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Administration Activities and Accomplishments, 1972
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1181205
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Administration Activities and Accomplishments, 1972
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Stanley S. Scott Papers
Subject Files
subjects
Administration goals and achievements
Unemployment
Parks
Women
Manpower policy
Health
Busing for school integration
Environmental protection
Revenue sharing
Minorities
Crime
Education
Youth
Indians of North America
Arms control
Consumption (Economics)
Economic stabilization
Security classification (Government documents)
Taxation
Energy policy
Food
Economics
Urban policy
Agriculture
Old age
Housing
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1972-01-01
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1972
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1972-01-01
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1972
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "Administration Activities and
Accomplishments, 1972" of the Stanley Scott Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Bettye L. Scott donated to the
United States of America her copyrights in all of her husband's unpublished writings in National
Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official
duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or
organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed
in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
&
FORD
RALD
OF
LIBRARY
The attached set of key fact sheets
on Administration activities and
accomplishments in major policy
areas has been completely revised
and supercedes all previously dis- -
tributed sets.
John D. Ehrlichman
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
KEY FACT SHEET INDEX
1.
Aging
15.
Farm Income
2.
Arms Control
16.
Food Prices
3.
Busing
17. Health
4.
Central Cities
18.
Housing
5.
Consumer Affairs
19.
Indians
6. Crime
20.
Legacy of Parks
7.
D.C. Crime
21.
Minorities
8.
Declassification
22.
Property Tax Relief
9. Drugs
23.
Revenue Sharing
10.
Economy
24.
Tax Reform
11.
Education
25.
Tropical Storm Agnes
12.
Employment
26.
Wage-Price Controls
13.
Energy
27.
Women
14.
Environmental Protection
28.
Youth
aj-bc
FORD & BRARY RALD
OF
KEY FACTS ON AGING
I.
The President pledged at the White House Conference on
Aging to make 1972 a year of action on behalf of the nation's
elderly.
II. President Nixon's program is comprehensive - 5 major points:
A. The President has improved the income position of older
Americans -
1. 51% increase in Social Security benefits since 1969.
2. H.R. 1 proposes a national income floor for the
elderly and elimination of the $5.80 Medicare
monthly premium.
B. The President has upgraded the quality of nursing homes -
through an 8-point plan announced by the President in
August 1971.
C. The President has increased the independence of older
Americans - increasing the Administration on Aging
budget to $200 million for 1973 - to provide homemaker,
transportation, nutrition and community services.
D. The President has expanded opportunities for older
Americans to make meaningful contributions to all
facets of society -
FORD & RALE LIBRARY
OF
1. Doubled funding for the Foster Grandparents Pro-
gram and tripled it for the Retired Senior Volunteer
Program (RSVP).
2. Proposed legislation to broaden the coverage of the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act to include
state and local government.
E. The President has organized the Executive Branch to
meet the needs of older Americans -
1. Formed the Domestic Council Cabinet-level committee.
2.
Appointed a Special Assistant on Aging and a Special
Consultant on Aging.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON ARMS CONTROL
A full generation of peace is far more possible now by President Nixon's return
from the Moscow Summit with the first specific curb on the nuclear arms race.
The Arms Control Agreements have two parts: (1) an ABM Treaty, and (2) an
agreement to limit offensive missiles.
The ABM Treaty
Limits each side to one ABM site for defense of their national capital and one site
each for the defense of an ICBM field.
There will be a total of 200 ABM interceptors permitted each side, 100 at each site.
-There will be strict limits on the numbers and the size of ABM radars at each site.
The Soviet ICBM protection site will be at least 1300 km. from Moscow. Our
comparable site will be at Grand Forks, North Dakota.
-Research and Development on ABM systems may continue, but no deployment of
exotic or so-called future systems is permitted under the treaty.
The Interim Offensive Agreement
Limits ICBMs to those under construction or deployed at the time of signing the
treaty on July 1. (This will mean about 1, 618 ICBMs for the USSR and 1, 054 for
the U.S.) The USSR will field about 300 large SS-9s, but they will be prohibited
from converting other ICBM silos to accommodate the large SS-9 types. Other
silos can be modified but not to a significant degree. Modernization is permitted.
Construction of SLBMs on all nuclear submarines will be frozen at current levels.
The further construction of SLBMs on either side can only be accomplished by dis-
mantling of an equal number of older land-based ICBMs or older submarine
launchers.
The Interim Agreement will run for five years and both sides are committed to
negotiating a permanent and more comprehensive agreement.
Both sides will abide by the obligations of the agreement once it is signed, though
formal implementation will await ratification.
Summary - Arms Control is clearly in our interest because:
- We have broken the momentum of the Soviet build-up.
We currently have a two to one advantage in warheads which more than offsets
the Soviet advantage in numbers of ballistic missiles, and we will retain this two
to one advantage through the five year period of the freeze.
We have bought time to move ahead with our strategic modernization program,
putting us in a strong position if there is no agreement at the end of the five-year
period:
1. The Trident submarine construction will be under way.
2. The Trident I missile will be available.
3. Site defense development will be well advanced.
4. B-1 development will be near completion.
5. We will have new stand-off missiles for our strategic bomber force.
If the Soviets fail to live up to the agreement, we can withdraw to protect our
vital interests.
aj-bc
A
FORD
RALD
OF
FIVE MAJOR STEPS TOWARD PEACEFUL COOPERATION
Cooperation to Protect the Environment
The two sides agreed to initiate a program of co-operation in
the protection and enhancement of man's environment. Through joint
research and joint measures, the United States and the USSR hope to
contribute to the preservation of a healthful environment in their
countries and throughout the world. Under the new agreement on
environmental protection there will be consultations in the near future
in Moscow on specific co-operative projects.
Cooperation to Fight Disease
The two sides concluded an agreement on health co-operation
which marks a fruitful beginning of sharing knowledge about, and
collaborative attacks on, the common enemies, disease and disability.
The initial research efforts of the program will concentrate on health
problems important to the whole world -- cancer, heart diseases, and
the environmental health sciences.
This cooperation subsequently will be broadened to include other
health problems of mutual interest. The two sides pledged their full
support for the health co-operation program and agreed to continue the
active participation of the two governments in the work of international
organizations in the health field.
Cooperation to Explore Space
FORD & RALD LIBRARY
GE
Having in mind the role played by the U.S. and the USSR in
the peaceful exploration of outer space, both sides emphasized the
importance of further bilateral co-operation in this sphere. In order
to increase the safety of man's flights in outer space and the future
prospects of joint scientific experiments, the two sides agreed to make
suitable arrangements to permit the first joint docking of American and
Soviet spacecraft and stations.
The first joint docking experiment of the two countries' piloted
spacecraft, with visits by astronauts and cosmonauts to each other's
spacecraft, is contemplated for 1975. The planning and implementation
of this flight will be carried out by the U.S. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration and the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences, according
to principles and procedures developed through mutual consultation.
