preceding the first week cation in accordance with subsection (b), was otherwise eligible with respect to which the individual: (1) files a claim for assistance for a payment of assistance or waiting period credit under this or waiting period credit under this title; (2) is totally or partially un- title with respect to a week of unemployment which began dur- employed; and (3) meets the qualifying employment and wage re- ing a special unemployment assistance period, but did not ex- quirements of subsection (a) of section 203; and for the purpose of this haust ențitlement to assistance during such period, entitlement proviso employment and wages which are not covered by the appli- shall continue after the end of the period but no assistance shall cable State unemployment compensation law shall be treated as though be paid under this title for any week of unemployment that begins they were covered, except that employment and wages covered by any more than twenty-six weeks after the end of such period; and State or Federal unemployment compensation law, including the Rail- (5) the State in which the individual was last employed for at road Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), shall be least five work days prior to filing a claim under this title for excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to compen- assistance or waiting period credit with respect to such week of sation for unemployment thereunder on the basis of such employment unemployment, has an agreement with the Secretary of Labor and wages. under section 202 which is in effect with respect to such week of (b) Notwithstanding any provisions of State law, claims for assist- unemployment. ance under this title may be determined, where an employment record is not available, on the basis of an affidavit submitted by an applicant. SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PERIOD If an applicant knowingly provides false information in such affidavit, SEC. 204. (a) A special unemployment assistance period shall com- he shall be ineligible for any assistance under this title and shall. in mence in an area designated by the Secretary with the third week after addition, be subject to prosecution under section 1001 of title 18, United States Code. the first week for which the Secretary determines that there is an "on" indicator for such area, and shall terminate with the third week after MAXIMUM BENEFIT AMOUNT the first week for which the Secretary determines that there is an "off" SEC. 206. The maximum amount of assistance under this title which indicator for such area except that no special unemployment as- an eligible individual shall be entitled to receive shall be e-maximum sistance period shall have a duration of less than thirteen weeks. amount of regular compensation that would be payable to suoh individ- (b) The Secretary shall designate as an area under this section ual as computed under the provisions of the applicable State unem- areas served by an entity which is eligible to be a prime sponsor under ployment compensation law, but not exceeding twenty-six times the section 102 (a) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act weekly benefit amount payable to the individual for a week of total of 1973 (Public Law 93-203). unemployment as determined under subsection (a) of section 205: (c) There is an "on" indicator in an area for a week if for the most Provided, That for the purposes of this subsection the individual's recent three consecutive calendar months for which data are available base year, notwithstanding the State law, shall be the fifty-two-week the Secretary determines that- H. Rept. 93-1621-2 10 11 period preceding the first week with respect to which the individual: (1) files a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this title; "TITLE X-JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM (2) is totally or partially unemployed; and (3) meets the qualifying "STATEMENT OF PURPOSE employment and wage requirements of section 203 (a); and for the purpose of this proviso employment and wages which are not covered "Sec. 1001. It is the purpose of this title to provide emergency finan- by the State law shall be treated as though they were covered, except cial assistance to stimulate, maintain or expand job creating activities that employment and wages covered by any ,State or Federal unem- in areas, both urban and rural, which are suffering from unusually ployment compensation law, including the Railroad Unemployment high levels of unemployment. Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), shall be excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to compensation for unemploy- "DEFINITIONS ment thereunder on the basis of such employment and wages. "Sec. 1002. For the purpose of this title- APPLICABLE STATE LAW PROVISIONS "(1) the term 'eligible area' means- (A) any area, which the Secretary of Labor designates as SEC. 207. Except where inconsistent with the provisions of this title, an area which has a rate of unemployment, equal to or in the terms and conditions of the applicable State unemployment com- excess of 6.5 per centum for three consecutive months. pensation law which apply to claims thereunder for regular compen- (B) any area designated pursuant to section 204 (c) of the sation and the payment thereof shall apply to claims for assistance Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, and under this title and the payment thereof. (C) any area which is designated by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to section 401 of the Public Works and TERMINATION DATE Economic Development Act of 1965 as a redevelopment area. SEC. 208. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, no pay- "PROGRAM AUTHORIZED ment of assistance under this title shall be made to any individual with respect to any week of unemployment ending after March 31, 1976; "SEC. 1003. (a) To carry out the purposes of this title, the Secretary and no individual shall be entitled to any compensation with respect to of Commerce, in accordance with the provisions of this title, is au- any initial claim for assistance or waiting period credit made after thorized from funds appropriated and made available under section December 31, 1975. 1007 of this title to provide financial assistance to programs and proj- ects identified through the review process described in section 1004 to AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS expand or accelerate the job creating impact of such programs or SEC. 209. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated for pur- projects for unemployed persons in eligible areas. Programs and proj- poses of this title such sums as may be necessary. ects for which funds are made available under this title shall not be approved until the officials of the appropriate units of general govern- DEFINITIONS ment in the affected area have an adequate opportunity to comment on the specific proposal. SEC. 210. (a) As used in the title, the term- (b) Whenever funds are made available by the Secretary of Com- (1) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor; merce under this title for any program or project, the head of the (2) "State" means the States of the United States, the District department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; administering the law authorizing such assistance shall, except as (3) "applicable State unemployment compensation law" means otherwise provided in this subsection, administer the law authorizing the law of the State in which the individual was last employed for such assistance in accordance with all applicable provisions of that at least five work days prior to filing a claim for assistance or law, except provisions relating to- waiting period credit under this title; and (1) requiring allocation of funds among the States, (4) "week" means a calendar week. "(2) limits upon the total amount of such grants for any (b) Assistance under this title shall not be considered to be regular period, and compensation for purposes of qualifying for benefits under the Fed- '(3) the Federal contribution to any State or local govern- eral-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, and ment, whenever the President or head of such department. agency, claims filed under this title shall not be treated as claims for weeks of or instrumentality of the Federal Government determines that unemployment for purposes of determining the rate of insured unem- any non-Federal contribution cannot reasonably be obtained by ployment under section 203 (1) of such Act. the State or local government concerned. (c) Where necessary to effectively carry out the purposes of this TITLE III-JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM title, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to initiate programs in eligible areas. SEC. 301. The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new title: (d) In allocating funds under this title, the Secretary of Commerce shall give priority consideration to- 12 13 "(1) the severity of unemployment in the area; and equitable distribution of funds authorized under this title between "(2) the appropriateness of the proposed activity in relating rural and urban eligible applicants. to the number and needs of unemployed persons in eligible areas. (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, funds "AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS allocated by the Secretary of Commerce shall be available only for programs or projects which the Secretary of Commerce and the Secre- "SEC. 1007. There are authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for tary of Labor jointly determine are programs or projects- the fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title, ex- (1) which will contribute significantly to the reduction of un- cept that no further obligation of funds appropriated under this sec- tion may be made subsequent to a determination that the national employment in the eligible area; (2) which can be initiated or strengthened promptly; average rate of unemployment has receded below 6.5 per centum for '(3) a substantial portion of which can be completed within three consecutive calendar months as determined by the Secretary of 12 months after such allocation is made; Labor. Any amounts so appropriated for such fiscal year which are "(4) which are not inconsistent with locally approved com- not obligated prior to the end of such fiscal year shall remain available for obligation until December 31, 1975. prehensive plans for the jurisdiction affected, whenever such plans exist; and "TERMINATION DATE (5) which will be approved giving first priority to programs and projects which are most labor intensive. "SEC. 1008. