We reaffirm our strong support of the Taft-Ellender-Wagner national housing commission bill, S. 866, and most particularly those titles of the bill which include (1) provision for low-rent subsidized housing for the low-income family, (2) enabling legislation to aid private enterprise to build shelter for middle and lowermiddle income families, (3) provision to encourage and assist cities to initiate plans for rebuilding blighted areas. STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING BILL, MAY 1948 The national board of the Young Women's Christian Associations has supported the Taft-Ellender-Wagner housing bill (S. 866) in the Senate, and urges speedy passage of the companion measure (H. R. 2523) by the House of Representatives. It is imperative that the bill as passed by the Senate not be weakened by amendments which would destroy its effectiveness. Delay in enacting legislation for a long-range housing program would be extremely wasteful in view of the great need for housing, public and private, rural and urban. This need was expressed in numerous statements at hearings held in various communities by the Joint Congressional Committee on Housing. Since 1860, YMCA's have taken an active interest in the housing of young Women. In hundreds of communities YWCA's have established residences for low-salaried workers and room registry services. Many of the girls who use YWCA services come from families that are under severe handicaps in maintaining standards of health because they are putting a large proportion of their wages into homes that are not adequate for their needs. Many are members of racial minority groups whose families are living in crowded, unsanitary quarters because nothing else is available at rents they can afford to pay. It is our belief that private enterprise cannot now, or in the foreseeable future, provide decent housing, new or old, for low-income families and that, therefore, there should be provision for publicly assisted, low-rent housing. Furthermore, public financial assistance will be necessary in urban redevelopment and in acquiring and clearing the land in slums and blighted areas, if it is to be made available at prices which will permit its appropriate redevelopment. We therefore urge the support of members of your committee in speeding passage of this legislation which is so necessary for the welfare of the American people. STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TAFT-ELLENDER-WAGNER BILL (S. 866) BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN TO THE BANKING AND CURRENCY COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MAY 1948 The National Council of Negro Women, with a membership of more than 900,000 women representing every State in, the Union, wishes to go on record again in support of the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill (S. 866). Our organization has been active over a period of many years in urging the development of a national housing policy and passage of legislation which would stimulate production of adequate housing for all income groups. It is our firm conviction that the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill meets these requirements and at the same time achieves as fair balance of all issues involved as would appear attainable at this time. We are particularly concerned with provision in title VI for a federally aided public housing program to meet the needs of families of low incomes whom private enterprise cannot serve with decent housing now or in the foreseeable future. These self-supporting citizens have the American right to look to their Government for the kind of assistance that will afford them an opportunity to occupancy of decent housing in which to raise their families. The provision for 500,000 units is a modest program, for it is an unavoidable fact that millions of American families of all racial groups cannot provide themselves with decent housing at present costs. For thousands of Negro families whose incomes are in the lowest brackets, whose search for decent living facilities is thwarted by arbitrary restrictions, exorbitantly high rentals and inflated purchase prices for "hand-me-down" housing, there is an undisputable need for additional units of low-rent public housing. They, too, have a right to realize our accepted goal of a "decent home for every American family." The intolerable conditions of overcrowding and slum living have grave repercussions upon the moral and spiritual life of our Nation. The conditions are inescapable until better housing is provided through the use of both public and private funds. For these reasons we urge immediate passage of S. 866 including the public housing section as passed by the Senate, free from any emasculating amendments. CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BANKING AND CURRENCY COMMITTEE, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: Respectfully request that the following statement be incorporated in the hearings presently being conducted by the Banking and Currency Committee. The Catholic War Veterans assembled in convention adopted the following resolution: "Whereas the supply of housing accommodations in the United States of America is now and for an indefinite period of from 5 to 10 years may continue to remain inadequate; and "Whereas such housing shortages create hardships particularly upon veterans of World War II for the following reasons, to wit: "1. Such veterans comprise the largest numerical group to have been displaced by the recent war; "2. Such veterans are comprised largely of individuals with families; "3. The majority of such veterans are affected adversely by postwar economie conditions such as "(a) Inadequate income, "(b) Unpaid debts accrued prior to or arising out of their war service or rehabilitation; and "(c) Increased expenses resulting from higher costs of living, separation and displacement of families, establishment of new businesses or marriage, and financing of educational and vocational training program; and "Whereas the Government veteran's emergency housing program is concerned primarily with the availability and channeling of materials for housing and not with technique of bringing down the cost to veterans of housing; and "Whereas housing construction and real-estate interests have gone on record as admitting they are unable to procure housing or rental accommodations for individuals not able to pay in excess of $60 per month; and "Whereas the Bureau of Census survey of veterans' housing plans and accommodations indicates that among World War II veterans who desire to own their own homes, 28 percent can pay between $50 and $60 per month, 40 percent can pay between $40 and $50, 14 percent can pay less than $30 per month; and, "Whereas the only feasible way to accomplish the objective of making available to middle- and low-income veterans satisfactory housing accommodations at a cost commensurate with their ability to pay appears to be through the operation of the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill (S. 866 and H. R. 2523) which, for the benefit of such veterans proposing to purchase their own homes, provides extension of amortization, reduction of interest rates, and increase in the proportion of the insured loan, and, for the benefit of such veterans desiring rental accommodations, provides continuation of the public housing program: Now therefore be it hereby "Resolved, That the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, in its 1948 annual convention go on record as endorsing the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill; and be it further "Resolved, The Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, urges immediate passage by the House of Representatives, Committee on Banking and Currency