Cooperation to Advance Science and Technology
It was recognized that the cooperation now under way in areas such
as atomic energy research, space research, health and other fields
benefits both nations and has contributed positively to their overall
relations. It was agreed that increased scientific and technical co-
operation on the basis of mutual benefit and shared effort for common
goals is in the interest of both nations and would contribute to a
further improvement in their bilateral relations.
For these purposes the two sides signed an agreement for coopera-
tion in the fields of science and technology. A U.S. - Soviet joint
commission on scientific and technical cooperation will be created for
identifying and establishing cooperative programs.
Cooperation to Prevent Incidents at Sea
An agreement was concluded between the two sides on measures to
prevent incidents at sea and in air space over it between vessels and
aircraft of the U.S. and Soviet navies. By providing agreed procedures
for ships and aircraft of the two navies operating in close proximity,
this agreement will diminish the chances of dangerous accidents.
FORD & BRARY RALD 30
KEY FACTS ON BUSING
I.
The President's proposals would get results immediately,
on the one hand, and finally provide uniform national
standards on the other.
II. The nation needs a Congressional statement of public policy
by its elected representatives,
not a patchwork of confusing court decisions
and remedies.
III. This legislation would not penalize school districts that
have already implemented school desegregation plans,
South or North.
IV. Leading Constitutional authorities support the President's
proposals. The two bills include:
A. A moratorium against new busing decrees.
B. A comprehensive law:
1. A statement of rights:
Equal Educational Opportunity and
a Quality Education.
2. A $2.5 billion authorization for quality education.
($300/student critical mass)
3. A priority of remedies:
- busing last
- busing temporary
- busing of K to 6 limited.
FORD & RALD LIBRARY 30
4. A right to reopen existing busing plans and
decrees.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON CENTRAL CITIES
President Nixon is helping America's central cities.
A
FORD
I.
The basic problems America's central cities face are:
A. A severe fiscal crisis; leading to
RALD GF
LIRARTY
B. A decline in the quality of the cities' services;
C. A need for new housing and waste treatment;
D. Atrophy of local government; growing Federal power.
II. What President Nixon is doing about these problems:
A. The President is bolstering the central city fiscal resources:
1. General Revenue Sharing will pump $8. 3 billion of new
money into states and localities in its first year; and
more than $3. 5 billion per year thereafter.
2. The President's budget for community development
and housing has been, on the average, $1 billion a
year higher than in the previous four years.
B. The President is helping to improve central city services:
1. Anti-Crime: The President has helped state and local
law enforcement officials fight central city crime by
increasing Federal anti-crime aid by 253% since 1969.
2.
Welfare: The President proposes to replace the present
system with one that is fair to the taxpayer and to the
person who must depend on welfare. It is designed to
reduce abuses in the present system.
3.
Transportation: He secured the passage of a $10 billion
program to improve urban mass transportation.
C. The President is meeting central city needs:
1. Housing: The President has achieved a fourfold increase
in the production of housing for low and moderate income
families since 1969. Brought new housing starts to an
all-time high of over 2 million per year.
2. Waste Treatment: He has increased the budget authority
for municipal waste treatment projects from $214 million
in 1969 to $2 billion in 1973.
3. Managing their own affairs: His Urban Special Revenue
Sharing proposal would provide $2. 3 billion which urban
areas can use as they locally decide. No Federal bureau-
cratic guidelines or matching requirements in this or
General Revenue Sharing. A historic turnaround.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS
FORD A RALD LIBRAR
OF
I.
The President has done more to give the consumer a voice in high
level policymaking than any other President.
A. He has upgraded the White House consumer effort from a mere
committee to a full-fledged Office of Consumer Affairs.
B. He has launched a major national effort to control inflation, and
taken steps to insure that the consumer viewpoint is fully repre-
sented in its implementation.
C. He has revitalized the consumer regulatory agencies--particularly
the Federal Trade Commission--by the appointment of dynamic
new leaders, and by approving greatly expanded budgets where
necessary.
D. He has initiated a Federal program to share the government's
product information with consumers.
E. He has initiated an information program--to include publication of
a "Consumer Register" to advise consumers on relevant matters
coming up for decision by agencies of the Federal Government.
II. The President has asked Congress to act on a wide range of innovative
consumer measures, including:
A. The Consumer Product Safety Act to protect consumers against
unsafe products.
B. The Consumer Protection Agency Act to give the consumer an
advocate in proceedings before Federal agencies and the courts.
C. The Fair Warranty Disclosure Act to require clear and meaningful
warranties.
D. The Medical Devices Safety Act to assure the safety and effective-
ness of life-sustaining medical devices.
III. The President's Consumer Advisor, Virginia Knauer, through dialogues
with industry, has prompted a broad range of voluntary industry actions
benefitting the consumer in many areas, including auto repairs, the
resolution of complaints, cosmetics safety, advertising, and improved
labeling and packaging.
aj-bc
A.
FORD
KEY FACTS ON CRIME
RALD
OF
TRRARY
I.
The President's anti-crime efforts are succeeding:
A. Net decrease in local crime rate in almost half of major
U.S. cities.
B. National crime rate increase for first half of 1972 was only
the lowest since the FBI began issuing quarterly reports
12 years ago.
C. Convictions obtained against organized crime increased by
50% and indictments doubled between 1969 and 1971.
D. Seizures of narcotics and dangerous drugs increased by over
400% between 1969 and 1972.
E. The President has cut District of Columbia crime in half since
taking office. The D.C. crime rate for the first quarter of
1972 is lowest since beginning of 1967.
II. These results were achieved through Presidential anti-crime
programs:
A. Federal law enforcement grants totaling $1. 5 billion (through
LEAA) in past three years have enabled states and localities
to better meet their responsibility of improving the criminal
justice system (compared with a total of only $22 million of
grants in the last three years of Ramsey Clark's crime "effort."
(Recent partisan charges of LEAA ineffectiveness are
based on very old examples of past problems. Established
in 1968, under the previous Administration, LEAA was
improved by the President's Omnibus Crime Control Act
of 1970 and by a 1971 reorganization. Funds are now
flowing faster, and an expanded audit capacity assures
fiscal integrity.)
B. The President's Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 set up
Special Grand Juries, limited challenges to wiretap evidence,
extended Federal jurisdiction to major gambling operations, and
provided longer sentences for hard-core criminal offenders.
C. The President's all-out attack on drug abuse--which is labeled
"Public Enemy No. l"--includes an elevenfold increase in
expenditures, international initiatives, plus domestic law
enforcement and treatment programs.