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no further obligation of funds appropriated under this title shall be made "PROGRAM REVIEW by the Secretary of Commerce after December 31, 1975." SEC. 302. Section 712 of the Public Works and Economic Develop- "SEC. 1004. Within 45 days after the date of enactment of the Emer- ment Act of 1965 is amended by striking "or 403" and inserting in lieu gency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974, each depart- thereof "403, 903, and 1003". ment, agency or instrumentality of the Federal government, and each And the Senate agree to the same. regional commission established by section 101 of the Appalachian Re- That the House recede from its disagreement to the amendment of gional Development Act of 1965 or pursuant to section 502 of this Act, the Senate to the title of the bill and agree to the same with an amend- shall (1) complete a review of its budget, plans and program includ- ment as follows: ing State, substate and local development plans filed with such de- In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the amendment of partment, agency or commission; (2) evaluate the job creation effec- the Senate to the title of the bill, insert the following: "AN ACT To tiveness of programs and projects for which funds are proposed to be provide assistance for unemployed persons." obligated in calendar year 1975 and additional programs and projects And the Senate agree to the same. for which funds could be obligated in such year with Federal financial CARL D. PERKINS, assistance under this title; and (3) submit to the Secretary of Com- DOMINICK V. DANIELS, merce and the Secretary of Labor recommendations for programs JOSEPH M. GAYDOS, and projects which have the potential to stimulate the creation of LLOYD MEEDS, jobs for unemployed persons in eligible areas. Within 30 days of the ALBERT H. QUIE, receipt of such recommendations the Secretary of Commerce and the MARVIN L. Esch, ,Secretary of Labor shall jointly review such recommendations. and WILLIAM A. STEIGER, the Secretary of Commerce shall after consultation with such de- Managers on the Part of the House. parment, agency, instrumentality, and regional commissions, make al- locations of funds in accordance with section 1003(e) of this title. GAYLORD NELSON, HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, "LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUNDS JENNINGS RANDOLPH, EDWARD M. KENNEDY, "Sec. 1005. Fifty per centum of the funds appropriated pursuant WALTER F. MONDALE, to section 1007 of this title shall be available only for programs and ALAN CRANSTON, projects in which not more than 25 percent of such funds will be ex- HAROLD E. HUGHES, pended for necessary non-labor costs. WILLIAM D. HATHAWAY, J. JAVITS, "RULES AND REGULATIONS PETER H. DOMINICK, "Sec. 1006. The Secretary of Commerce shall prescribe such rules, DICK SCHWEIKER, regulations, and procedures to carry out the provisions of this title ROBERT TAFT, JR., as will assure that adequate consideration is given to the relative needs J. GLENN BEALL, JR., of applicants for assistance in rural eligible areas and the relative Managers on the Part of the Senate. needs of applicants for assistance in urban eligible areas and to any JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE The managers on the part of the House and the Senate at the con- ference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 16596) to amend the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to provide additional jobs for unemployed persons through programs of public service employment, submit the following joint statement to the House and the Senate in explanation of the effect of the action agreed upon by the managers and recommended in the accompanying conference report: The Senate amendment to the text of the bill struck out all of the House bill after the enacting clause and inserted a substitute text. The House recedes from its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate with an amendment which is a substitute for the House bill and the Senate amendment. The differences between the House bill, the Senate amendment, and the substitute agreed to in conference are noted below, except for clerical corrections, conforming changes made necessary by agreements reached by the conferees, and minor drafting and clarifying changes. SHORT TITLE The House bill may be cited as "The Emergency Jobs and Unem- ployment Assistance Act of 1974". The Senate amendment is cited as the "Special Employment As- sistance Act of 1974". The Senate recedes. TITLE I-PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT NEW TITLE OF COMPREHENSIVE UNEMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACT OF 1973 The House bill adds a new title VI to CETA. The Senate amendment amends title II. The Senate recedes. APPROPRIATIONS FOR EMERGENCY JOB PROGRAM The House bill authorizes the appropriation of $2 billion for fiscal year 1975 for the new title VI. The Senate amendment authorizes the appropriation of $4 billion for fiscal year 1975 for the revised title II. The conference agreement authorizes the appropriation of $2.5 bil- lion for the new title VI. (15) 16 17 The conferees wish to make plain that the new authorization for title VI in no way affects the open-ended authorizations for the Com- of unemployed persons in an eligible applicant's area bears to the total prehensive Employment and Training Act, which may be utilized for number of unemployed persons in the areas of all eligible applicants. funding public service jobs under that Act. Further, the provisions of The other 50 percent are distributed in the ratio that the number of un- title VI which are specially designed for the current unemployment employed persons in excess of 41/2 percent of the labor force in the area emergency do not affect the program carried out under title II. of one applicant bears to the total of such excess unemployed in the areas of all applicants. The Senate amendment provides that 75 percent of the funds subject AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR OBLIGATION to the allotment formula shall be distributed in the ratio that the num- The Senate amendment provides that fiscal year 1975 appropria- ber of unemployed in the area of an eligible applicant bears to those in tions for title II shall remain available for obligation until Decem- the areas of all eligible applicants. The other 25 percent are distributed ber 31, 1975. solely to areas previously qualifying under title II (areas, which may The House bill has no comparable provision but under section 4(b) be smaller than a prime sponsor area, with an unemployment rate of of CETA, funds appropriated for any fiscal year shall remain avail- 6.5 percent or more for three consecutive months). able for obligation through the succeeding fiscal year. The conference agreement provides that of the funds subject to the The House recedes. allotment formula: 50 percent shall be distributed in the ratio that the number of unemployed persons in an eligible applicant's area bears APPLICABILITY OF TITLE II OF THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND to the total number of unemployed persons in the areas of all eligible TRAINING ACT OF 1973 applicants; 25 percent shall be distributed in the ratio that the num- ber of unemployed persons in excess of 4½ percent of the labor force The House bill applies all relevant provisions of title II to the new in the area of the applicant bears to the total of such excess unemployed title except the provisions relating to use of funds for title I purposes. in the areas of all applicants; and the other 25 percent shall be dis- The Senate amendment makes applicable to the new title relevant tributed to areas qualifying under title II in the ratio that the number provisions of title II. of unemployed in the area bears to the total of unemployed in all such The House recedes. areas. The use of unemployment in title II areas as a significant com- ponent of the distribution formula will necessitate a new designation PREFERRED CONSIDERATION IN EMPLOYMENT of those areas based on the most recent data available. While the con- ferees expect that such designations be updated for the purpose of dis- The House bill gives preference in employment to unemployed tributing funds under the new title, the conferees insist that the dis- persons who (a) have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits; tribution of funds already appropriated not be delayed until such (b) are not eligible for such benefits; or (c) have been unemployed for designations are made. fifteen weeks or more. The Senate amendment provides special consideration for persons SPECIAL PROVISIONS TO EXPAND JOB