The Union Times

AFL Calls Upon Congress To Pass New Social Security Measure Without Delay
WASHINGTON -- Calling upon Congress to pass the measure without delay, AFL Pres. William Green has endorsed the new Wagner-Murray-Dingell social security bill as an improvement over the similar measure introduced last year.
Green's statement said: "Enactment of this measure will provide the American people with a well-rounded social security program for their protection during the transition period between war and peace and during the years to come.
"Particularly important at this time are the provisions for a comprehensive unemployment compensation system, with uniform benefits throughout the nation. Only by such action can millions of war workers and returning service-men be safeguarded against unnecessary hardships arising from temporary unemployment during the reconversion period and in any subsequent economic crisis.
Basic Protection
"In addition, the new Wagner-Murray bill offers basic protections against the economic hazards of illness, temporary disability, extended disability, old age, and retirement. It extends the benefits of old age and survivors insurance to 15 million persons now excluded.
"The AFL is proud of the fact that it originally sponsored this legislation and has consulted closely with Sen. Wagner and his colleagues in efforts to improve and protect it.
"A full measure of social security against the economic hazards of our complicated economic civilization must be guaranteed by a humane government to every American family. Social security means more than protection to the individual and his family. It provides insurance for the free enterprise system against its own shortcomings and serves to buttress the American way of life."
Liberalized Measure
The new Wagner-Murray-Dingell bill calling for wide expansion of federal social security laws and extending benefits to 15 million persons now not covered, was introduced in the Senate May 24 by Sen. Robert F. Wagner (D. N.Y.) Sponsoring the liberalized bill with him are Sen. James Murray (D. Mont.) and Rep. John Dingell (D. Mich.)
The bill provides protection against the major economic hazards facing American families, whether they be on farms or in industry or private professions and trades. It covers costs of medical and hospital care, loss of income from unemployment, temporary sickness, extended disability, retirement or death of the family breadwinner.
Social Security
U.S. Sen. Robert F. Wagner, who has all labor's support in his battle for a real Social Security bill.
One National System
Everything is included under one national system with one set of contributions and one set of records. Special federal aid is provided to help states with low-income clauses in their present social security laws to bring them up to a better, higher level.
Sen. Wagner, in introducing the bill said he was "authorized to say that the bill has the strong endorsement of the responsible and patriotic American labor leadership, organized in the AFL and the CIO, and of the National Farmers Union. The health provisions of the bill have the endorsements of many persons and organizations working in medical care and related fields. Legislation providing grants for hospital construction have been endorsed by the American Medical Assn., the American Hospital Assn. and the American Public Health Assn. and various labor, welfare, farm and other public organizations."
Here are the main provisions of the new Wagner-Murray-Dingell bill;
Construction of Health Facilities
Provision for a 10 year program of federal grants and loans for building and expanding hospitals. health centers and related facilities with the U. S. to pay at least 25% and up to 50% of the cost on a sliding scale depending on a State's per capita income. Loans may be made for not more than 25 % additional.
The bill allows U. S. grants to states to expand public health services. The government will pay at least 25% of amounts spent by a state and up to 75%, depending on a state's per capita income.
Grants for Maternal and Child Health
In the same way as above, states may get U. S. funds for maternal, child health and welfare services.
Public Assistance Program
Calls for U. S. expenditure to aid states in public assistance to needy individuals-the aged, blind, dependent children and others. U. S. backing runs from 50% to 75% on the sliding scale.
National Social Insurance
Here is the major section. Under the bill personal health insurance is offered. It is insurance of medical care costs and not state or socialized medicine.
Unemployment and temporary disability insurance benefits are put on a federal basis, running from a minimum of $5 and up to $30 a week for a maximum period of 26 weeks. If enough funds are available, the benefits may be extended to a full 52 weeks for unemployment benefits.
Retirement, survivors and total disability benefits are more liberal than at present. The minimum payment is set at $20 a month and it can run to a top figure of $120 a month.
Military Service Credit
Veterans of the armed services are given credit for $160 a month for each month spent in military service.
Contributions
Both workers and employers will pay 4% each to pay for the system. Funds will be invested in U. S. government bonds.