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The original documents are located in Box 34, "5/26/76 - Remarks at the Annual
Governor's Conference on Aging, Columbus, Ohio" of the President's Speeches and
Statements: Reading Copies 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 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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
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copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 34 of President's Speeches and Statements: Reading Copies at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON
THE AGING
WEDNESDAY - - MAY 26, 1976
COLUMBUS, OHIO
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON AGING
THANK YOU, JIM.
(Governor Rhodes introduces you. )
DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE OHIO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
SAM DEVINE
CHALMERS WYLIE
BILL HARSHA
TENNYSON GUYER
CHUCK MOSHER
RATH REGULA
BUDCLARENCE BROWN
ToM KINDNESS
SECRETARY BUTZ / MAYOR Tam MOODY
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
1.
IN 1952 WINSTON CHURCHILL, THEN A MERE 77 YEARS
OLD, HAD BEEN CALLED INTO THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY
FOR A SECOND TERM AS PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN.
SMILING IMPISHLY, HE TOLD THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS,
AND I QUOTE, "EVERYONE HAS HIS DAY, AND SOME DAYS
LAST LONGER THAN OTHERS."
2.
TODAY I WELCOME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART
OF YOUR ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE / CONCERNED WITH
THE MANY AMERICANS WHOSE DAYS HAVE LASTED LONGER
THAN OTHERS.
3.
THE CAREERS OF WINSTON CHURCHILL AND OTHERS WHO
ROSE TO PROMINENCE IN THEIR LATER YEARS REMINDS US
ALL,
IF WE NEED TO BE REMINDED,
1
THAT ADVANCING YEARS
NEED NOT MEAN A RETREAT FROM AN ACTIVE,
EVENTFUL
AND ENJOYABLE LIFE.
4.
NOR SHOULD ADVANCING YEARS BE THE CERTAIN
BEARER OF POOR HEALTH, MEAGER INCOME OR SOCIAL
ISOLATION. THE ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS TAUGHT US THAT
THE MEASURE OF CIVILIZATION'S ADVANCEMENT CAN BE FOUND
IN THE TREATMENT OF ITS ELDERLY.
5.
HERE IN OHIO YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED YOUR
CONCERN IN VERY SOLID AND PRACTICAL WAYS.
THIS CONFERENCE IS BUT ONE EXAMPLE OF YOUR ONGOING
COMMITMENT.
6.
OHIO HAS PIONEERED IN PROVIDING SENIOR
CITIZENS' CENTERS THAT OFFER A BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES
TO THE ELDERLY
THE TWO GOLDEN AGE VILLAGES
CONSTRUCTED BY YOUR STATE PROVIDE A MODEL ALTERNATIVE
TO INSTITUTIONAL CARE AT A REASONABLE COST
7.
Kov.Rhode
IN PARTICULAR, LET ME COMMEND THE GOLDEN
BUCKEYE PROGRAM WHICH WAS BEGUN THREE MONTHS AGO
BY GOVERNOR RHODES
IN THAT VERY BRIEF TIME,
I UNDERSTAND THAT 178,000 OHIOANS HAVE SIGNED UP
FOR H
8.
I AM PROUD THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS
ABLE TO HELP MAKE THE GOLDEN BUCKEYE PROGRAM A
REALITY, BY PROVIDING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WITH THE
FUND S / THROUGH THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND
TRAINING ACT.
9.
THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE WAY THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT CAN SERVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THROUGH
THEIR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
10.
FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, THROUGH THE VEHICLE
OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND OTHER PROGRAMS, THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT HAS MADE A FIRM COMMITMENT OF SUPPORT FOR
THE OLDER CITIZENS OF OUR SOCIETY.
11.
I PLEDGE TO YOU TODAY THAT I WILL CONTINUE
TO UPHOLD THAT COMMITMENT.
IN RECENT YEARS, THERE
HAS BEEN DRAMATIC PROGRESS IN OUR EFFORTS TO MEET
THE CONTINUING NEEDS OF AMERICA'S OLDER GENERATION.
BUT I WANT TO DO BETTER -- AND WITH YOUR HELP AND
WITH THE HELP OF A RESPONSIBLE CONGRESS
It
I WILL.
12.
AS PRESIDENT, I INTEND TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY
POWER TO HELP OUR NATION DEMONSTRATE ITS DEEP CONCERN
FOR THE DIGNITY AND THE WELL-BEING OF OUR OLDER
GENERATIONS.
13.
THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM,
THE LARGEST
OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD, WILL PAY ALMOST 83 BILLION
DOLLARS TO MORE THAN 32 MILLION AMERICANS IN FISCAL
YEAR 1977.
THAT IS MORE THAN A TEN BILLION DOLLAR
INCREASE OVER THE CURRENT YEAR.
14.
IN MY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977, I AM
RECOMMENDING THAT THE FULL COST OF LIVING INCREASE
IN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BE PAID DURING THE COMING
YEAR.
15.
AS YOU KNOW, THERE ARE PROBLEMS FACING
OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM NEXT YEAR, UNLESS MY
REFORMS ARE ADOPTED, THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND WILL
RUN A DEFICIT OF THREE AND A HALF BILLION DOLLARS
16.
LET ME ASSURE YOU VERY EMPHATICALLY:
MY ADMINISTRATION FULLY INTENDS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY
AND THE SOLVENCY OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR
BENEFIT AND THAT OF ALL WORKING AMERICANS
NOW AS WELL
AS IN THE FUTURE
17.
AS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT, WE ARE GOING TO
KEEP SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION AND EVERY OTHER
RETIREMENT PROGRAM STRONG, SOUND AND CERTAIN.
YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT.
18.
IN ADDITION TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM,
WE ARE CONTINUING OUR STRONG COMMITMENT TO BENEFIT
PROGRAMS FOR MORE THAN THREE MILLION RAILROAD,
MILITARY AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.
19.
AFTER MANY, MANY YEARS OF SACRIFICE AND
HARD WORK, THESE AMERICANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH
TO OUR GREAT NATION.