OPPORTUNITIES who have been unemployed for fifteen weeks or more. The conference agreement provides for "preferred consideration" The House bill has special provisions relating to prime sponsors to the maximum extent feasible consistent with the provisions of the with unemployment rates in excess of 7 percent, title II areas served by Act and excludes new entrants to the labor force from the preferred State prime sponsors, prime sponsors designated because of their consideration given to unemployed persons who are not eligible for exceptional circumstances, and rural CEPs. The Senate amendment unemployment insurance benefits. has special provisions applicable to all funds allocated under the new part of title II. DISCRETIONARY FUNDS The House bill's special provisions: (1) waive various "transitional" provisions under title II; (2) authorize employment after seven The House bill applies a distribution formula to 90 percent of the rather than thirty days of unemployment; (3) authorize work experi- funds appropriated under the Act, and provides that the remaining ence programs in the public sector; (4) authorize payment of wages 10 percent of such funds may be distributed at the Secretary's dis- for publicly-operated capital improvement programs and, for cretion. taking into account changes in the rates of unemployment. communities with a population of under 10,000 (outside SMSAs), The Senate amendment contains a formula which applies to 100 wage payments on construction and improvement of water and waste percent of the funds appropriated for the new part of title II. There disposal facilities. The Senate amendment's special provisions author- are no discretionary funds under the Senate amendment. ize the use of funds for making payments to public employers for all The Senate recedes. the youth programs and other special programs, including publicly ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS operated Mainstream programs, authorized under Section 304(a) of CETA. The House bill provides that 50 percent of the funds subject to the allotment formula shall be distributed in the ratio that the number The conference agreement includes the provisions of both the House bill and the Senate amendment but with the following modifications: 18 19 (1) The Senate amendment's special provisions authorizing amendment is similar in substance but does not provide for a waiver payments to public employers for all the programs authorized of performance for placement goals. under section (a) is limited to those authorized by paragraphs The Senate recedes with an amendment providing for the waiver (3) through (6) of that section. While the conferees deleted the of goals rather than a waiver of performance. specific reference to paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) (relating to the Neighborhood Youth Corps in-school and out-of-school programs) EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS and paragraph (7) (relating to OIC, Jobs for Progress (SER), Operation Mainstream and other "community based organiza- The Senate amendment provides that title II funds may be tions") of section 304, it must be emphasized that they recognize utilized for projects or activities extending for a 12-month period the importance of such efforts and further emphasized that such from their commencement. efforts may be funded through other provisions of the Compre- The House bill contains no comparable provision but Section 4(b) hensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended by of CETA states that funds obligated in any fiscal year may be ex- this Act. pended during a period of two years from the date of obligation. (2) The waiver provisions of the House bill applicable under The House recedes with an amendment making this provision the conference agreement are made applicable only where the applicable only to funds appropriated under the new title VI. prime sponsor certifies that such waiver is necessary in order to provide sufficient job opportunities and gives public notice of that REALLOCATION OF FUNDS certification. The Senate amendment authorizes the Secretary to reallocate (3) Employment is authorized after 15 days of unemployment the Title II funds if he determines that the applicant cannot use them if the prime sponsor certifies that such hiring is in compliance with section 205 (c) (8). within a reasonable period. (4) Capital improvement projects are limited to those which The House bill has no comparable provision. would not otherwise be carried out. Existing law provides for reallocation of Title I funds, but not of Title II funds.) In providing a waiver of the 30-day waiting period the conferees want The House recedes with an amendment making this provision to emphasize that this provision in no way sanctions the substitution of applicable only to funds appropriated under the new title VI. Federal for State and local funds, and that the prohibition in the Act against so-called "paper lay-offs" are still in full force and effect. The SPECIAL REPORT purpose of the reduction in the waiting period is only to mitigate the potential hardship on unemployed persons. The strong feeling of the The Senate amendment provides for the Secretary to obtain infor- conferees in opposition to "paper lav-offs" should in no way be con- mation on prime sponsor practices affecting average annual wage rate strued to mean opposition to the rehiring of laid off workers per se. paid to public service employees and to make recommendations with The rehiring of former employees who lost their jobs due to a bona the aim of maintaining a nation-wide average wage of $7,500. fide lay off has always been permitted and is permitted here. The con- The House bill has no comparable provision. ferees also wish to point out that many laid off government employees The House recedes with an amendment removing the Secretary's will be in a preferred category for employment under this Act by authority to set goals and raising the average wage to $7,800. The con- reason of their ineligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. It ferees agreed that the Secretary's authority in this section is advisory should be further noted that the provisions of section 205(c) (7) pro- only, that his recommendations may not impose any requirements, and hibiting the hiring of any person when any other person is on lay-off that the right of an eligible applicant under section 208 (a) (3) to pay from the same or any substantially equivalent job still apply. In limit- persons at a rate of up to $10,000 per year from funds under this Act ing payment of wages on capital improvement projects to those which is not impaired. would not otherwise be carried out, the conferees want to assure that public employees hired under this title will be paid in accordance with PROVISION RELATING TO SUBSTANTIAL UNEMPLOYMENT UNDER TITLE II OF the applicable provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act, and that such em- THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACT OF 1973 ployees will not be used to perform work that would otherwise have been contracted out to private employers. In this connection. the con- The Senate amendment modifies the requirement of existing law ferees expect the Secretary to take special care that the provisions of that only persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment be section 208 (a) (1) are complied with. hired, by adding the qualification "to the extent feasible." The House bill has no comparable provision. PLACEMENT GOALS The Senate recedes. The House bill specifies that the Secretary may establish place- INCLUSION OF CHILD CARE AS A PUBLIC SERVICE ment goals, but not placement requirements, and requires any document containing such goals to give written notice. Applicants may request The Senate amendment includes "licensed child care" in the defini- waiver of performance where the goals are not feasible. The Senate tion of "public service". 20 21 The House bill has no comparable provision. tary of Labor, the Administrator of the VA, and the Secretary of Both the House bill and the Senate amendment would permit the HEW to carry out a veterans outreach and public information outstationing of public service employees to private non-profit organi- program. zations providing public services. These organizations would not be The House bill has no comparable provision. employing agencies, except in the sense that the daily management of The conference agreement (1) provides that the Director of the public personnel assigned to them would be in their hands. Veterans' Employment Service, together with the Secretary of Labor, The House recedes with an amendment deleting the word "licensed". the Under Secretary, and the appropriate Assistant Secretaries. shall The conferees intend that only child care which meets recognized be responsible for formulating and monitoring the implementation of standards, such as the Federal Interagency Day Care standards, is Labor Department policies and programs as they affect veterans, (2) included in the definition and that the word "licensed" was struck provides for maximum efforts to produce job and job-training oppor- solely because licensure is generally applicable to private rather than tunities for veterans discharged within four years after discharge, and public facilities. (3) directs that an outreach and public information program be car- ried out by the Secretary of Labor, the VA Administrator, and the PART-TIME WORK FOR CERTAIN WORKERS INCLUDED IN DEFINITION OF Secretary of HEW, with a report to Congress within 90 days on activ- PUBLIC SERVICE ities undertaken to carry out this provision and section 205 (c) (5) The Senate amendment adds to the definition of "public