D. D.C. crime was reduced through the President's leadership in
sponsoring legislation (District of Columbia Court Reform and
Criminal Procedure Act of 1970), an expanded police force,
better street lighting, a Narcotics Treatment Administration,
and all-important community support.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON D. C. CRIME
I.
The President has cut District of Columbia crime in half since
taking office. The D.C. crime rate for the first two quarters
of 1972 was lowest since beginning of 1967, and actually half
PORTO & RALD LIBRARY
the high of the last quarter of 1970.
GE
II. Actions ordered by the President:
A. More Police: Appointed Jerry Wilson Chief of Police,
increased authorized strength 25% to 5, 100 police officers
and 1,000 civilians including extensive minority hiring.
B. Increased prosecutors: The number of prosecutors dealing
with street crime increased nearly 50% and their clerical
assistance doubled. A Major Crimes Unit was also established.
C. Expanded narcotics treatment program: Increased from an
initial enrollment of 150 addicts to over 4, 200 now in treatment.
D. Legislation: The District of Columbia Court Reform and
Criminal Procedure Act of 1970 expanded and reorganized the
court system and has significantly reduced the backlog of
cases pending.
E. Street lighting: A major street lighting program now makes
Washington the best lighted city in the world.
CRIME INDEX OFFENSES
SIX MONTH TOTALS
NUMBER IN
JUNE 1961 THRU JUNE 1973
THOUSANDS
40
38
36
34
CRIME INDEX OFFENSES
32
Murder
Rape
30
Robbery
28
Ass. Assault
26
Burglary
Larceny ($50 & over)
24
Auto Theft
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
aj-bc
0
Dec Jun Dec Jun Dec Jun Dec Jun Dec Jun Dec les Dec Jon Dec
Jun Dec Jun Dec Jun Dec Jun Dec June Dec
61
62
63
64
65
so
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
THE NIXON YEARS
A.
FORD
RALD
KEY FACTS ON DECLASSIFICATION
GE
LIBRAR
President Nixon is the first President to take steps to reduce the amount of
new material being classified and to reduce the time that it remains classified.
I. Objectives of President's new Executive Order on Declassification:
A. Reduce the amount of material classified
B. Speed declassification
C. Implement new Order through Interagency Classification Review Committee
(Ambassador John Eisenhower is Chairman)
II. Steps taken to reduce amount of new material being classified:
A. Departments with authority to classify reduced from 37 to 25
B. Total number of persons in the Federal Government with authority to
classify at all levels reduced by 60% from 52, 114 to 20, 695
C. Persons in the Federal Government with Top Secret classifying authority
reduced by 77% from 7, 134 to 1, 631
D. Classifier must be identified on material
E. Classifier subject to sanctions for abuse
III. Speedier declassification [Most material in past remained classified indefinitely]
A. New General Declassification Schedule - unless exempt, material
automatically declassified after 6 (Confidential), 8 (Secret), or 10 (Top
Secret) years. Only Top Secret classifiers have exemption authority.
B. Only four specific categories may be exempted:
1. Communications from foreign governments
2. Cryptographic material, intelligence sources and methods and material
covered by statute, e.g. Atomic Energy Act
3. Disclosure of plan, system or specific foreign relations matter
essential to national security
4. Jeopardy to a person
C. Public given right to secure review of exempted material after 10 years
1. Material must be identified and obtainable with reasonable effort
2. Presumption shifted to favor declassification
IV. Exempted material 30 years old automatically declassified unless head of
Department personally determines continued classification is essential to
national security or that disclosure would jeopardize a person
V. Related Presidential Initiatives:
A. Government will collect and declassify materials on crises of particular
public interest
B. The publication of the official record of U.S. foreign policy, The Foreign
Relations of the United States, will be accelerated
aj-bc
FORD & RALD LIBRAR
GE
KEY FACTS ON DRUGS
I.
The President originated a comprehensive, all-out attack on
drug abuse which he has labeled "public enemy number one. "
II. Elevenfold increase in funding for this attack from $65 million
in FY 1969 to $729 million in FY 1973.
III. Cut off foreign sources of hard drugs: Formed Cabinet Committee
on International Narcotics Control to organize global war on heroin
and other hard drugs. Narcotics Control Action Plans implemented
in cooperation with 59 countries, and U.S. agents assigned to 32
countries.
Results: Turkey banned opium poppy effective July 1, 1972.
Since January 1, 1972, France has seized five heroin
labs and made world's largest heroin seizure on
shrimp boat in Marseilles. Worldwide heroin and
morphine base seizures tripled in 1971 and doubled
again in first quarter of 1972.
IV. Tough domestic law enforcement: Heroin seizures increased
160% in 1971; Federal narcotics arrests increased 70% in two
years to 15, 252 in 1971. Street value of all illicit drugs seized
in FY 1972 set new record of $2. 1 billion. Over 2, 500 new agents
in Customs, BNDD, and IRS, plus a special new unit at Justice,
focusing on street-level heroin traffickers using the Heroin Hot
Line--(800) 368-5363--to disrupt drug supply. Less heroin on
the street. Heroin price per unit increased 50% in Eastern half
of U.S. since January first. Average purity in New York City
dropped from 5.1 to 3. 1%.
V. Expanded Treatment and Rehabilitation: Special Action Office
created to provide education, rehabilitation, and treatment:
(a) 440, 000 teachers and community leaders trained; (b) more
direct Federal drug treatment provided in past 12 months than
in all preceding 50 years--now have capacity to treat 100, 000
heroin addicts per year; (c) spending on drug research increased
330% in two years to $71 million in FY 1973.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON THE ECONOMY
FORD a RALD \BRAR
OF
ECONOMY EXPANDS VIGOROUSLY
The President's economic policy works; the facts prove it. A vigorous
economic expansion continues even while the rate of inflation slows down.
Latest reports show favorable trends in production, employment and prices.
I. Gross National Product in "real" terms grew at a hefty annual rate of
9.4 percent in the second quarter, the highest rate since the fourth
quarter of 1965. Over the last three quarters, the growth rate was
a strong 7.5 percent.
II. Employment has increased sharply, spurred by the rapid growth of out-
put. In August, total civilian employment was 2.5 million higher than
a year ago. We are adding new jobs at the highest rate since 1955.
III. Unemployment has averaged 5.5 percent from June to August, down
from 5.9 percent from the preceding 3-month period. During 1971
and the early months of 1972, it had hovered close to 6.0 percent,
despite the substantial growth of employment, because of abnormally
large growth in the labor force (discharged veterans, women, war
babies, etc.). Rate of unemployment among married men, the family
breadwinners, fell to 2. 6% in August, the lowest level in over two years.
IV. Real Spendable Earnings have risen at a rapid annual rate of 4. 1 percent
since the introduction of the New Economic Policy last August. This is
increased buying power--the real test. Between 1965 and 1970, real
spendable earnings for the average production worker did not increase
at all as inflation more than offset wage hikes.