THEY HAVE EARNED OUR RESPECT.
THEY HAVE EARNED MORE THAN THE PROSPECT OF POVERTY
IN THEIR RETIREMENT YEARS.
20.
IN MY BUDGET, THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
PROGRAM, OR SSI, WILL PAY ALMOST 6 BILLION DOLLARS
IN FEDERAL BENEFITS TO MORE THAN FIVE MILLION DISABLED
AND DISADVANTAGED OLDER AMERICANS IN 1977__
140,000 OF THEM RIGHT HERE IN OHIO.
21.
IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH CARE, THE FEDERAL
MEDICARE PROGRAM IN 1976 WILL PROVIDE MORE THAN
17 BILLION DOLLARS FOR THE HEALTH CARE OF 24 MILLION
OLDER AND DISABLED AMERICANS________________ ONE MILLION,
200 THOUSAND RIGHT HERE IN THE
GREAT STATE OF OHIO.
22.
BUT THERE ARE FLAWS IN THIS PROGRAM, WHICH
ACTUALLY HELP RAISE THE COST OF YOUR MEDICAL CARE
/
AND WHICH FAIL TO PROTECT YOU ADEQUATELY AGAINST THE
ECONOMIC BURDENS OF PROLONGED ILLNESS.
23.
I HAVE PROPOSED MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MEDICARE PROGRAM TO MAKE IT SERVE YOU BETTER.
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS WOULD PROVIDE
FOR THE PAYMENT OF ALL BUT A VERY SMALL FRACTION OF THE
CATASTROPHIC COST OF COMPLEX OR EXTENDED CARE AND
TREATMENT.
24.
I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT MEDICAL TREATMENT
IS VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE TODAY.
IF YOU HAVE TO STAY
IN A HOSPITAL OR A NURSING HOME OR UNDER A DOCTOR'S
CARE FOR A VERY, VERY LONG TIME, / IT PUTS AN INCREDIBLE
STRAIN ON YOUR LIFETIME SAVINGS AND ON YOUR PEACE
OF MIND / AND THAT STRAIN IS FELT BY YOUR LOVED ONES
AS WELL.
25.
ALL OF US KNOW OF CASES IN WHICH SOMEONE IN
THE FAMILY OR A CLOSE FRIEND OR A MEMBER OF YOUR
CHURCH HAS BEEN STRICKEN WITH AN ILLNESS THAT LINGERS
ON AND ON AND ON.
WE KNOW OF THE PAIN AND THE
HEARTACHE ASSOCIATED WITH A PROLONGED ILLNESS.
26.
WE KNOW THAT BEING SICK AND BEDRIDDEN FOR
A LONG, LONG TIME IS BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT HAVING A
PERSON'S INCOME AND LIFE SAVINGS DWINDLE AWAY AS
THE MEDICAL BILLS KEEP PILING UP.
27.
THIS MUST NOT CONTINUE, AND IT WON'T,
WITH MY PROGRAM.
28.
THERE IS NO REASON THAT OLDER AMERICANS SHOULD
HAVE TO GO BROKE JUST TO GET WELL OR STAY WELL N THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
29.
UNDER MY PROPOSAL, THE INDIVIDUAL'S
CONTRIBUTION TO MEDICARE WOULD GO UP SLIGHTLY, BUT
CONSIDER WHAT THE INCREASE WOULD PROVIDE:
NOBODY
ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN
500 DOLLARS A YEAR FOR HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME CARE --
OR MORE THAN 250 DOLLARS A YEAR FOR PHYSICIANS SERVICES
MEDICARE WOULD PAY THE REST OF THE BILL, WHETHER IT IS
1,000 DOLLARS,
10,000 DOLLARS
OR 50,000 DOLLARS.
30.
THIS PROPOSAL PROVIDES THE FULL PROTECTION
so VITALLY NEEDED BY OLDER AMERICANS -- AND IF
THE CONGRESS PASSES IT, THE RUINOUS ECONOMIC BURDEN
OF CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IS ONE THING AMERICA'S
OLDER CITIZENS WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT AGAIN.
31.
ANOTHER OF MY PROGRAMS WOULD CONSOLIDATE
16 FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAMS, INCLUDING MEDICARE,
INTO A SINGLE 10 BILLION DOLLAR BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
TO THE STATES.
32.
IF WE CAN CONSOLIDATE THESE PROGRAMS, WE CAN
MAKE THEM MORE HUMANE AND MORE EFFECTIVE. WE CAN
IMPROVE THE SERVICES THAT THEY PROVIDE TO YOU AND
MILLIONS LIKE YOU, AND WE CAN GET THOSE SERVICES TO
MORE PEOPLE WHO REALLY NEED THEM.
33.
PROGRAMS OF THIS KIND, DESPITE SOME ABUSES,
DO A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF GOOD. THEY PROVIDE FOOD,
SERVICES, AND HEALTH CARE FOR MANY OF OUR OLDER
CITIZENS. FOR SOME OF OUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS,
THEY PROVIDE THE MEANS FOR LIFE ITSELF.
34.
IT IS ALL TOO EASY TO SAY THAT THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT IS TOO BIG, THAT THIS PROGRAM AND THAT
PROGRAM OUGHT TO BE CUT OUT OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET,
TOSSED BACK TO THE STATES TO COPE WITH, IF THEIR
TAXPAYERS WILL PERMIT IT.
35.
IT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE, AND YOU KNOW IT AND I
KNOW IT.
36.
THE PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES DISCUSSED
AT THIS CONFERENCE WILL CENTER ON THE NEEDS OF OHIO'S
OLDER CITIZENS. THEY ARE OFTEN VERY SPECIAL NEEDS.
37.
BUT THE ELDERLY OF OUR NATION ARE ALSO
VITALLY AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS THAT
FACE ALL OF THE 215 MILLION AMERICANS OF OUR GREAT
COUNTRY. PERHAPS THE GREATEST OF THESE PROBLEMS HAS
BEEN INFLATION.
38.