service" of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. in section 601 of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act PROVISION RELATING TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR VOCATIONAL of 1973, part time work for those who are handicapped or older, and EDUCATION who are unable, because of such age or handicap, or in the case of cer- tain categories of workers, such as G.I. Bill trainees, because of their The House bill authorizes the National Council for Vocational status, to engage in full time work. Education to accept gifts or grants and transfer of funds from other The House bill contains no comparable provision. agencies. The Senate amendment has no comparable provision. The House recedes. The Senate recedes. * * * * * * * PROVISION RELATING TO AGE DISCRIMINATION The House bill specifies that wages which have been used as a basis The Senate amendment includes in the conditions for receipt of for benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act shall financial assistance applicable to all programs under CETA a require- not be counted for purposes of entitlement under title II. ment that each grant, contract, or agreement specify that no program The Senate amendment applies to wages which have been counted will discriminate with respect to any program participant or appli- for benefits under any Federal or State unemployment compensation cant because of age. law. The House recedes. The application of the age discrimination re- The House recedes. quirements are not intended to preclude age classifications in the op- The Senate amendment has a special provision extending the period eration of programs such as Job Corps or Operation Mainstream in during which benefits can be drawn by workers who were subject to a which age limitations have been traditionally applied. temporary disqualification. The House bill has no comparable provision. AUTHORIZATIONS FOR TITLE III OF THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND The House recedes. TRAINING ACT OF 1973 The House bill uses areas which qualify for prime sponsorship under CETA. The Senate amendment authorizes the appropriation of such sums The Senate amendment uses areas served by a prime sponsor on the as may be necessary for title III of CETA. date of enactment. The House bill contains no comparable provision. The Senate recedes. The Senate recedes. The House bill provides that benefits shall be payable in an area if the national rate of unemployment is 6 percent or more and the local VETERANS EMPLOYMENT, OUTREACH, AND PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS rate is 6.5 percent or more. Under the Senate amendment benefits are payable either if the The Senate amendment provides for an affirmative action program, to be carried out by CETA prime sponsors, to employ Vietnam-era national rate is 6 percent or more or if the local rate is 6.5 percent or more. veterans (those discharged with other than dishonorable discharges The House recedes. since August 4, 1964) and veterans with service-connected disabilities. The Senate amendment provides that claims for assistance may be The House bill contains no comparable provision. The Senate amendment upgrades the Director of the Veterans Em- determined on the basis of affidavits which shall be subject to the false ployment Service and provides for cooperation between the Secre- statement provision of the Federal Criminal Code. 22 23 The House bill has no comparable provision. AUTHORIZATIONS The House recedes with an amendment making clear that the affi- davits shall be used only in cases where the claimant cannot obtain The Senate amendment authorizes $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 wage records from his employer. The purpose of this provision is to to carry out the provisions of this title, except that no further obli- expedite the processing of claims for claimants for whom such em- gations may be made when the national average rate of unemployment ployment records are not readily available. recedes below 6.5 per centum for three consecutive months. The House has no comparable provision. TITLE III-JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM The House recedes with an amendment which (1) reduces the au- thorization to $500,000,000 and (2) requires that of one-half of the PROGRAM AUTHORIZED funds appropriated under the title, only 25 percent may be used for non-labor costs on any project or program. Title III of the Senate amendment authorizes a one-year program to provide emergency financial assistance to stimulate, maintain, or TERMINATION DATE expand job creating activities in areas of the country suffering from unusually high levels of unemployment. Funds under this title will The Senate amendment provides that no further obligation of funds be available to supplement programs identified through the review appropriated under this title be made by the Secretary of Commerce process in section 1004 SO as to expand or accelerate their job creating after December 31, 1975. The House has no comparable provision. impact. The House recedes. In addition, these emergency funds will be available to initiate job creating activities in eligible areas when necessary to carry out the AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE purposes of the title. In allocating funds under this title, the Secretary of Commerce The Senate amendment provides that for the purposes of this title shall give priority consideration to the severity of unemployment in an "eligible area" means areas designated (1) as areas of substantial the area and the appropriateness of the proposed activity in relation unemployment, (2) under section 204 (c) of the Comprehensive Em- to the number and needs of unemployed persons in eligible areas. ployment and Training Act of 1973 and (3) the Public Works and Funds shall be available only for programs and projects which the Economic Development Act as a redevelopment area. Secretary of Commerce determines (1) will contribute significantly The House has no comparable provision. to the reduction of unemployment in the eligible areas, (2) can be The House recedes. initiated or strengthened within a reasonable period of time, (3) a The conferees wish to emphasize that programs and projects assisted substantial portion of which can be completed within 12 months after under this title are to be those which can be undertaken promptly and such allocation is made and (4) are not inconsistent with locally ap- which will be effectively in creating jobs for unemployed persons in proved comprehensive plans for the jurisdiction affected, whenever eligible areas. such plans exist. While funds under this title are available to supplement a wide The House bill has not comparable provision. range of Federal programs, the conferees wish to make clear their The House recedes with an amendment which (1) provides that intent that funds available under this title may be used to jointly fund the determinations under section 1003 (e) are to be made jointly by a CETA program authorized under title VI. Section 712 of the Public the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor, (2) adds to Works and Economic Development Act will apply to all such funding. section 1003 (e) a new criteria that first priority be given to those Joint funding under the Jobs Opportunities Program will be avail- projects which are most labor intensive and (3) substitutes the word able for prime sponsors to undertake projects the non-labor costs of "promptly" for " within a reasonable period of time" in section 1003 which exceed the 10 per centum limitation for other than wages and (e) (2). employment benefits required pursuant to section 203 (b) of the Com- PROGRAM REVIEW prehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended. Funds supplied under this provision may be used for necesasry non-labor The Senate amendment provides that within 45 days of the ef- costs such as materials, supplies and equipment, if the overall project fective date of this title, the Secretary of Commerce is directed, in will provide a substantial number of jobs in an area of high unemploy- consultation with other Federal agencies, to review and identify those ment. The conferees intend, however, that not more than 25 percent Federal programs and projects which have the potential to stimulate of the assistance provided under this title to such jointly funded proj- job opportunities in areas of high unemployment. ects be used for such non-labor costs. The House bill has no comparable provision. The House recedes with an amendment that the review be jointly carried out by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor in order to meet the requirements of section 1003 (e). 24 Funds under this title are to be equitably distributed between rural and urban eligible applicants. CARL D. PERKINS, DOMINICK V. DANIELS, JOSEPH M. GAYDOS, LLOYD MEEDS, ALBERT H. QUIE, MARVIN L. Esch, WILLIAM A. STEIGER, Managers on the Part of the House. GAYLORD NELSON, HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, JENNINGS RANDOLPH, EDWARD F. KENNEDY, WALTER F. MONDALE, ALAN CRANSTON, HAROLD E. HUGHES, WILLIAM D. HATHAWAY, J. JAVITS, PETER H. DOMINICK, DICK SCHWEIKER, ROBERT TAFT, Jr., J. GLENN BEALL, Jr., Managers on the Part of the Senate. H. R. 16596 Ainety-third Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the twenty-first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and seventy-four An Act To provide assistance for unemployed persons. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the "Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974". TITLE I-PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT EMERGENCY JOB PROGRAMS AUTHORIZED SEC. 101. The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 is amended by redesignating title VI, and all references thereto, as title VII, by redesignating sections 601 through 615, and all refer- ences thereto, as sections 701 through 715, respectively, and by insert- ing after title V the following new title: "TITLE VI-EMERGENCY JOB PROGRAMS "AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS "SEC. 601. There are authorized to be appropriated $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the provisions of this title. Any amounts SO appropriated for such fiscal year which are not obligated prior to the end of such fiscal year shall remain available for obliga- tion until December 31, 1975. "FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE "SEC. 602. (a) The Secretary shall enter into arrangements with eligible applicants in accordance with the provisions of this title in order to make financial assistance available for the purpose of provid- ing transitional employment for unemployed and underemployed per- sons in jobs providing needed public services, and training and manpower services related to such employment which are otherwise unavailable, and enabling such persons to move into employment not supported under this Act. (b) Not less than 90 per centum of the funds appropriated pursu- ant to this title which are used by an eligible applicant for public service employment programs shall be expended only for wages and employment benefits to persons employed in public service jobs pur- suant to this title. "(c) The provisions of section 204(d) and sections 205 through 211 shall apply to financial assistance under this title. (d) In filling public service jobs with financial assistance under this title, eligible applicants shall give preferred consideration, to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with other provisions of this Act, to unemployed persons who have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits (except for persons lacking work experience), and to unemployed persons who have been unemployed for fifteen or more weeks. "(e) For purposes of this section, the term 'eligible applicants' means prime sponsors qualified under title I and Indian tribes on Fed- eral or State reservations. H. R. 16596-2 "ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS "SEC. 603. (a) (1) Not less than 90 per centum of the amounts appro- priated under section 601 for any fiscal year shall be allotted among eligible applicants by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. "(2) (A) Fifty per centum of the amount allotted under this subsection shall be allotted among eligible applicants in proportion to the relative number of unemployed persons who reside in areas within the jurisdiction of each such applicant as compared to the number of unemployed persons who reside in all such areas in all the States. (B) Twenty-five per centum of the amount allotted under this subsection shall be allotted among eligible applicants in accordance with the number of unemployed persons residing in areas of substan- tial unemployment (as defined in section 204(c)) within the juris- diction of the applicant compared to the number of unemployed persons residing in all such areas. "(C) Twenty-five per centum of the amount allotted under this subsection shall be allotted among eligible applicants on the basis of the relative excess number of unemployed persons who reside within the jurisdiction of the applicant as compared to the total excess num- ber of unemployed persons who reside within the jurisdiction of all eligible applicants. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term 'excess number' means (i) the number which represents unemployed persons in excess of 41/2 per centum of the labor force in the jurisdiction of the applicant in whose jurisdiction such persons reside or (ii), in the case of an applicant which is a State, the term 'excess number' means such number as defined in clause (i) or the number which represents unemployed persons in excess of 41/2 per centum of the labor force in areas eligible for assistance under title II located in the geographical area served by such State prime sponsor under title I or II, whichever is greater. '(b) The remainder of the amount appropriated under section 601 shall be available to the Secretary for financial assistance under section 602 as the Secretary deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of this title, taking into account changes in rates of unemployment. "(c) For purposes of determining allocations under this section, the term 'jurisdiction' includes the jurisdiction of each unit of general local government as described in section 102(a) (2) whether or not such unit has entered into a combination of units of general local government for purposes of section 102(a) (3) or section 102 (a) (4). "SPECIAL PROVISION FOR AREAS OF EXCESSIVELY HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT AND TO EXPAND JOB OPPORTUNITIES "SEC. 604. (a) Funds allocated from appropriations for carrying out this title to any eligible applicant, which certifies to the Secretary that the application of the provisions of this section is necessary in order to provide sufficient job opportunities in the area served by such eligible applicant, may be used for making payments to public employers to expand the provision of job opportunities of the type described in paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) of section 304(a) of this Act. "(b) In accordance with the provisions of subsection (c), and not- withstanding the provisions of sections 602(a) and 602(b), funds allotted under section 603 to eligible applicants may be used for- "(1) public service employment programs without regard to the provisions of sections 205(b), 205 (c) (4), 205 (6), 205 (c) (16), (19), and 208 (6). "(2) providing employment for persons who have been unem- ployed for at least 15 days without regard to the provision of sec- H. R. 16596-3 tion 205 (a) relating to 30 days of unemployment, if the applicant certifies that the hiring of an individual will not violate the pro- visions of section 205 (c) (8). "(3) payment of wages (at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Sec- retary in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 276a-276a-5)), for unemployed and underemployed per- sons as employees of public employers in jobs on community capi- tal improvement projects which would not otherwise be carried out, including the rehabilitation, alteration, or improvement of public buildings, roads and other public transportation facilities, health and education facilities, and other facilities for the im- provement of the community in which the project is or will be located, and including construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or improvement of water and waste disposal facilities in communi- ties having populations of 10,000 individuals or less which are outside the boundaries of a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census). '(c) The provisions of subsection (b) shall apply to any area having an unemployment rate in excess of 7 per centum, and to any area, without regard to the rate of unemployment of such area, if such area is served by a prime sponsor which qualifies under section 102(a) (4) or section 102 (a) (5) or is in an area which is eligible for assistance under title II and which is served by a State prime sponsor, and if the prime sponsor for such area certifies to the Secretary that the applica- tion of such provisions is necessary in order to provide sufficient job opportunities, and gives public notice of such certification. "EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS "SEC. 605. Funds obligated for the purposes of providing public service employment under this title may be utilized by prime spon- sors for projects and activities planned to extend over a twelve-month period from the commencement of any such project or activity. "REALLOCATION OF FUNDS "SEC. 606. The Secretary is authorized to make such reallocations as he deems appropriate of any amount of any allocation under this title to the extent that the Secretary determines that an eligible applicant will not be able to use such amount within a reasonable period of time. Any such amount may be reallocated only if the Secretary has pro- vided thirty days' advance notice to the prime sponsor for such area and to the Governor of the State of the proposed reallocation, during which period of time the prime sponsor and the Governor may submit comments to the Secretary. fter considering any comments submitted during such period of time, the Secretary shall notify the Governor and affected prime sponsors of any decision to reallocate funds, and shall publish any such decision in the Federal Register. Any such funds shall be reallocated to other areas within the same State." PLACEMENT GOALS SEC. 103. Section 211 of the Comprehensive Employment and Train- ing Act of 1973 is amended by striking out "PROVISION" in the title and inserting in lieu thereof "PROVISIONS", by inserting "(a)" immedi- ately before the first sentence, and by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: '(b) No officer or employee of the Department of Labor shall, by regulation or otherwise, impose on any eligible applicant, as a condi- tion for the receipt of financial assistance under this title, any require- ment that any eligible applicant must place in other jobs a specific H. R. 16596-4 number or proportion of public service jobholders supported under this title. The Secretary may establish placement goals for eligible applicants, except that such goals must be identified as goals, not requirements, and any form or other document developed pursuant