V. Retail Sales in July were 10. 9 percent above the level of a year earlier.
VI. Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose at an annual rate of only 2.9 percent
during the 12 months of Phase I and Phase II, continuing the declining
trend since 1969. Inflation has been cut in half.
'69
'70
6. 1%
'71 to August
5.5%
Aug. '71-Aug. '72
3.8%
2.9%
aj-bc
FORD
PALO OF
TIBRARY
KEY FACTS ON EDUCATION
The President's initiatives in the education field have been aimed at improving
the quality and equality of education through reform and renewal of our educa-
tion system.
I.
Funding - The FY 1973 budget calls for $15.6 B in Federal spending for
education - up from $9. 1 B in 1969; an increase of over 70%.
II. Programs
A. Preschool Education - The President
1. Established the HEW Office of Child Development which directs Head
Start and Home Start; proposed Early Learning Program.
2. Supports OE's successful Sesame Street and The Electric Company
TV shows.
3. Requested increased funding for Bilingual Education Program.
4. Funding - FY 1973 Federal funds for early childhood education total
$538 M.
B. Elementary and Secondary Education - The President
1. Proposed the recently established National Institute of Education
2. Requested $12 M for FY 1973 Right to Read Program - up 700%.
3. Established the President's Commission on School Finance - to
recommend means of financing public and nonpublic schools.
4. Funding -- The FY 1973 outlays in Federal aid to Elementary and
Secondary Education will amount to $6.3 B, more than double the
1969 level.
C. Higher Education - The President
1. Proposed what became Education Amendments of 1972 which:
a. Authorize a student aid program to insure that no student who
wants to go to college will be barred by lack of financial resources.
b. Established a Student Loan Marketing Association to increase the
amount of funds available for student loans.
c. Authorize support, innovation and reform of Higher Education.
2. Requested over $200 M in 1973 for Black Colleges, more than
double 1969.
3. Funding - Proposed Federal expenditures of over $7.4 B for Higher
Education in FY 1973, up from $4.4 B in 1969.
III. Equal Opportunity Programs - The President proposed:
A. The Emergency School Aid Act, recently enacted, to provide $1.5 B to
help meet the special problems of desegregating the nation's schools.
B. The Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1972 which concentrates
$2. 5 B upon economically deprived children and schools.
IV. Defederalization and Education Revenue Sharing - The President
A. Believes that state and local governments should retain primary respon-
sibility for maintaining and improving the quality of education.
B. Proposed Education Revenue Sharing to replace 33 Federal grant pro-
grams with $3.2 B in an automatic formula distribution to state and
local governments to be spent as they best see fit, without Federal con-
trols or domination.
aj-bc
&
FORD
PALLO
KEY FACTS ON EMPLOYMENT
OF
I.
The President's economic policies are having the desired impact of
reducing unemployment and increasing employment:
A. The unemployment rate has dropped from 6. 1% in August
1971, to 5. 5% in September 1972, and is declining.
B. Jobs are being created at a rate of 2-1/2 million per year.
With the effects of defense cutbacks from the wind-down of
the war mostly complete, we can expect this job creation
rate to sharply cut into unemployment.
C. Total civilian employment is over 82 million, up from 76
million in 1968.
D. Job availability has increased sharply from a year ago.
II.
Although less than half of those unemployed have actually "lost" jobs,
the President has assisted those who have:
A. extended unemployment compensation benefits (to as much
as 52 weeks) for areas of impacted unemployment;
B. transitional public service employment;
C. focusing of manpower programs on problem areas;
D. money to connect engineers and scientists with new jobs;
E. a national, computerized job bank;
F. special programs to employ Vietnam-era veterans.
III. The President's expansive economic policies prevented the unemploy-
ment rate from rising badly as a result of defense cutbacks and wind-
ing down the war.
IV.
While the President wants to assure that those who want to work, have
work, some points about the raw figure for unemployment should be
borne in mind:
A. 96. 7% of heads of households in the labor force have employment;
B. only 1. 3% of the labor force suffers "hardship" unemployment
(lasting longer than 15 weeks); and unemployment compensation
covers from 26 to a maximum of 52 weeks;
C. 635,000 left their last job voluntarily to seek new work;
D. the percentage of heads of households who are unemployed is now
substantially lower than the percentage of heads of households who
were unemployed 10 years ago when the unemployment rate was at
approximately the same 5. 5% level.
aj-bc
&
FOAD
RALD
KEY FACTS ON ENERGY
GE
LIBRARY
I.
Scope of Problem
A. Consumption - With 6% of the world's population, U.S. consumes
35% of world's energy; rate of increase in demand is high.
B. Winter 1972 - No area electric power problems are anticipated,
but delays are still being experienced in bringing new generation
plants on line. The supply of natural gas will continue tight, but
home heating needs will be met. The President's actions on
increasing imports should meet fall and winter petroleum needs.
C. Long-term - Oil, gas and coal currently supply most of U.S. energy
needs; U.S. production of oil and gas near peak production, given
present price structures; coal production raises environmental
problems. Continuation of present energy policy would yield a
much greater dependence on imports in the future.
II. The President's Initiatives
The President recognized this problem long before it came to national
notice. His policy goals are to provide sufficient quantities of energy,
from secure sources, at reasonable consumer prices, with full environ-
mental safeguards. To achieve these goals (President's Message to
the Congress June 4, 1971) --
A. The President is urging Congress to
1. facilitate interim power plant licensing;
2.
establish a state-Federal system for power plant siting;
3. stimulate increased exploration and development of natural
gas through partial price deregulation; and
4. broadly reorganize the government to unify energy policy-
making and action.
B. The Congress has so far met these proposals with inaction--not
one initiative has been fully enacted.
C. The President is making better use of Federal lands, by
1. accelerated oil and gas leasing on outer continental shelf, the
best domestic option for increasing production in mid-1970's;
2. oil shale and geothermal sources are longer term options;
and by
3. grants of permits for Alaskan pipeline and Southwest power
plants.
(all under strict environmental control)
D. The President is stimulating research and development for longer
term options:
1. Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor and coal gasification develop-
ments in partnership with industry (over $300 million in FY 73).
2. FY 73 R&D funding of $622 million is a 72% increase during
Nixon Administration.
3. R&D goals study under way to identify new FY 74 initiatives.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
RALED as A. FORD CIBRARY
The President is the first Chief Executive to make environmental
quality a major national priority. He has reorganized the Federal
structure, has increased funding dramatically, has strictly enforced
pollution control laws, and has proposed needed new legislation.
I.
The President has reorganized the Federal machinery to protect
the environment
A. Set up: (1) the Countil on Environmental Quality (policy
development), (2) the Environmental Protection Agency
(enforcement), and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration (management).
