SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 36
(By Senators Bailey, McCabe, Edgell, McKenzie, Oliverio,
Stollings, Unger, Kessler and Hunter)
Remembering President Lyndon B. Johnson for his efforts to uplift
the poor and downtrodden of America through his "War on
Poverty".
Whereas, Forty years ago in his first State of the Union
address, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a "War on Poverty"
just weeks after succeeding to the White House upon the
assassination of President John F. Kennedy; and
Whereas, President Johnson's "War on Poverty" led Congress to
pass the Economic Opportunity Act and establish the Office of
Economic Opportunity to administer the local application of federal
funds targeted against poverty; and
Whereas, President Johnson's "War on Poverty" resulted in the
creation of such important programs as Head Start, food stamps,
work study, Medicare and Medicaid which still exist today; and
Whereas, The programs initiated through President Johnson's
"War on Poverty" brought about reduced poverty rates and improved
living standards for America's poor; and
Whereas, In recent times the issue of poverty in America has
assumed a less prominent role in the national agenda and the living
standards of America's poor have stagnated or declined; and
Whereas, It is in this context that we remember President
Johnson's "War on Poverty" and we look to his great charge as a
reminder that there is still much to do in our country to alleviate
the scourge of poverty; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby remembers President Lyndon B. Johnson
for his efforts to uplift the poor and downtrodden of America
through his "War on Poverty"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential
Library and Museum.