to such regulations shall give written notice to that effect. Any eligible applicant shall have the right, clearly stated in such regulations, to request a waiver of such goals if, in his judgment, such goals are not feasible. Such waiver, a request for which may be submitted at any time, may be granted by the Secretary where, in his judgment, local conditions warrant it. Wherever such a waiver has been granted, fail- ure to meet placement goals shall not be cited in any official review or evaluation of that eligible applicant's programs." VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS SEC. 104. (a) The Director of the Veterans' Employment Service, Department of Labor, established by section 2002 of title 38, United States Code, together with the Secretary and Under Secretary of Labor and such Assistant Secretaries of Labor as the Secretary may designate, shall be responsible for formulating and monitoring the implementation of all departmental policies and programs as they affect veterans, especially those relating to unemployment, job train- ing, employment, and placement under any provision of law. (b) The Secretary of Labor, in consultation and cooperation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, shall provide for an outreach and public information program utilizing, to the maximum extent, the facilities of the Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare and the Veterans' Administration in order to (A) exercise maximum efforts to produce jobs and job training opportunities for individuals who served in the Armed Forces and were discharged within 4 years before the date of their application for such jobs or job training and inform all eligible veterans about employment, job training, on-the-job training, and educational opportunities, under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended by this Act, as provided for under title 38, United States Code, and under any other provision of law, and (B) inform all eligible applicants under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, Federal con- tractors and subcontractors, all Federal departments and agencies, educational institutions, labor unions, and other employers, of their responsibilities under this subsection and under all such laws, and (C) provide the entities described in clause (B) of this subsection technical assistance in carrying out those responsibilities. The Secre- tary of Labor, in consultation and cooperation with the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall report to the appropriate committees of the Congress not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act on the steps taken and regulations issued to carry out the provisions of this section and of section 205(c) (5) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. SPECIAL REPORT Sec. 105. Section 209 of such Act is amended by striking out "Sec. 209." and inserting in lieu thereof "Sec. 209. (a)". and by adding at the end of such section the following new subsection "(b) In compiling the data which the Secretary is required to report to the Congress under section 208(e), the Secretary shall obtain and compile information on practices and procedures implemented by prime sponsors affecting average annual wage rates paid to public service job holders and public service job opportunities described H. R. 16596-5 under this title. The Secretary is authorized to make general recom- mendations to prime sponsors, on a regional and area basis, as he may deem appropriate, consistent with section 208(a) (3) (relating to the maximum annual wage rate per public service job holder), taking into account average wages in the various areas served and the cost of living in such areas, with the aim of maintaining the number of jobs on a nationwide average in federally supported wage rates equivalent to $7,800 per public service job holder." TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS SEC. 106. (a) Section 201 of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 is amended by striking out the words "of sub- stantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "qualifying for assistance". (b) Section 202 (a) of such Act is amended by inserting before the words "under this title" the following: "for use in areas of substantial unemployment". (c) Section 204 (a) (2) of such Act is amended by striking out "and which include areas of substantial unemployment". (d) (1) Section 204(d) (1) of such Act is amended by striking out the words "of substantial unemployment" each place they appear and inserting "qualifying for assistance". (2) Section 204(d) (3) of such Act is amended by striking out "of substantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "qualifying for assistance". (e) Section 205 (a) of such Act is amended by striking out "of sub- stantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "qualifying for assistance". (f) Section 205 (c) (3) of such Act is amended by striking out "areas of substantial unemployment" and inserting in lieu thereof "area qualifying for assistance". (g) Section 210 of such Act is amended by striking out "for resi- dents of the areas of substantial unemployment designated under this title" and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "for residents of the area qualifying for such assistance". MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS SEC. 107. (a) Section 701 (a) (7) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 of this Act) is amended by inserting after "education," the following: "child care,". (b) Section 701 (a) (7) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 of this Act) is further amended by inserting after "work" the fol- lowing: ", including part-time work for individuals who are unable, because of age, handicap, or other factors, to work full time,". (c) Section 701 (a) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 of this Act) is amended by inserting after paragraph (13) the following new paragraph: (14) 'veterans outreach' means the veterans outreach services program carried out under subchapter IV of chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code, with full utilization of veterans receiv- ing educational assistance or vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31 or 34 of such title 38." (d) Section 703(1) of such Act (as redesignated by section 101 of this Act) is amended by inserting after "sex," the following: "age,". NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SEC. 108. Section 104(a) of the Vocational Education Act of 1963 (as amended) is amended by adding at the end thereof a new para- graph as follows: H. R. 16596-6 (6) The National Council may accept gifts or grants and may accept transfer of funds from other departments or agencies.". TITLE II-SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STATEMENT OF PURPOSE SEC. 201. It is the purpose of this title to establish a temporary Federal program of special unemployment assistance for workers who are unemployed during a period of aggravated unemployment and who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment allowances under any other law. GRANTS TO STATES: AGREEMENT WITH STATES SEC. 202. Each State which enters into an agreement with the Secre- tary of Labor, pursuant to which it makes payments of special unem- ployment assistance in accordance with the provisions of this title and the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor hereunder, shall be paid by the United States from time to time, prior to audit or settlement by the General Accounting Office, such amounts as are deemed necessary by the Secretary of Labor to carry out the provisions of this title in the State. Assistance may be paid under this title to individuals only pursuant to such an agreement. ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS SEC. 203. An individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of assistance or waiting period credit with respect to a week of unem- ployment occurring during and subsequent to a special unemploy- ment assistance period in accordance with the provisions of this title if- (1) the individual is not eligible for compensation under any State or Federal unemployment compensation law (including the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.)) with respect to such week of unemployment, and is not receiving compensation with respect to such week of unemploy- ment under the unemployment compensation law of Canada and is not eligible for assistance or an allowance payable with respect to such week of unemployment under such laws as the Public Works and Economic Development Act Amendments of 1974, the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, or any successor legislation or similar legislation, as determined by the Secretary: Provided, That the individual meets the qualifying employment and wage requirements of the applicable State unemployment compensation law in a base year which, notwithstanding the State law, shall be the fifty-two-week period preceding the first week with respect to which the indi- vidual: (1) files a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this title; (2) is totally or partially unemployed; and (3) meets such qualifying employment and wage requirements; and for the purpose of this proviso employment and wages which are not covered by the State law shall be treated as though they were covered, except that employment and wages covered by any State or Federal unemployment compensation law, including the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), shall be excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to compensation for unemployment thereunder on the basis of such employment and wages; and H. R. 16596-7 (2) the individual