B. Proposed a Department of Natural Resources.
II. The President has dramatically increased the funding resources
devoted to protection of the environment
A. Federal budget outlays to control pollution increased over 430%
between 1969 and 1972 (from $350 million to $1.8 billion).
III. This President has "cracked down" on polluters
A. The number of criminal actions taken by the Justice Department
against water polluters increased over 400% (from 46 to 191)
between FY 1969 and 1971.
B. In 1971, the Administration made the first use of Federal
authority to shut down major industries during an air pollution
crisis (Birmingham, Alabama).
C. In 1972, the Administration initiated the first major action to
enforce national standards under the new Clean Air Act.
IV. The President has urged Congress to enact his sweeping initiatives
A. Proposals to cure emerging environmental problems: national
land use policy, air and water pollution, pesticides, strip
mining, toxic substances, ocean dumping, noise, power plant
siting and protection of endangered species.
B. Proposals to make rational use of our lands: 49 new wilder-
ness areas, protection of Big Cypress Swamp, and national
recreation areas in New York and San Francisco have been
proposed to Congress.
C. Fewer than half (13 out of 31) of the President's initiatives
received final Congressional action.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON FARM INCOME
FORD & RACE LIBRAR
I.
Gains Under President Nixon
OF
A. New records for gross farm income have been set in
each of the Nixon years--1969, 1970 and 1971; another
record, $65 billion, is expected in 1972 and is more
than one-fourth greater than in 1968.
B. Realized net income will be at all-time high in 1972.
1.
This year--realized net income from farming will
be about 27% greater than in 1968 and will break
the all-time mark set 25 years ago.
2. This crop marketing year--gross income from
farming will increase about $1 billion as a result
of the grain sale to Russia negotiated by President
Nixon.
C. Average income per farm is at all-time high, 61%
higher than the average for 1961-68.
D. Per capita income of farm people up strongly to 80%
of the average income of nonfarm people--compared
with 68% for 1961-68.
E. Upward march in farm production costs is coming under
control through Phase II economic programs.
II. Food is really a bargain while farm income is increasing.
A. In 1971, U.S. consumers got food at home and meals
eaten out for only 16% of take-home pay -- lowest
percentage ever, in any country.
B. The percentage of income spent for food is steadily
declining because:
1.
consumer incomes are rising;
2.
farm productivity is increasing.
aj-bc
a
FORD
RALD
KEY FACTS ON FOOD PRICES
or
LIBRARY
I.
The President has taken action:
A. The President directed the Cost of Living Council in late March
to stabilize food prices without reducing farm income to former,
inadequate levels.
1. IRS initiated a compliance survey of meat wholesalers,
meat packers, and major food chains;
2. Price Commission carefully analyzed quarterly reports
submitted by firms in food-related industries;
3. Administration officials met with major retail food chain
executives representing 10,000 retail outlets.
B. On June 26, the President removed all quota restrictions on
meat imported into the United States for the balance of 1972.
C. The President extended controls to unprocessed agricultural
products after the first sale, placing about $12 billion worth
of food transactions (about 11% of the food omponent of the
Consumer Price Index) under the Price Commission's regula-
tion for the first time.
D. Secretary Shultz, CLC Director Rumsfeld, and Secretary Hodgson
met in July with the representatives of farmers, processors and
workers to enlist cooperation to check prices.
E. On September 6, CLC Director Rumsfeld sent telegrams to Tier I
and Tier II food retailers indicating that in many instances retail
beef prices had remained unacceptably high in spite of the fact that
farm and carcass beef prices were at a 10-month low. He also
directed the Internal Revenue Service to monitor approximately 100
of the larger food chains so that the CLC will be in a position to
inform the public of those firms which have reduced their prices.
II. The results are encouraging:
A. Since the beginning of the Economic Stabilization Program, food
prices have risen at a 3.8% annual rate, in contrast to the 5. 5% rate
registered during the 7 months preceding the controls program.
B. Americans spend only 15.6% of their after-tax income on food--
lowest percentage in the world. This is down from 20% in 1960.
C. Retail costs of food rose 36% from 1947/49 to 1970; during this
period the Consumer Price Index rose 66%, nonfood items rose
71%, and services rose 125%.
III. Stabilization policies should not inhibit food production:
A. Monthly food prices fluctuate widely due to changes in weather,
perishability, and other factors affecting supply and demand.
Experience in World War II shows that if supply fails to equal
demand, black markets and long waiting lines could result.
B. For these reasons, controls have not been extended to farmer-
and producer-level of food industry.
2.
be
R.
FORD
KEY FACTS ON HEALTH
PALD OF
LIBRARY
The President's goals are to:
1. Assure that no American family is ever barred from adequate health
care because of inability to pay.
2. Avoid unnecessary expenses of acute medical care by developing a
better system for health maintenance and early rehabilitation.
3. Build on the best elements of present medical system and only
reform those elements which are not effective.
The President's program:
1. Under the National Health Insurance Act (H. R. 7741, S. 1623), all
employers of one or more persons would provide standard health
insurance protection for employees and dependents. Employers
would pay at least 65% of the premium costs for the first two and
a half years and a minimum of 75% thereafter.
2. Under the Family Insurance Plan, basic health protection would be
provided to all low-income families with children not covered by
such employer plans.
3. The Aged would no longer have to pay monthly Medicare premiums
out of reduced retirement incomes.
4. Develop health maintenance organizations to encourage preventive
medicine by providing incentives.
5. Expand and reform medical education to train more doctors and
nurses through Federal grants.
6. A National Health Service Corps to send doctors and other health
professionals to areas of critical doctor-shortages.
7. Cancer research programs accelerated by the President's commit-
ment to double funds for cancer research, and establishment of a
Conquest of Cancer Agency with its Director appointed by the
President.
8. Appointment of a Presidential panel of experts to recommend
S olutions to growing problems of heart disease in this country.
9. Establishment of national goal to cut incidence of mental retarda-
tion in half by the year 2000.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON HOUSING
RALD OF R. FORD BRARD
I.
The President has provided more housing than any previous
President and wants every American to have a decent home.
A. General housing starts in 1972 are at a rate of 2.3 million
new homes per year--65% more than the average during
1960 through 1968.
B. During his first three years, the President's programs stim-
ulated 5 million housing starts--an increase of 25% over the
preceding three years.
C. Publically-assisted housing has also increased sharply during
Nixon's presidency:
-
200,000 federally-assisted units were produced in 1969,
-
433,000 units in 1970,
-
445,000 units in 1971,
-
compared with less than 100,000 units annually over the
previous three years.
II. The President has also taken steps to reduce the costs of housing.
A. The President established the Construction Industry Stabiliz-
ation Committee to review new wage settlements and deferred
wage increases in the construction industry, a strong downward
influence on housing costs.
B. The President launched "Operation Breakthrough" in 1969 to
demonstrate new techniques for lowering construction costs.