DURING 1974, WHEN I BECAME PRESIDENT, INFLATION
WAS RANGING AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF MORE THAN 12 PERCENT,
EATING AWAY AT EVERYBODY'S BUYING POWER BUT ABSOLUTELY
DEVOURING THE LIVELIHOOD OF PEOPLE ON FIXED INCOMES.
AMERICANS LIVING ON FIXED INCOMES COULD SEE THE
PURCHASING POWER OF THEIR MONEY ERODING WITH EACH
VISIT TO THE SUPERMARKET.
39.
I KNEW THAT SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE TO BRING
THAT SITUATION UNDER CONTROL.
I KNEW THAT DEFICIT
SPENDING BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS A MAJOR
CONTRIBUTOR TO INFLATION / AND THAT SLOWING THE GROWTH
OF FEDERAL SPENDING WAS ESSENTIAL TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM.
40.
IN SHORT, I BELIEVE OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD SPEND
LESS AND TAX LESS.
-41 & 42 -
I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT THE SOUND, STEADY
POLICIES OF MY ADMINISTRATION HAVE SUCCEEDED.
43.
IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS, THE RATE OF INFLATION
ON AN ANNUAL BASIS IS LESS THAN THREE PERCENT --
AND THAT'S A 75 PERCENT REDUCTION FROM WHAT IT WAS
WHEN I BECAME PRESIDENT. IT IS A VICTORY FOR ALL
AMERICANS BECAUSE INFLATION IS NO RESPECTOR OF AGE.
THE OLD AND THE YOUNG SUFFER ALIKE.
44.
I WANT ALL AMERICANS, YOUNG OR OLD,
BLACK OR WHITE, RICH OR POOR, TO LIVE IN DIGNITY
AND SECURITY AND IN PEACE.
45.
IF WE CONTINUE MAKING THE PROGRESS AMERICA
HAS MADE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, WE WILL SEE THAT GOAL
ACHIEVED.
-46-
IF I HAD TO SUM UP THE RECORD OF MY
ADMINISTRATION IN JUST A FEW WORDS, IT WOULD BE
PEACE, PROSPERITY AND TRUST.
47.
TODAY AMERICA IS AT PEACE.
THERE ARE NO
AMERICAN BOYS FIGHTING ANYWHERE ON THE FACE OF
THE EARTH -- AND I INTEND TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.
48.
I WILL CONTINUE MY POLICIES OF CUTTING YOUR
TAXES, EXPANDING THE PRIVATE ECONOMY, REDUCING
BUREAUCRACY AND USELESS REGULATION, AND RESTRAINING
FEDERAL SPENDING.
-49-
MY POLICIES HAVE BROUGHT US FROM THE DEPTHS OF
RECESSION TO A SUSTAINED RECOVERY, AND WILL ENSURE THAT
RUNAWAY INFLATION NEVER AGAIN ROBS US OR OUR LOVED
ONES OF THE REWARDS OF HONEST WORK AND LIFETIME SAVINGS.
50.
FINALLY, I WANT TO FINISH MY MOST IMPORTANT
JOB -- RESTORATION OF TRUST IN THE PRESIDENCY ITSELF.
AS YOUR PRESIDENT, I WILL PROMISE NO MORE
THAN I CAN DELIVER -- AND I WILL DELIVER EVERYTHING
THAT I PROMISE.
51.
I NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO ENSURE PEACE,
PROSPERITY AND TRUST FOR THE FUTURE. THE GOOD,
SECURE, FULFILLING FUTURE WE OWE TO OUR CHILDREN
AND TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN.
52.
AMERICANS HAVE ALWAYS WANTED LIFE TO BE BETTER
FOR OUR CHILDREN THAN IT WAS FOR US -- BECAUSE LIFE
FOR US HAS BEEN BETTER THAN IT WAS FOR OUR PARENTS.
WHAT DO I SEE AHEAD FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY
OF OURS?
53.
I SEE A STRONG AND CONFIDENT AMERICA, SECURE
IN A STRENGTH THAT CANNOT ALONE BE COUNTED IN MEGATONS --
AND REJOICING IN RICHES THAT CANNOT BE ERODED BY
INFLATION OR TAXATION.
54.
I SEE AN AMERICA WHERE LIFE IS VALUED FOR ITS
QUALITY AS WELL AS ITS COMFORT -- WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL
IS INVIOLATE IN HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS -- WHERE
THE GOVERNMENT SERVES AND THE PEOPLE RULE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
END OF TEXT
-5- & 6-
ONE OF THE GOALS OF MY ADMINISTRATION IS
TO ASSURE THE DIGNITY, THE SECURITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE
EXPERIENCED BY OUR OLDER AMERICANS
-7-
FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS,
AMERICA HAS
MADE A FIRM COMMITMENT OF SUPPORT FOR OLDER CITIZENS
IN OUR SOCIETY -- NOT ONLY FOR THOSE WHO NEED HELP, BUT
THOSE WHO HAVE EARNED A RETIREMENT INCOME DURING THEIR
WORKING YEARS
8.
I AM PROUD THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
WAS ABLE TO HELP MAKE THE GOLDEN BUCKEYE PROGRAM A
REALITY, BY PROVIDING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WITH
THE FUNDS THROUGH THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT
AND TRAINING ACT
THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE WAY THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT CAN SERVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THROUGH THEIR
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
-10-
AS PART OF MY PROGRAM, I AM RECOMMENDING
IN MY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977 THAT THE FULL COST OF
LIVING INCREASE IN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BE PAID DUR ING
THE COMING YEAR
AS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT, WE ARE GOING TO
KEEP SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION AND EVERY OTHER RETIREMENT
PROGRAM STRONG, SOUND AND CERTAIN
YOU CAN COUNT
ON THAT
-11-
I HAVE ALSO PROPOSED MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT
IMPROVEMENTS WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF ALL BUT
A VERY SMALL FRACTION OF THE COST OF CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS
AND EXTENDED CARE.
