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October 9, 1967
MEMORANDUM FROM: Legislative Task Force
TO: Steering Committee, Urban Coalition
SUBJECT: Report of Legislative Task Force
Job Program:
The Legislative Task Force has for the last few weeks
concentrated on developing support for the Clark-Javits Emergency
Employment Act.
As originally drafted, the bill did not secure the support of
several key Senators. We worked with Senator Prouty of Vermont and
Senators Clark, Javits, and Scott, arriving at a compromise version
which provided for increased private participation. The compromise
was defeated 47 to 42, in spite of substantial Republican support.
This was accomplished with limited Steering Committee support.
The Task Force is nevertheless encouraged. Because of the
narrow margin and the generally good support, an emergency work
program will be reintroduced soon. We are cooperating with
Senators Clark and Javits in drafting the measure.
Senator Clark's Poverty Subcommittee will hold hearings soon
after the bill is introduced. Steering Committee members will be
asked to testify.
A similar emergency employment bill is being considered in the
House and if hearings are held Steering Committee members can expect
to be asked to testify.
Job Related Congressional Legislation
Two other measures now pending should receive the full attention
of the Urban Coalition as integral components of the job problem.
First, the welfare amendments which include a provision requiring
all "employable" welfare recipients to enter training programs or
the job market, or lose their welfare payments. The negative
impact in the ghetto will be great if this provision stands. The
Urban Coalition should take a strong stand against this proposal.
Second, in the House the Administration's poverty amendments
are in dire trouble and in all likelihood will be changed
substantially.
Recommendations
The Task Force recommends that the Steering Committee become
actively involved in behalf of these measures. It recommends that
the Legislative Task Force be authorized to arrange for testimony
by Steering Committee members and take such other action to support
the policy approved on these three measures.