ANNUAL FEDERAL ASSISTED HOUSING PRODUCTION
445,000
433,000
200,000
Less than
100,000
1966- '68
1969
1970
1971
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON INDIANS
RALD OF R. FORD CIBRARY
The President is committed to Indian self-determination without
termination.
I.
The President two years ago requested legislation to:
A. End the "termination" policy which would dissolve the trust
relationship between Indians and the Federal Government.
B. Protect Indian land and water rights.
C. Permit tribal governments to assume control over programs
in their homelands which are administered by the Department
of HEW and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
D. Greatly expand Indian economic development opportunities.
E. Triple the funds for Indian credit.
F. Create a new Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian
and Territorial Affairs.
Congressional response: None of the above bills has been passed yet.
II. Presidential action: Under President Nixon's personal direction,
this Administration has:
A. Increased BIA's own budget by 214% since FY 1969.
B. Requested a total all-agency budget for Indian affairs of
$1. 2 billion--up $300 million in two years.
C. Doubled funds for Indian health.
D. Supported BIA Commissioner Bruce's pledge to tribal leaders
to arrange the allocation of BIA funds to fit the priorities set
by the tribal governments themselves.
E. Underscored concern for off-reservation and urban Indians by
launching demonstration projects in nine Indian centers in
major cities.
F. Filed a Supreme Court suit to protect Indian water rights in
Pyramid Lake.
G. Knowing of Indians' love for their land, and recognizing the
wrongs of history, the President has:
1. Restored Blue Lake to the Taos Pueblo
2. Restored the Mt. Adams area to the Yakima Nation
3. Persuaded Congress to enact the historic Alaskan Claims
Settlement Act
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RALD OF R. FORD VIBRARI
THE NIXON LEGACY OF PARKS
President Nixon is the first President to take advantage of the
opportunity presented by the huge inventory of underutilized
Federal property.
I.
The Legacy of Parks
A. makes surplus Federal properties available for park
and recreation use;
B. is the first program of its kind in the nation's history;
C. is aimed at bringing recreation opportunities closer to
where people live;
D. is setting aside an endowment of parklands for future
generations to enjoy.
II. Accomplishments of the President
A. More than 167 properties have already been made avail-
able for the enjoyment of the American people.
B. These natural retreats are to be found in forty-one
states and Puerto Rico.
C. Most of them are located in and near cities where the
need for open space is greatest.
D. More than 23,000 acres of land, at a fair market value
of approximately $108 million, have been processed
through the Legacy of Parks Program.
III. The Property Review Board
A. was established to improve the management of Federal
real property;
B. makes recommendations to the President on the disposi-
tion of underutilized holdings;
C. devotes special attention to the progress of the Legacy
of Parks.
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R.
FORD
RALD OF
ABRART
KEY FACTS ON MINORITIES
President Nixon has a record of commitment, constructive effort and achieve-
ment in increasing the opportunities of all Americans and particularly those
who are members of minority groups.
I. School Desegregation
A. The percentage of Black children in the South in legally desegregated
school districts has gone from 32% (1968) to 91% (1971).
B. The percentage of Black children in the South attending 80-100%
Black schools has gone from 78.8% (1968) to 32. 2% (1971).
II. Federal Employment
A. Total minority employment in the Federal Government increased from
14. 1% (1969) to 19. 5% (1971).
B. The number of minority citizens employed in the government's upper
grades (GS 9-18) increased by 12. 5% between November 1969 and
May 1971.
III. Federal Contract Employment
A. The budget for contract compliance is now $33. 7 million, as compared
to $10. 6 million in FY 1969.
B. The number of contract compliance reviews: 68,800 projected for FY
1973, as compared to 7,000 done in FY 1969.
C. The number of show-cause notices issued to contractors suspected of
employment discrimination: 643 in FY 1972 as compared to 169 in
FY 1970.
IV. Private Employment
A. The President's FY 1973 budget for the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission is $46 million as compared to $9 million in FY 1969.
B. EEOC will make 14,000 investigations in FY 1973 as compared to
7, 500 in FY 1969.
C. Pocketbook results are showing up: income of Blacks outside the South
has reached - in fact, exceeded - parity with Whites among young
families where both husband and wife work. (Source: 1970 Census)
V. Civil Rights Enforcement
President Nixon's 1973 enforcement budget is $602. 1 million, as compared
to approximately $75 million in FY 1969.
VI. Special Aid to Minority People (Bureau of Indian Affairs, Minority Busi-
ness Enterprise, etc.):
This Administration's FY 1973 budget total is $2 billion, as compared to
$832 million in FY 1969. Aid to Black colleges is $200 million -- double
the FY 1969 expenditures.
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KEY FACTS ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
I.
The President has long recognized people's problems with
the property tax:
A. This tax has more than doubled in the last ten years.
B. It is regressive, with the heaviest burden imposed on:
1.
Senior citizens
2.
Low-income families
3.
Families with fixed income
4. Farmers
C. Due to complex assessment problems, people in similar
circumstances often pay property tax bills which are
very different.
D. Constitutionality of local school property taxes as a
means of financing schools has been put in serious
doubt by recent lower court cases.
II. The President is committed to the goal of reducing residential
property taxes:
A. He has requested the bipartisan Advisory Commission on
Intergovernmental Relations (mayors, governors, Federal
and state legislators, Cabinet) to study all aspects of pro-
posals leading to property tax relief.
B. After receiving the ACIR report, the President will make
his final recommendations for property tax relief.
C. Although there has been some talk about substituting a
Federal value added tax (VAT) for the school property
tax, this is only one of many alternatives and does not
now appear to be one of the more promising approaches
under consideration.
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RALD 1" R. FORD JBRART
KEY FACTS ON REVENUE SHARING
I.
President Nixon has won a major victory in his continuing fight to take
power away from the government bureaucracies and return it to the
people. On October 20, 1972, at Independence Hall, he signed into law
the Revenue Sharing Bill for which he had worked for over three years.
II. The President's Revenue Sharing Program is designed to:
A. Make government more effective and responsive by:
1.
Moving money and power closer to the people;
2.
Eliminating red tape and duplicatory programs;
3.
Recognizing that communities differ in their needs;
4.
Combining resources and responsibility at the right level
of government.
B. Provide immediate help to state and local governments facing bank-
ruptcy or the need for increased property taxes.
III. How will Revenue Sharing work?
A. Revenue Sharing fund monies will be distributed among all fifty states
and every city, county and town according to need as measured by
various population, tax effort and relative income factors.
B. The first-year total of $5. 3 billion will be increased by annual incre-
ments for each of the four succeeding years so that by the end of 1976,
over $30 billion will have been distributed.