-13-
IT IS A GOOD PROGRAM, AND IF THE CONGRESS
PASSES IT, THE RUINOUS ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CATASTROPHIC
ILLNESS IS ONE THING AMERICA'S OLDER CITIZENS WILL NEVER
HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT AGAIN
-14-
THERE IS NO REASON THAT OLDER AMERICANS
SHOULD HAVE TO GO BROKE JUST TO GET WELL OR STAY WELL
IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
-15-
THE PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES DISCUSSED
AT THIS CONFERENCE WILL BE CENTERED ON THE NEEDS OF OHIO'S
OLDER CITIZENS
THEY ARE OFTEN VERY SPECIAL NEEDS
BUT THE ELDERLY OF OUR NATION ARE ALSO
VITALLY AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS THAT FACE
ALL OF THE 215 MILLION AMERICANS OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY
-16-
THE LAST TWO YEARS IN AMERICA'S HISTORY
WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED AS A PERIOD OF ECONOMIC TRAUMA
CONSIDER FOR A MOMENT WHERE WE WERE IN THE VERY FIRST
MONTHS OF MY PRESIDENCY
-17-
YOU WILL RECALL SOME WELL-KNOWN
ECONOMISTS, LABOR AND POLITICAL LEADERS WERE PREDICTING
THAT WE WERE HEADING INTO A DEEP DEPRESSION, THAT
UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD SOON EXCEED TEN PERCENT, THAT ONLY
MASSIVE ACTION BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COULD AVERT
CATASTROPHE
-18-
INFLATION HAD SOARED TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF
OVER TWELVE PERCENT
AMERICANS LIVING ON FIXED
INCOMES COULD SEE THE PURCHASING POWER OF THEIR MONEY
ERODING WITH EACH VISIT TO THE SUPERMARKET
-19-
JUST ABOUT A YEAR AGO WE HIT THE BOTTOM
OF OUR WORST RECESSION IN 40 YEARS
MANY WERE URGING
THAT WE PUSH THE PANIC BUTTON.
IN THE CONGRESS,
THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN SET OFF A CLAMOR FOR HUGE
EMERGENCY FEDERAL SUBSIDIES -- FOR MORE AND BIGGER
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND HIGHER DEFICIT GOVERNMENT SPENDING
-20-
THE PROPHETS OF DOOM WERE WRONG --
AND I KNEW THEY WERE WRONG
WE DID NOT PANIC
I NEVER LOST SIGHT OF A BELIEF I HAVE HELD FOR ALL OF MY
POLITICAL LIFE: THAT A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU
EVERYTHING YOU WANT -- IS A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO TAKE
FROM YOU EVERYTHING YOU HAVE
-21-
WE RESISTED BIG SPENDING SCHEMES THAT
WOULD HAVE CAUSED LARGER FEDERAL DEFICITS AND EVEN MORE
DESTRUCTIVE INFLATION
WE REJECTED THE DISCREDITED
TECHNIQUES OF THE OLD POLITICS -- 'TAX AND TAX, SPEND
AND SPEND, ELECT AND ELECT."
-22-
INSTEAD, WE PURSUED A CALM, STEADY POLICY
TO INSURE AMERICA'S ECONOMIC HEALTH -- NOT FOR JUST AN
ELECTION YEAR -- BUT FOR THE LONG, LONG PULL.
-23-
WE HAD FAITH THAT THE AMERICAN SYSTEM
OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE WOULD REGAIN ITS STRENGTH AND,
AS A RESULT, WE MEET TODAY NOT IN THE GLOOM OF A
RECESSION -- BUT IN THE FULL SURGE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY
-24-
EIGHTY-SEVEN MILLION, 400 THOUSAND
AMERICANS ARE ON THE JOB TODAY -- AND THAT IS AN
ALL-TIME RECORD
-25-
WE HAVE ADDED ALMOST THREE AND A HALF
MILLION JOBS TO THE AMERICAN ECONOMY SINCE THE BOTTOM
OF THE RECESSION A YEAR AGO, AND 700,000 JOBS IN THE
LAST MONTH ALONE
THIS IS REAL, UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE
OF NEW PROSPERITY, BUT I WILL NOT BE SATISFIED UNTIL
EVERY AMERICAN WHO WANTS A JOB CAN FIND A JOB
-26-
INFLATION HAS BEEN CUT IN HALF DURING THE
PAST 21 MONTHS AND WE WILL KEEP THE PRESSURE ON so
THAT IT WON'T EVER THREATEN OUR ECONOMIC STABILITY
AGAIN
INFLATION IS NO RESPECTOR OF AGE THE OLD AND
THE YOUNG SUFFER ALIKE
-27-
TO BEAT INFLATION, OUR GOVERNMENT
SHOULD SPEND LESS AND TAX LESS
AS SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW, I HAVE VETOED
49 BILLS SENT TO ME BY THE CONGRESS OVER THE LAST 21
MONTHS
RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS SUSTAINED
42 OF THOSE VETOES, AND THOSE VETOES SAVED THE
AMERICAN TAXPAYER 13 BILLION DOLLARS
-28-
AND IF THE CONGRESS KEEPS SENDING ME
BIG-SPENDING, BUDGET-BUSTING BILLS, I AM PREPARED
TO USE MY VETO AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.