is totally or partially unemployed, and is able to work, available for work, and seeking work, within the meaning of, or as required by, the applicable State unemploy- ment compensation law, and is not subject to disqualification under that law and (3) the individual has filed a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this title; and (4) in the area in which the individual was last employed for at least five work days prior to filing a claim under this title for assistance or waiting period credit with respect to such week of unemployment, a special unemployment assistance period is in effect with respect to such week of unemployment: Provided, That if the individual, except for the imposition of a disqualifi- cation in accordance with subsection (b), was otherwise eligible for a payment of assistance or waiting period credit under this title with respect to a week of unemployment which began dur- ing a special unemployment assistance period, but did not exhaust entitlement to assistance during such period, entitlement shall continue after the end of the period but no assistance shall be paid under this title for any week of unemployment that begins more than twenty-six weeks after the end of such period; and (5) the State in which the individual was last employed for at least five work days prior to filing a claim under this title for assistance or waiting period credit with respect to such week of unemployment, has an agreement with the Secretary of Labor under section 202 which is in effect with respect to such week of unemployment. SPECIAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PERIOD SEC. 204. (a) A special unemployment assistance period shall com- mence in an area designated by the Secretary with the third week after the first week for which the Secretary determines that there is an "on" indicator for such area, and shall terminate with the third week after the first week for which the Secretary determines that there is an "off" indicator for such area except that no special unemployment assistance period shall have a duration of less than thirteen weeks. (b) The Secretary shall designate as an area under this section areas served by an entity which is eligible to be a prime sponsor under section 102(a) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-203). (c) There is an "on" indicator in an area for a week if for the most recent three consecutive calendar months for which data are available the Secretary determines that- (1) the rate (seasonally adjusted) of national unemployment averaged 6 per centum or more; or (2) the rate of unemployment in the area averaged 6.5 per centum or more. (d) There is an "off" indicator for a week, if for the most recent three consecutive calendar months for which data are available the Secretary determines that both subsections (c) (1) and (c) (2) are not satisfied. (e) The determinations made under this section shall take into account the rates of unemployment for three consecutive months, even though any or all of such months may have occurred not more than three complete calendar months prior to the enactment of this Act. WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT SEC. 205. (a) The amount of assistance under this title to which an eligible individual shall be entitled for a week of unemployment shall H. R. 16596-8 be the weekly benefit amount for a week of unemployment that would be payable to the individual as regular compensation as computed under the provisions of the applicable State unemployment compensa- tion law: Provided, That in computing the weekly benefit amount under this subsection the individual's base year, notwithstanding the State law, shall be the fifty-two-week period preceding the first week with respect to which the individual: (1) files a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this title; (2) is totally or partially unemployed; and (3) meets the qualifying employment and wage requirements of subsection (a) of section 203; and for the purpose of this proviso employment and wages which are not covered by the applicable State unemployment compensation law shall be treated as though they were covered, except that employment and wages covered by any State or Federal unemployment compensation law, including the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), shall be excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to compensation for unemployment thereunder on the basis of such employment and wages. (b) Notwithstanding any provisions of State law, claims for assist- ance under this title may be determined, where an employment record is not available, on the basis of an affidavit submitted by an applicant. If an applicant knowingly provides false information in such affidavit, he shall be ineligible for any assistance under this title and shall, in addition, be subject to prosecution under section 1001 of title 18, United States Code. MAXIMUM BENEFIT AMOUNT SEC. 206. The maximum amount of assistance under this title which an eligible individual shall be entitled to receive shall be the maximum amount of regular compensation that would be payable to such individ- ual as computed under the provisions of the applicable State unem- ployment compensation law, but not exceeding twenty-six times the weekly benefit amount payable to the individual for a week of total unemployment as determined under subsection (a) of section 205: Provided, That for the purposes of this subsection the individual's base year, notwithstanding the State law, shall be the fifty-two-week period preceding the first week with respect to which the individual: (1) files a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this title; (2) is totally or partially unemployed and (3) meets the qualifying employment and wage requirements of section 203 ; and for the purpose of this proviso employment and wages which are not covered by the State law shall be treated as though they were covered, except that employment and wages covered by any State or Federal unem- ployment compensation law, including the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), shall be excluded to the extent that the individual is or was entitled to compensation for unemploy- ment thereunder on the basis of such employment and wages. APPLICABLE STATE LAW PROVISIONS SEC. 207. Except where inconsistent with the provisions of this title, the terms and conditions of the applicable State unemployment com- pensation law which apply to claims thereunder for regular compen- sation and the payment thereof shall apply to claims for assistance under this title and the payment thereof. TERMINATION DATE SEC. 208. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, no pay- ment of assistance under this title shall be made to any individual with H. R. 16596-9 respect to any week of unemployment ending after March 31, 1976; and no individual shall be entitled to any compensation with respect to any initial claim for assistance or waiting period credit made after December 31, 1975. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS SEC. 209. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated for pur- poses of this title such sums as may be necessary. DEFINITIONS SEC. 210. (a) As used in the title, the term- (1) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor; (2) "State" means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; (3) "applicable State unemployment compensation law" means the law of the State in which the individual was last employed for at least five work days prior to filing a claim for assistance or waiting period credit under this title; and (4) "week" means a calendar week. (b) Assistance under this title shall not be considered to be regular compensation for purposes of qualifying for benefits under the Fed- eral-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, and claims filed under this title shall not be treated as claims for weeks of unemployment for purposes of determining the rate of insured unem- ployment under section 203 (f) (1) of such Act. TITLE III-JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM SEC. 301. The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new title: "TITLE X-JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM "STATEMENT OF PURPOSE "SEC. 1001. It is the purpose of this title to provide emergency finan- cial assistance to stimulate, maintain or expand job creating activities in areas, both urban and rural, which are suffering from unusually high levels of unemployment. "DEFINITIONS "SEC. 1002. For the purpose of this title— "(1) the term 'eligible area' means— "(A) any area, which the Secretary of Labor designates as an area which has a rate of unemployment, equal to or in excess of 6.5 per centum for three consecutive months. (B) any area designated pursuant to section 204(c) of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, and "(C) any area which is designated by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to section 401 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 as a redevelopment area. "PROGRAM AUTHORIZED "SEC. 1003. (a) To carry out the purposes of this title, the Secretary of Commerce, in accordance with the provisions of this title, is author- ized from funds appropriated and made available under section 1007 of this title to provide financial assistance to programs and projects H. R. 16596-10 identified through the review process described in section 1004 to expand or accelerate the job creating impact of such programs or projects for unemployed persons in eligible areas. Programs and proj- ects for which funds are made available under this title shall not be approved until the officials of the appropriate units of general govern- ment in the