C. Uses of Revenue Sharing money:
1. State governments may utilize their Revenue Sharing money for
any legitmate governmental purpose except as specifically noted
in the Act;
2. Local governments may use Revenue Sharing monies within a
large number of broadly defined priority areas for maintenance
and operating expenses, as well as capital expenditures.
D. Restructions on Revenue Sharing monies:
1.
The Act stipulates that no person shall, on the grounds of race,
color, national origin or sex, be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under
program or activity funded in whole or in part with Revenue Shar-
ing funds.
2. Revenue Sharing funds may not be used for education or as
"matching" funds.
E. Optional State Income Tax Collection
The Revenue Sharing Program provides the option for each state to
have the Federal Government collect and administer the state's
individual income taxes if the state desires.
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RALD GE A FORD
KEY FACTS ON TAX REFORM
I.
The President will not increase taxes and will keep taxes
down by cutting wasteful spending programs from the
budget.
II. The President's track record is excellent - he achieved
substantial tax reform through the Tax Reform Acts of
1969 and 1971.
A. 12 million low-income Americans have been dropped
from the tax rolls.
B. Over the past 4 years, Federal taxes on individuals
down by $22 billion, and taxes on corporations up by
$5 billion.
C. Since 1969, taxes for the poor and middle-income
families have decreased:
Income
For Family
of Four
1969 Tax
1972 Tax
% Reduction
$ 5,000
$ 290
$ 98
-66%
$10,000
$1,225
$ 905
-26%
$25,000
$4,853
$4,240
-13%
III. The President is committed to making our tax system fairer
and simpler and to the goal of reducing residential property
taxes.
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FORDO A. RALD LIBRARY
to
THE ADMINISTRATION POSITION ON TAX REFORM
President Nixon will not seek a Tax Increase
President Nixon has pledged that he will not seek a tax increase
if he wins a second term, but will instead keep taxes down by cut-
ting wasteful Federal spending programs from the budget. The
President is aware that Federal spending, which is the primary
determinant of Federal taxes, has a greater effect on the average
taxpayer's burden than do any of the so-called tax "loopholes."
This is why the President urged Congress to help him keep taxes
down by enacting his proposal for a $250 billion ceiling on Federal
spending.
A recent study by the Brookings Institution underscored the seriousness
of this relationship between Federal spending and tax increases.
According to the Brookings Institution a tax hike within the next four
years will be necessary to finance even existing programs. President
Nixon will not increase taxes but will instead cut spending on some of
the less productive social programs.
Administration Committed to Tax Reform
The President committed himself to tax reform in the 1968 campaign
and within 90 days of his inauguration he proposed major and funda-
mental tax reform. The tax facts disprove much of the current
campaign rhetoric which would have people believe that taxes on
individuals are going up while the corporations are avoiding taxes.
Individuals Pay Less While Corporations Pay More
For the four calendar years, 1969-1972:
-- Corporate income taxes will have increased by
a total of $4. 9 billion.
-- Individual income taxes will have decreased by
$18. 9 billion.
-- Excise taxes, mostly on individuals, will have
decreased by about $3. 5 billion.
FORD A LIBRAR RALD
OF
<
- 2 -
Lower and Middle Income Taxpayers Pay Less
Equally important is the fact that the greatest percentage reductions
have been made in the low-income groups, substantial reductions
have been made in the middle-income groups, and significant increases
have been made in the highest income groups. For example, as a
result of the President's proposals, 12 million low-income Americans
have been dropped from the tax rolls and persons in the lowest income
tax bracket will pay this year 82 percent less. Persons with adjusted
gross income in the $10,000 to $15,000 range will pay 13 percent less.
Persons with incomes over $100,000 will pay 7-1/2 percent more.
What these figures show is that in general the wealthy are paying more
than they were in 1968 while others are paying less. Although these
facts indicate that the Administration has already achieved a significant
amount of tax reform, there is a continuous effort to make our tax
system more fair and more simple for the average taxpayer.
Corporate Depreciation Makes U.S. Business
Competitive and Stimulates Economy
The recently approved Asset Depreciation Range System and Job
Development Credit have been portrayed on the current campaign
circuit as inequitable corporate tax "loopholes. 11 Before the depre-
ciation and investment credit changes were made in 1971, Treasury
estimates showed that income tax laws made the capital cost of U.S.
business equipment higher than that of any other major industrialized
nation in the Western World. The 1971 changes restored American
business in this regard to a position somewhat more favorable than
Canada, France, and the Netherlands, but still behind West Germany,
Japan, the United Kingdom and other of our principal competitors in
western markets.
A Department of Commerce-SEC Survey has revealed a very encour-
aging 10-1/2 percent rise in business expenditures for plant and
equipment for 1972 over 1971. A more recent McGraw Hill survey
shows a 14 percent rise. Thus, the Asset Depreciation Range System
and Job Development Investment Credit are strong forces in the
economic recovery, and it would seem to be too early to consider
changing this successful policy, agreed upon only last year, after so
much careful deliberation.
- 3 -
Property Tax Relief
The public clamor for tax reform is not only directed to Federal
income tax, but to a great extent it is addressed at the local property
tax. Many taxpayers equate tax reform with some kind of property
tax relief. A recent public opinion poll, commissioned by the Advisory
Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, asked a representative
nationwide sample: "Which do you think is the worst tax today, that
is, the least fair tax? 11 Nineteen percent thought that the Federal
income tax was least fair, but almost two and one-half times that
number, 45 percent, said that they believed local property taxes were
least fair. The property tax has more than doubled in the past 10
years, and it is very regressive--placing the heaviest burden on senior
citizens, low-income families, families with fixed incomes, and
farmers.
The President is committed to help the states find ways to relieve
their property tax burden. He has requested the Secretary of the
Treasury and the bipartisan Advisory Commission on Intergovern-
mental Relations (ACIR) with representatives from Federal, state
and local governments to study various alternatives for achieving his
stated goal of a reduction in residential property taxes. Although
there has been some talk about substituting a Federal value added
tax (VAT) for the school property tax, this is only one of many altern-
atives and does not appear to be one of the more promising approaches
now under consideration. The President will make his final recom-
mendations for property tax relief at the earliest possible date.
FORD & LIBRARY RALO
13
KEY FACTS ON TROPICAL STORM AGNES
I.
Background
Tropical Storm Agnes, which hit the Northeast last June, was the largest
natural disaster in American history in terms of property damage (nearly
130, 000 homes and businesses damaged; 225, 000 homeless). The heaviest
damage occurred in Pennsylvania and western New York. The President
declared major disasters for Florida, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia,
Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Disaster declarations were made by the
Administrators of the Farmers Home Administration and the Small Business
Administration for the affected counties of North Carolina, Delaware, New
Jersey and the District of Columbia. The President introduced sweeping
legislation for the disaster victims, provided unprecedented levels of Fed-
eral Assistance, involved his Administration in disaster relief operations
in an unusual and personal way, and has introduced legislation to prevent
future losses due to flooding.