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"ocrText": "The original documents are located in Box 34, \"5/26/76 - Remarks at the Annual\nGovernor's Conference on Aging, Columbus, Ohio\" of the President's Speeches and\nStatements: Reading Copies at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.\nCopyright Notice\nThe copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of\nphotocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United\nStates of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.\nWorks prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public\ndomain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to\nremain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid\ncopyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.\nDigitized from Box 34 of President's Speeches and Statements: Reading Copies at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library\nANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON\nTHE AGING\nWEDNESDAY - - MAY 26, 1976\nCOLUMBUS, OHIO\nACKNOWLEDGEMENTS\nGOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON AGING\nTHANK YOU, JIM.\n(Governor Rhodes introduces you. )\nDISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE OHIO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:\nSAM DEVINE\nCHALMERS WYLIE\nBILL HARSHA\nTENNYSON GUYER\nCHUCK MOSHER\nRATH REGULA\nBUDCLARENCE BROWN\nToM KINDNESS\nSECRETARY BUTZ / MAYOR Tam MOODY\nDISTINGUISHED GUESTS\nLADIES AND GENTLEMEN\n1.\nIN 1952 WINSTON CHURCHILL, THEN A MERE 77 YEARS\nOLD, HAD BEEN CALLED INTO THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY\nFOR A SECOND TERM AS PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN.\nSMILING IMPISHLY, HE TOLD THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS,\nAND I QUOTE, \"EVERYONE HAS HIS DAY, AND SOME DAYS\nLAST LONGER THAN OTHERS.\"\n2.\nTODAY I WELCOME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART\nOF YOUR ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE / CONCERNED WITH\nTHE MANY AMERICANS WHOSE DAYS HAVE LASTED LONGER\nTHAN OTHERS.\n3.\nTHE CAREERS OF WINSTON CHURCHILL AND OTHERS WHO\nROSE TO PROMINENCE IN THEIR LATER YEARS REMINDS US\nALL,\nIF WE NEED TO BE REMINDED,\n1\nTHAT ADVANCING YEARS\nNEED NOT MEAN A RETREAT FROM AN ACTIVE,\nEVENTFUL\nAND ENJOYABLE LIFE.\n4.\nNOR SHOULD ADVANCING YEARS BE THE CERTAIN\nBEARER OF POOR HEALTH, MEAGER INCOME OR SOCIAL\nISOLATION. THE ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS TAUGHT US THAT\nTHE MEASURE OF CIVILIZATION'S ADVANCEMENT CAN BE FOUND\nIN THE TREATMENT OF ITS ELDERLY.\n5.\nHERE IN OHIO YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED YOUR\nCONCERN IN VERY SOLID AND PRACTICAL WAYS.\nTHIS CONFERENCE IS BUT ONE EXAMPLE OF YOUR ONGOING\nCOMMITMENT.\n6.\nOHIO HAS PIONEERED IN PROVIDING SENIOR\nCITIZENS' CENTERS THAT OFFER A BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES\nTO THE ELDERLY\nTHE TWO GOLDEN AGE VILLAGES\nCONSTRUCTED BY YOUR STATE PROVIDE A MODEL ALTERNATIVE\nTO INSTITUTIONAL CARE AT A REASONABLE COST\n7.\nKov.Rhode\nIN PARTICULAR, LET ME COMMEND THE GOLDEN\nBUCKEYE PROGRAM WHICH WAS BEGUN THREE MONTHS AGO\nBY GOVERNOR RHODES\nIN THAT VERY BRIEF TIME,\nI UNDERSTAND THAT 178,000 OHIOANS HAVE SIGNED UP\nFOR H\n8.\nI AM PROUD THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS\nABLE TO HELP MAKE THE GOLDEN BUCKEYE PROGRAM A\nREALITY, BY PROVIDING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WITH THE\nFUND S / THROUGH THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND\nTRAINING ACT.\n9.\nTHIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE WAY THE FEDERAL\nGOVERNMENT CAN SERVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THROUGH\nTHEIR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.\n10.\nFOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, THROUGH THE VEHICLE\nOF SOCIAL SECURITY AND OTHER PROGRAMS, THE FEDERAL\nGOVERNMENT HAS MADE A FIRM COMMITMENT OF SUPPORT FOR\nTHE OLDER CITIZENS OF OUR SOCIETY.\n11.\nI PLEDGE TO YOU TODAY THAT I WILL CONTINUE\nTO UPHOLD THAT COMMITMENT.\nIN RECENT YEARS, THERE\nHAS BEEN DRAMATIC PROGRESS IN OUR EFFORTS TO MEET\nTHE CONTINUING NEEDS OF AMERICA'S OLDER GENERATION.\nBUT I WANT TO DO BETTER -- AND WITH YOUR HELP AND\nWITH THE HELP OF A RESPONSIBLE CONGRESS\nIt\nI WILL.\n12.\nAS PRESIDENT, I INTEND TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY\nPOWER TO HELP OUR NATION DEMONSTRATE ITS DEEP CONCERN\nFOR THE DIGNITY AND THE WELL-BEING OF OUR OLDER\nGENERATIONS.\n13.\nTHE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM,\nTHE LARGEST\nOF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD, WILL PAY ALMOST 83 BILLION\nDOLLARS TO MORE THAN 32 MILLION AMERICANS IN FISCAL\nYEAR 1977.\nTHAT IS MORE THAN A TEN BILLION DOLLAR\nINCREASE OVER THE CURRENT YEAR.\n14.\nIN MY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977, I AM\nRECOMMENDING THAT THE FULL COST OF LIVING INCREASE\nIN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BE PAID DURING THE COMING\nYEAR.