affected area have an adequate opportunity to comment on the specific proposal. (b) Whenever funds are made available by the Secretary of Com- merce under this title for any program or project, the head of the department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government administering the law authorizing such assistance shall, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, administer the law authorizing such assistance in accordance with all applicable provisions of that law, except provisions relating to- "(1) requiring allocation of funds among the States, "(2) limits upon the total amount of such grants for any period, and "(3) the Federal contribution to any State or local govern- ment, whenever the President or head of such department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government determines that any non-Federal contribution cannot reasonably be obtained by the State or local government concerned. (c) Where necessary to effectively carry out the purposes of this title, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to initiate programs in eligible areas. '(d) In allocating funds under this title, the Secretary of Commerce shall give priority consideration to- "(1) the severity of unemployment in the area; and "(2) the appropriateness of the proposed activity in relating to the number and needs of unemployed persons in eligible areas. "(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, funds allocated by the Secretary of Commerce shall be available only for programs or projects which the Secretary of Commerce and the Secre- tary of Labor jointly determine are programs or projects- (1) which will contribute significantly to the reduction of unemployment in the eligible area; "(2) which can be initiated or strengthened promptly; (3) a substantial portion of which can be completed within 12 months after such allocation is made; "(4) which are not inconsistent with locally approved compre- hensive plans for the jurisdiction affected, whenever such plans exist; and (5) which will be approved giving first priority to programs and projects which are most labor intensive. "PROGRAM REVIEW "SEC. 1004. Within 45 days after the date of enactment of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974, each department, agency or instrumentality of the Federal government, and each regional commission established by section 101 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 or pursuant to section 502 of this Act, shall (1) complete a review of its budget, plans and program including State, substate and local development plans filed with such department, agency or commission; (2) evaluate the job creation effec- tiveness of programs and projects for which funds are proposed to be obligated in calendar year 1975 and additional programs and projects for which funds could be obligated in such year with Federal financial assistance under this title; and (3) submit to the Secretary of Com- merce and the Secretary of Labor recommendations for programs and projects which have the potential to stimulate the creation of H. R. 16596-11 jobs for unemployed persons in eligible areas. Within 30 days of the receipt of such recommendations the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor shall jointly review such recommendations, and the Secretary of Commerce shall after consultation with such depart- ment, agency, instrumentality, and regional commissions, make alloca- tions of funds in accordance with section 1003 (e) of this title. "LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUNDS "SEC. 1005. Fifty per centum of the funds appropriated pursuant to section 1007 of this title shall be available only for programs and projects in which not more than 25 percent of such funds will be expended for necessary non-labor costs. "RULES AND REGULATIONS "SEC. 1006. The Secretary of Commerce shall prescribe such rules, regulations, and procedures to carry out the provisions of this title as will assure that adequate consideration is given to the relative needs of applicants for assistance in rural eligible areas and the relative needs of applicants for assistance in urban eligible areas and to any equitable distribution of funds authorized under this title between rural and urban eligible applicants. "AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS "SEC. 1007. There are authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for the fiscal year 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title, except that no further obligation of funds appropriated under this section may be made subsequent to a determination that the national average rate of unemployment has receded below 6.5 per centum for three consecutive calendar months as determined by the Secretary of Labor. Any amounts SO appropriated for such fiscal year which are not obli- gated prior to the end of such fiscal year shall remain available for obligation until December 31, 1975. "TERMINATION DATE "SEC. 1008. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no further obligation of funds appropriated under this title shall be made by the Secretary of Commerce after December 31, 1975." "SEC. 302. Section 712 of the Public Works and Economic Develop- ment Act of 1965 is amended by striking "or 403" and inserting in lieu thereof "403, 903, and 1003". Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 31, 1974 Office of the White House Press Secretary (Vail, Colorado) BERALD THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today I signed into law H. R. 16596, the Emergency Job and Unemployment Assistance Act, and H. R. 17597, the Emergency Unemployment Compensa- tion Act. These are important measures which provide much needed help to our unemployed fellow citizens. On October 8, when I outlined to Congress my proposals to fight inflation and unemployment, I pointed out that the Conference on Inflation had made us all aware of the undue burden being carried by those who lost their jobs during this period of worsening economic conditions. I proposed a temporary program to expand unemployment assistance and create jobs. The Emergency Unemployment Compansation Act provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to persons who are now covered by unemployment compen- sation laws. This makes it possible for workers who have lost jobs to re- ceive up to one full year of protection if they are unable to find employment. Title II of the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act creates a temporary unemployment insurance program for jobless workers not now eligible for payments under any other State or Federal programs, including State and local government employees, farm workers, domestic workers, and others not now covered. Designed to respond to changing economic conditions, these two programs providing urgent added protection for workers will automatically expand when unemployment is high and contract when it recedes. Expenditures under existing law of at least $10 billion are projected in fiscal year 1975 for unemployment compensation. The Urgent Supplemental Appro- priations bill which I will sign shortly provides $2. 75 billion for these two new temporary programs to be used as needed for direct aid to workers. Title I of H. R. 16597 authorizes a temporary expansion of funding for jobs in the public sector. This action provides up to 100, 000 new jobs in addition to the 170,000 financed by funds currently available under existing law. At my request, the Secretary of Labor has already urged the State governors to move quickly in making assistance available to the jobless. The Secretary is also working with the States and localities to develop all available resources for the immediate and effective creation of jobs. With regard to Title III of H. R. 16596, I believe that its provisions would create an unnecessarily complex and unwieldy administrative mechanism in- volving program and project reviews by all Federal agencies, regional com- missions, and units of general government. I will, therefore, request that the Congress transfer appropriations from this Title to Title I of the Act so that needed employment can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. In sum, however, I commend the 93rd Congress for its action on these two vital measures and am confident that the spurt of cooperation and conciliation which marked their passage will carry over into the new year and the new Congress. ### STATE December 24, 1974 ceal Dear Mr. Director: The following bills were received at the White House OIL December 24th: S.J. Res. 40 S. 3481 H.R. 8958 H.R. 14600 S.J. Res. 133 B. 3548 H.R. 8981 H.R. 14689 S.J. Res. 262 S. 3934 H.R. 9182 H.R. 14718 S. 251 8. 3943 H.R. 9199 H.R. 15173 S. 356 S. 3976 H.R. 9588 H.R. 15223 S. 521 S. 4073 H.R. 9654 H.R. 15229 S. 544 S. 4206 H.R. 10212 H.R. 15322 S. 663 H.J. Res. 1178 H.R. 10701 H.R. 15977 S. 754 H.J. Res. 1180 H.R. 10710 H.R. 16045 8. 1017 H.R. 421 H.R. 10827 H.R. 16215 S.1083 H.R. 1715 H.R. 11144 H.R. 16596 S. 1296 H.R. 1820 H.R. 11273 H.R. 16925 8. 1418 H.R. 2208 H.R. 11796 H.R. 17010 8.2149 H.R. 2933 H.R. 11802 H.R. 17045 S. 2446 H.R. 3203 H.R. 11847 H.R. 17085 S. 2807 H.R. 3339 H.R. 11897 H.R. 17468 S. 2854 H.R. 5264 H.R. 12044 H.R. 17558 S. 2888 H.R. 5463 H.R. 12113 H.R. 17597 S.2994 H.R. 5773 H.R. 12427 H.R. 17628 S. 3022 H.R. 7599 H.R. 12884 H.R. 17655 S. 3289 H.R. 7684 H.R. 13022 S. 3358 H.R. 7767 H.R. 13296 S. 3359 H.R. 8214 H.R. 13869 S. 3394 H.R. 8322 H.R. 14449 S. 3433 H.R. 8591 H.R. 14461 Please let the President have reports and recommendations as to the approval of these bills as soon as possible. Sincerely, Robert D. Linder Chief Executive Clerk The Honorable Roy L. Ash Director Office of Management and Budget Washington, D. C.