II. The President has introduced and the Congress passed sweeping legislation
for disaster victims
A. Federal grants of up to $5000 (compared to $2500 previously) and 30-
year loans at 1% interest rate (compared to 5-1/8% previously) are avail-
able through SBA and FHA to repair damage to homes and businesses.
B. Grants to repair private nonprofit educational institutions are available
for the first time.
C. Annual Highway Trust Fund authorization for the emergency repair of
highways has been permanently increased.
III. The President has provided more Federal assistance for disaster victims
than ever before
A. He has ordered total Federal expenditures for relief operations of
almost $2 billion.
B. SBA and FHA have helped almost 100, 000 homeowners and businessmen
with grants and loans totaling $800 million.
C. More than 28, 000 families have been provided temporary housing;
37,000 persons have received unemployment assistance; and over
24,000 have disaster-related jobs.
IV. The President has involved his Administration in disaster relief operations
in an unusual and personal way
A. He has made two personal visits to the disaster area.
B. The Secretaries of Commerce, Labor, HUD and DOT have made inves-
tigation visits to the disaster areas.
C. Frank Carlucci, Deputy Director of OMB, has been sent to Wilkes-
Barre as the personal representative of the President to handle daily
operational problems.
V. The President has proposed legislative changes in the National Flood Insur-
ance Program to forestall future losses due to flooding
A. Expanded coverage on homes and businesses.
B. Strengthened the incentives for communities to adopt land use control
measures and for individuals to participate in the program.
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FORDO A. RALD LIBRARY
KEY FACTS ON WAGE-PRICE CONTROLS
I.
Goals
A. To reach the President's goal of reducing inflation to 2 to 3% by
the end of 1972,
1. the Price Commission announced an objective to restrict
price increases, on an average, to 2.5% per year;
2. the Pay Board decided to hold wage increases to an average
annual rate of 5. 5%.
B. This combination allows further gains in real earnings and expected
overall increases in productivity of 3%.
II. The Results
A.
Wage-Price Decisions
1. Since November 14, out of a total of 13, 177 submissions,
the combined weighted average pay increase granted has
been 5.0% affecting over 15. 2 million workers.
2. The cumulative average increase granted by the Price
Commission is 3. 25% on the items for which increases were
requested and just 1. 65% on total sales of requesting firms.
B. Prices Held Down
1.
During the 12 months of indexes since the beginning of the
New Economic Policy, the Consumer Price Index has
increased at an annual rate of 2.9% compared to 3. 9%
before the Freeze and rates of 5 and 6% during 1969-70.
2. The Wholesale Price Index has increased at an annual rate
of 4. 4% during the period of controls compared to 5.0% in
the first 7 months of 1971 before the Freeze.
3. Food prices during the period of controls have increased at
an annual rate of 3.8% compared to a 5. 5% rate registered
during the 7 months preceding the Freeze.
4.
Commodities other than food have increased at a 2.0%
annual rate during the period of controls compared to a
3. 1% rate during the 7 months before the Freeze.
5.
Services have increased at a 3.4% annual rate during the
period of controls compared to 4. 3% during the 7 months
preceding the Freeze and rates of 7.8% in 1970 and 7. 6%
in 1969.
III. Real Spendable Earnings have risen at a rapid annual rate of 4. 1%
since the introduction of the New Economic Policy last August. This
is increased buying power--the real test. Between 1965 and 1970,
real spendable earnings for the average production worker did not
increase at all as inflation more than offset wage hikes.
aj-bc
KEY FACTS ON WOMEN
I.
President Nixon believes strongly that women must have full equality
of opportunity; he has taken many steps to promote such equality in
the Federal Government.
A. First woman appointed to White House staff solely to recruit
women for top-level jobs.
B. More women now in Federal, policy-making positions than
ever before. (Women policy-makers more than tripled in
past year and majority in positions never before held by women.)
C. More than 1, 200 women have moved into middle-management
government jobs in past year.
II.
Significant Administration-supported legislation to increase equal oppor-
tunity for women has been enacted during President Nixon's term:
A. Title IX of Higher Education Act--opposes discrimination against
women in educational institutions.
B. Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972--gives EEOC enforce-
ment power through the courts in sex discrimination cases.
III.
Presidential initiatives directed toward ending sex discrimination:
A. President's re-endorsement of the Equal Rights Amendment
to the Constitution.
B. Issuance of Revised Order -requires firms doing business
with government to have affirmative action plans for hiring
and promotion of women.
C. President's recommendation that jurisdiction of Commission
on Civil Rights be expanded to cover sex discrimination.
D. Significant increase in resources for enforcement of Fair
Labor Standards Act--provides equal pay for equal work.
E. Filing of charges of sex discrimination against more than
350 higher education institutions.
F. Expansion of the scope of Women's Bureau, Department of Labor.
IV.
President Nixon's concern for quality child care for children of working
mothers is demonstrated by his having:
A. Proposed, as part of the Welfare Reform Bill (H.R.1), funding
of $750 million a year for child care.
B. Signed into law the Revenue Act of 1971 which provides tax
deductions for child care.
V.
The President has urged the private sector to follow government's lead
in transforming equality for women from ideal into reality. In April of
this year, he said,
"
the full and equal participation of women is
crucial to the strength of this country. "
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THE NIXON ADMINISTRATION AND YOUTH
President Nixon has made bold initiatives in areas that directly affect
the lives of young people:
I.
Supported the lowering of the voting age to 18 and signed the
Voting Rights Act into law on June 22, 1971; also lowered the
age to serve on Federal juries.
II.
Reformed the draft system and continues to work toward an
all-volunteer armed force.
III.
Called the White House Conference on Youth and continued the
dialogue by answering all of the recommendations of the Con-
ference in an unprecedented 400-page document and instituted
almost half of the suggested actions within six months.
IV.
Formed youth advisory boards in all Departments to consult
with the Secretaries on policies affecting youth.
V.
Initiated the development of career education, a new concept
of education concerned with the usefulness and self-realization
of every individual by equipping students occupationally, academ-
ically, and emotionally to spin off from the educational system
into useful jobs whenever they choose.
VI.
Proposed what became the Education Amendments of 1972 which
increased student grants 70% and increased participation from
1.6 million to 2.5 million.
VII.
Increased G.I. educational benefits 75%, vocational education
benefits 48% and created new Federal employment programs.
VIII.
Reorganized manpower administration within the Department of
Labor and tripled funding for manpower programs, much of it
directed specifically to unemployed young people.
IX.
Created the President's Environmental Merit Awards Program
to recognize youth participation in the task of cleaning up America
under the theme of "Life-Pass It On. "
X.
Consolidated for greater efficiency the varied volunteer programs
into ACTION and created the volunteer service for credit called
University Year for Action.
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