\n15.\nAS YOU KNOW, THERE ARE PROBLEMS FACING\nOUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM NEXT YEAR, UNLESS MY\nREFORMS ARE ADOPTED, THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND WILL\nRUN A DEFICIT OF THREE AND A HALF BILLION DOLLARS\n16.\nLET ME ASSURE YOU VERY EMPHATICALLY:\nMY ADMINISTRATION FULLY INTENDS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY\nAND THE SOLVENCY OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR\nBENEFIT AND THAT OF ALL WORKING AMERICANS\nNOW AS WELL\nAS IN THE FUTURE\n17.\nAS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT, WE ARE GOING TO\nKEEP SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION AND EVERY OTHER\nRETIREMENT PROGRAM STRONG, SOUND AND CERTAIN.\nYOU CAN COUNT ON THAT.\n18.\nIN ADDITION TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM,\nWE ARE CONTINUING OUR STRONG COMMITMENT TO BENEFIT\nPROGRAMS FOR MORE THAN THREE MILLION RAILROAD,\nMILITARY AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.\n19.\nAFTER MANY, MANY YEARS OF SACRIFICE AND\nHARD WORK, THESE AMERICANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH\nTO OUR GREAT NATION.\nTHEY HAVE EARNED OUR RESPECT.\nTHEY HAVE EARNED MORE THAN THE PROSPECT OF POVERTY\nIN THEIR RETIREMENT YEARS.\n20.\nIN MY BUDGET, THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME\nPROGRAM, OR SSI, WILL PAY ALMOST 6 BILLION DOLLARS\nIN FEDERAL BENEFITS TO MORE THAN FIVE MILLION DISABLED\nAND DISADVANTAGED OLDER AMERICANS IN 1977__\n140,000 OF THEM RIGHT HERE IN OHIO.\n21.\nIN THE FIELD OF HEALTH CARE, THE FEDERAL\nMEDICARE PROGRAM IN 1976 WILL PROVIDE MORE THAN\n17 BILLION DOLLARS FOR THE HEALTH CARE OF 24 MILLION\nOLDER AND DISABLED AMERICANS________________ ONE MILLION,\n200 THOUSAND RIGHT HERE IN THE\nGREAT STATE OF OHIO.\n22.\nBUT THERE ARE FLAWS IN THIS PROGRAM, WHICH\nACTUALLY HELP RAISE THE COST OF YOUR MEDICAL CARE\n/\nAND WHICH FAIL TO PROTECT YOU ADEQUATELY AGAINST THE\nECONOMIC BURDENS OF PROLONGED ILLNESS.\n23.\nI HAVE PROPOSED MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE\nMEDICARE PROGRAM TO MAKE IT SERVE YOU BETTER.\nONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS WOULD PROVIDE\nFOR THE PAYMENT OF ALL BUT A VERY SMALL FRACTION OF THE\nCATASTROPHIC COST OF COMPLEX OR EXTENDED CARE AND\nTREATMENT.\n24.\nI DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT MEDICAL TREATMENT\nIS VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE TODAY.\nIF YOU HAVE TO STAY\nIN A HOSPITAL OR A NURSING HOME OR UNDER A DOCTOR'S\nCARE FOR A VERY, VERY LONG TIME, / IT PUTS AN INCREDIBLE\nSTRAIN ON YOUR LIFETIME SAVINGS AND ON YOUR PEACE\nOF MIND / AND THAT STRAIN IS FELT BY YOUR LOVED ONES\nAS WELL.\n25.\nALL OF US KNOW OF CASES IN WHICH SOMEONE IN\nTHE FAMILY OR A CLOSE FRIEND OR A MEMBER OF YOUR\nCHURCH HAS BEEN STRICKEN WITH AN ILLNESS THAT LINGERS\nON AND ON AND ON.\nWE KNOW OF THE PAIN AND THE\nHEARTACHE ASSOCIATED WITH A PROLONGED ILLNESS.\n26.\nWE KNOW THAT BEING SICK AND BEDRIDDEN FOR\nA LONG, LONG TIME IS BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT HAVING A\nPERSON'S INCOME AND LIFE SAVINGS DWINDLE AWAY AS\nTHE MEDICAL BILLS KEEP PILING UP.\n27.\nTHIS MUST NOT CONTINUE, AND IT WON'T,\nWITH MY PROGRAM.\n28.\nTHERE IS NO REASON THAT OLDER AMERICANS SHOULD\nHAVE TO GO BROKE JUST TO GET WELL OR STAY WELL N THE\nUNITED STATES OF AMERICA.\n29.\nUNDER MY PROPOSAL, THE INDIVIDUAL'S\nCONTRIBUTION TO MEDICARE WOULD GO UP SLIGHTLY, BUT\nCONSIDER WHAT THE INCREASE WOULD PROVIDE:\nNOBODY\nELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN\n500 DOLLARS A YEAR FOR HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME CARE --\nOR MORE THAN 250 DOLLARS A YEAR FOR PHYSICIANS SERVICES\nMEDICARE WOULD PAY THE REST OF THE BILL, WHETHER IT IS\n1,000 DOLLARS,\n10,000 DOLLARS\nOR 50,000 DOLLARS.\n30.\nTHIS PROPOSAL PROVIDES THE FULL PROTECTION\nso VITALLY NEEDED BY OLDER AMERICANS -- AND IF\nTHE CONGRESS PASSES IT, THE RUINOUS ECONOMIC BURDEN\nOF CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IS ONE THING AMERICA'S\nOLDER CITIZENS WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT AGAIN.\n31.\nANOTHER OF MY PROGRAMS WOULD CONSOLIDATE\n16 FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAMS, INCLUDING MEDICARE,\nINTO A SINGLE 10 BILLION DOLLAR BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM\nTO THE STATES.\n32.\nIF WE CAN CONSOLIDATE THESE PROGRAMS, WE CAN\nMAKE THEM MORE HUMANE AND MORE EFFECTIVE. WE CAN\nIMPROVE THE SERVICES THAT THEY PROVIDE TO YOU AND\nMILLIONS LIKE YOU, AND WE CAN GET THOSE SERVICES TO\nMORE PEOPLE WHO REALLY NEED THEM.\n33.\nPROGRAMS OF THIS KIND, DESPITE SOME ABUSES,\nDO A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF GOOD. THEY PROVIDE FOOD,\nSERVICES, AND HEALTH CARE FOR MANY OF OUR OLDER\nCITIZENS. FOR SOME OF OUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS,\nTHEY PROVIDE THE MEANS FOR LIFE ITSELF.\n34.\nIT IS ALL TOO EASY TO SAY THAT THE FEDERAL\nGOVERNMENT IS TOO BIG, THAT THIS PROGRAM AND THAT\nPROGRAM OUGHT TO BE CUT OUT OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET,\nTOSSED BACK TO THE STATES TO COPE WITH, IF THEIR\nTAXPAYERS WILL PERMIT IT.\n35.\nIT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE, AND YOU KNOW IT AND I\nKNOW IT.\n36.\nTHE PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES DISCUSSED\nAT THIS CONFERENCE WILL CENTER ON THE NEEDS OF OHIO'S\nOLDER CITIZENS. THEY ARE OFTEN VERY SPECIAL NEEDS.\n37.\nBUT THE ELDERLY OF OUR NATION ARE ALSO\nVITALLY AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS THAT\nFACE ALL OF THE 215 MILLION AMERICANS OF OUR GREAT\nCOUNTRY. PERHAPS THE GREATEST OF THESE PROBLEMS HAS\nBEEN INFLATION.\n38.\nDURING 1974, WHEN I BECAME PRESIDENT, INFLATION\nWAS RANGING AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF MORE THAN 12 PERCENT,\nEATING AWAY AT EVERYBODY'S BUYING POWER BUT ABSOLUTELY\nDEVOURING THE LIVELIHOOD OF PEOPLE ON FIXED INCOMES.\nAMERICANS LIVING ON FIXED INCOMES COULD SEE THE\nPURCHASING POWER OF THEIR MONEY ERODING WITH EACH\nVISIT TO THE SUPERMARKET.\n39.\nI KNEW THAT SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE TO BRING\nTHAT SITUATION UNDER CONTROL.\nI KNEW THAT DEFICIT\nSPENDING BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS A MAJOR\nCONTRIBUTOR TO INFLATION / AND THAT SLOWING THE GROWTH\nOF FEDERAL SPENDING WAS ESSENTIAL TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM.\n40.\nIN SHORT, I BELIEVE OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD SPEND\nLESS AND TAX LESS.\n-41 & 42 -\nI'M PROUD TO SAY THAT THE SOUND, STEADY\nPOLICIES OF MY ADMINISTRATION HAVE SUCCEEDED.\n43.\nIN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS, THE RATE OF INFLATION\nON AN ANNUAL BASIS IS LESS THAN THREE PERCENT --\nAND THAT'S A 75 PERCENT REDUCTION FROM WHAT IT WAS\nWHEN I BECAME PRESIDENT. IT IS A VICTORY FOR ALL\nAMERICANS BECAUSE INFLATION IS NO RESPECTOR OF AGE.\nTHE OLD AND THE YOUNG SUFFER ALIKE.\n44.\nI WANT ALL AMERICANS, YOUNG OR OLD,\nBLACK OR WHITE, RICH OR POOR, TO LIVE IN DIGNITY\nAND SECURITY AND IN PEACE.\n45.\nIF WE CONTINUE MAKING THE PROGRESS AMERICA\nHAS MADE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, WE WILL SEE THAT GOAL\nACHIEVED.\n-46-\nIF I HAD TO SUM UP THE RECORD OF MY\nADMINISTRATION IN JUST A FEW WORDS, IT WOULD BE\nPEACE, PROSPERITY AND TRUST.\n47.\nTODAY AMERICA IS AT PEACE.\nTHERE ARE NO\nAMERICAN BOYS FIGHTING ANYWHERE ON THE FACE OF\nTHE EARTH -- AND I INTEND TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.\n48.\nI WILL CONTINUE MY POLICIES OF CUTTING YOUR\nTAXES, EXPANDING THE PRIVATE ECONOMY, REDUCING\nBUREAUCRACY AND USELESS REGULATION, AND RESTRAINING\nFEDERAL SPENDING.\n-49-\nMY POLICIES HAVE BROUGHT US FROM THE DEPTHS OF\nRECESSION TO A SUSTAINED RECOVERY, AND WILL ENSURE THAT\nRUNAWAY INFLATION NEVER AGAIN ROBS US OR OUR LOVED\nONES OF THE REWARDS OF HONEST WORK AND LIFETIME SAVINGS.\n50.\nFINALLY, I WANT TO FINISH MY MOST IMPORTANT\nJOB -- RESTORATION OF TRUST IN THE PRESIDENCY ITSELF.\nAS YOUR PRESIDENT, I WILL PROMISE NO MORE\nTHAN I CAN DELIVER -- AND I WILL DELIVER EVERYTHING\nTHAT I PROMISE.\n51.\nI NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO ENSURE PEACE,\nPROSPERITY AND TRUST FOR THE FUTURE. THE GOOD,\nSECURE, FULFILLING FUTURE WE OWE TO OUR CHILDREN\nAND TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN.\n52.\nAMERICANS HAVE ALWAYS WANTED LIFE TO BE BETTER\nFOR OUR CHILDREN THAN IT WAS FOR US -- BECAUSE LIFE\nFOR US HAS BEEN BETTER THAN IT WAS FOR OUR PARENTS.\nWHAT DO I SEE AHEAD FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY\nOF OURS?\n53.\nI SEE A STRONG AND CONFIDENT AMERICA, SECURE\nIN A STRENGTH THAT CANNOT ALONE BE COUNTED IN MEGATONS --\nAND REJOICING IN RICHES THAT CANNOT BE ERODED BY\nINFLATION OR TAXATION.\n54.\nI SEE AN AMERICA WHERE LIFE IS VALUED FOR ITS\nQUALITY AS WELL AS ITS COMFORT -- WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL\nIS INVIOLATE IN HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS -- WHERE\nTHE GOVERNMENT SERVES AND THE PEOPLE RULE.\nTHANK YOU VERY MUCH.\nEND OF TEXT\n-5- & 6-\nONE OF THE GOALS OF MY ADMINISTRATION IS\nTO ASSURE THE DIGNITY, THE SECURITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE\nEXPERIENCED BY OUR OLDER AMERICANS\n-7-\nFOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS,\nAMERICA HAS\nMADE A FIRM COMMITMENT OF SUPPORT FOR OLDER CITIZENS\nIN OUR SOCIETY -- NOT ONLY FOR THOSE WHO NEED HELP, BUT\nTHOSE WHO HAVE EARNED A RETIREMENT INCOME DURING THEIR\nWORKING YEARS\n8.\nI AM PROUD THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT\nWAS ABLE TO HELP MAKE THE GOLDEN BUCKEYE PROGRAM A\nREALITY, BY PROVIDING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WITH\nTHE FUNDS THROUGH THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT\nAND TRAINING ACT\nTHIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE WAY THE FEDERAL\nGOVERNMENT CAN SERVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THROUGH THEIR\nSTATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.\n-10-\nAS PART OF MY PROGRAM, I AM RECOMMENDING\nIN MY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977 THAT THE FULL COST OF\nLIVING INCREASE IN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BE PAID DUR ING\nTHE COMING YEAR\nAS LONG AS I AM PRESIDENT, WE ARE GOING TO\nKEEP SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION AND EVERY OTHER RETIREMENT\nPROGRAM STRONG, SOUND AND CERTAIN\nYOU CAN COUNT\nON THAT\n-11-\nI HAVE ALSO PROPOSED MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS\nIN THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.\nONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT\nIMPROVEMENTS WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF ALL BUT\nA VERY SMALL FRACTION OF THE COST OF CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS\nAND EXTENDED CARE.\n-13-\nIT IS A GOOD PROGRAM, AND IF THE CONGRESS\nPASSES IT, THE RUINOUS ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CATASTROPHIC\nILLNESS IS ONE THING AMERICA'S OLDER CITIZENS WILL NEVER\nHAVE TO WORRY ABOUT AGAIN\n-14-\nTHERE IS NO REASON THAT OLDER AMERICANS\nSHOULD HAVE TO GO BROKE JUST TO GET WELL OR STAY WELL\nIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA\n-15-\nTHE PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES DISCUSSED\nAT THIS CONFERENCE WILL BE CENTERED ON THE NEEDS OF OHIO'S\nOLDER CITIZENS\nTHEY ARE OFTEN VERY SPECIAL NEEDS\nBUT THE ELDERLY OF OUR NATION ARE ALSO\nVITALLY AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS THAT FACE\nALL OF THE 215 MILLION AMERICANS OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY\n-16-\nTHE LAST TWO YEARS IN AMERICA'S HISTORY\nWILL LONG BE REMEMBERED AS A PERIOD OF ECONOMIC TRAUMA\nCONSIDER FOR A MOMENT WHERE WE WERE IN THE VERY FIRST\nMONTHS OF MY PRESIDENCY\n-17-\nYOU WILL RECALL SOME WELL-KNOWN\nECONOMISTS, LABOR AND POLITICAL LEADERS WERE PREDICTING\nTHAT WE WERE HEADING INTO A DEEP DEPRESSION, THAT\nUNEMPLOYMENT WOULD SOON EXCEED TEN PERCENT, THAT ONLY\nMASSIVE ACTION BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COULD AVERT\nCATASTROPHE\n-18-\nINFLATION HAD SOARED TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF\nOVER TWELVE PERCENT\nAMERICANS LIVING ON FIXED\nINCOMES COULD SEE THE PURCHASING POWER OF THEIR MONEY\nERODING WITH EACH VISIT TO THE SUPERMARKET\n-19-\nJUST ABOUT A YEAR AGO WE HIT THE BOTTOM\nOF OUR WORST RECESSION IN 40 YEARS\nMANY WERE URGING\nTHAT WE PUSH THE PANIC BUTTON.\nIN THE CONGRESS,\nTHE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN SET OFF A CLAMOR FOR HUGE\nEMERGENCY FEDERAL SUBSIDIES -- FOR MORE AND BIGGER\nGOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND HIGHER DEFICIT GOVERNMENT SPENDING\n-20-\nTHE PROPHETS OF DOOM WERE WRONG --\nAND I KNEW THEY WERE WRONG\nWE DID NOT PANIC\nI NEVER LOST SIGHT OF A BELIEF I HAVE HELD FOR ALL OF MY\nPOLITICAL LIFE: THAT A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU\nEVERYTHING YOU WANT -- IS A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO TAKE\nFROM YOU EVERYTHING YOU HAVE\n-21-\nWE RESISTED BIG SPENDING SCHEMES THAT\nWOULD HAVE CAUSED LARGER FEDERAL DEFICITS AND EVEN MORE\nDESTRUCTIVE INFLATION\nWE REJECTED THE DISCREDITED\nTECHNIQUES OF THE OLD POLITICS -- 'TAX AND TAX, SPEND\nAND SPEND, ELECT AND ELECT.\"\n-22-\nINSTEAD, WE PURSUED A CALM, STEADY POLICY\nTO INSURE AMERICA'S ECONOMIC HEALTH -- NOT FOR JUST AN\nELECTION YEAR -- BUT FOR THE LONG, LONG PULL.\n-23-\nWE HAD FAITH THAT THE AMERICAN SYSTEM\nOF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE WOULD REGAIN ITS STRENGTH AND,\nAS A RESULT, WE MEET TODAY NOT IN THE GLOOM OF A\nRECESSION -- BUT IN THE FULL SURGE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY\n-24-\nEIGHTY-SEVEN MILLION, 400 THOUSAND\nAMERICANS ARE ON THE JOB TODAY -- AND THAT IS AN\nALL-TIME RECORD\n-25-\nWE HAVE ADDED ALMOST THREE AND A HALF\nMILLION JOBS TO THE AMERICAN ECONOMY SINCE THE BOTTOM\nOF THE RECESSION A YEAR AGO, AND 700,000 JOBS IN THE\nLAST MONTH ALONE\nTHIS IS REAL, UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE\nOF NEW PROSPERITY, BUT I WILL NOT BE SATISFIED UNTIL\nEVERY AMERICAN WHO WANTS A JOB CAN FIND A JOB\n-26-\nINFLATION HAS BEEN CUT IN HALF DURING THE\nPAST 21 MONTHS AND WE WILL KEEP THE PRESSURE ON so\nTHAT IT WON'T EVER THREATEN OUR ECONOMIC STABILITY\nAGAIN\nINFLATION IS NO RESPECTOR OF AGE THE OLD AND\nTHE YOUNG SUFFER ALIKE\n-27-\nTO BEAT INFLATION, OUR GOVERNMENT\nSHOULD SPEND LESS AND TAX LESS\nAS SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW, I HAVE VETOED\n49 BILLS SENT TO ME BY THE CONGRESS OVER THE LAST 21\nMONTHS\nRESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS SUSTAINED\n42 OF THOSE VETOES, AND THOSE VETOES SAVED THE\nAMERICAN TAXPAYER 13 BILLION DOLLARS\n-28-\nAND IF THE CONGRESS KEEPS SENDING ME\nBIG-SPENDING, BUDGET-BUSTING BILLS, I AM PREPARED\nTO USE MY VETO AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN."
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