on the said Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill and prompt enactment of the bill by Congress of the United States of America; and be it further "Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent by the national department judge advocate to all United States Senators and Representatives in the United States and to the chairman of the Representatives and Senate; and that this resolution be given such other distribution' to individual Congressmen as the national judge advocate may deem proper and appropriate." We believe that it is incumbent on the Banking and Currency Committee to favorably urge the passage of this important legislation. For 3 years the people of America have lived on promises. For 3 years this bill has been discussed by any and all persons. Suffice it for me to say that on this particular legislation all that has been worth saying has already been said. Respectfully request the Banking and Currency Committee to curtail its hearings immediately, reach a decision on the facts garnered over the past 3 years, and present this legislation to the many Congressmen who are ready, willing, and able to add their "yea" to the passage of this bill. Thank you, and believe me to be, Sincerely yours, EUGENE F. TAGGART, STATEMENT OF MISS ANNA LORD STRAUSS, PRESIDENT, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE UNITED STATES The League of Women Voters is pleased to take this opportunity to urge the members of the House Banking and Currency Comimttee to recommend favorably the measure now before you-the Taft-Ellender-Wagner housing bill, S. 866. For several years the league has been greatly concerned about the housing crisis, and we have vigorously supported the adoption of a comprehensive housing policy by the Federal Government. The overwhelming aproval of S. 866 by countless public-minded organizations and individuals, and the recent passage of this bill by the Senate encourages us to believe that this wise course of action will soon be followed. We need not repeat the startling facts of the Nation's serious housing shortage. The hearings conducted throughout the country by the Joint Committee on Housing this fall and winter brought them forcefully to the attention of Congress. Some of you were members of that committee, and you will remember that in city after city, representatives of the League of Women Voters testified at those hearings, pointing out the conditions in those areas and making recommendations for legislative action. The league is convinced that the enactment of S. 866 wil go a long way toward providing decent homes at reasonable prices for all income groups. Recognition of the importance of a unified Federal Government policy on housing was given by the Congress when the housing agencies were coordinated under the Housing and Home Finance Agency. The first step was taken then. Now it is up to the Congress to adopt legislation providing for (1) research and assistance in the study of new methods of meeting housing needs quickly, efficiently and at minimum cost; (2) aid to local governments in clearing up slum areas and replacing them with the public low-cost housing that cannot be provided by private development; and (3) stimulation of private enterprise in providing homes for that vast segment of the population--the middle-income groups-for whom little housing is now being constructed at a cost they can afford. When enacted, S. 866 will provide a foundation for a long-range housing program. We must remember, however, that the Nation is still in a dangerous inflationary period. Though the people of the country differ on methods by which inflation should be brought under control, there is universal recognition that an increase in the available supply relative to the demand will lessen these dangers. In the process, however, every effort must be made to avoid aggravating some of the inflationary tendencies existing in the economy. Where discretion is permitted in the administration of the Federal housing program, we hope that thorough consideration of the inflationary factors will be given before changes are made in procedures for financing construction. The Federal Government's function must be to guide the production of the largest number of houses at minimum cost. We believe this is possible through the proper administration of the principles embodied in S. 866, and we therefore recommend your immediate favorable action on this measure. STATEMENT BY REV. W. H. JERNAGIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FRATERNAL COUNCH. OF NEGRO CHURCHES IN AMERICA In my capacity as executive director of the Fraternal Council of Negro Churches in America and in behalf of the 11 denominations with more than 7,000,000 members, which our council represents, I wish to offer this statement in support of the immediate enactment of the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill. Our group reaffirms its repeated endorsement of the legislation as the best step that can be taken to insure a steady volume of new housing to meet the housing needs of all income groups. As spiritual leaders in the community, we know how important it is to our Christian family life for our people to have decent homes in which to live and bring up their children. For, as has been so decisively concluded by the White House Conferences on Prevention and Control of Juvenile Delinquency, "our homes are decisive influences in family life; no program to strengthen the foundations of family life can overlook the influence of housing, the basic environment of domestic life." Our affiliated councils and their members have viewed with increasing concern the devastating impact of slum living and intensive overcrowding upon the families of our congregations who have been unable to acquire decent housing. We have witnessed the rising rates of delinquency, crime, and the increased number of broken homes, factors which are directly traceable to the inadequacies of the housing facilities available to our people. In contrast we observe the many benefits which accrue to those fortunate families who are housed in the public housing projects provided through Federal aid. Here there is a different "feel" to life. With more space for wholesome living, more air to breathe, protected, well-equipped play areas for the children, thousands of Negro citizens live with pride and maintain their apartments in keeping with the highest maintenance standards. Their rent-paying habits prove them to be responsible citizens. Basing our position upon these observable facts, we know that additional public housing is essential to the well-being of thousands of families. We, therefore, urge immediate passage of the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill with the public housing section as passed by the Senate. NATIONAL WOMEN'S TRADE UNION LEAGUE OF AMERICA, The Honorable JESSE P. WOLCOTT, Washington 25, D. C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN WOLCOTT: The National Women's Trade Union League is a federation of trade unions with women members from both the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. We also have a supplementary membership of persons who endorse our principles and objectives. For nearly 4 years now legislation has been before Congress that would provide desperately needed housing for low-income groups. The National Women's Trade Union League has supported this legislation (S. 866) and will continue to support it because our members want decent, clean, homes to live in at rentals they can afford to pay. We know that citizens in general are for the TaftEllender-Wagner bill-and we feel sure that the members of the House Banking and Currency Committee are aware of this fact. During the time that the housing bill has been before Congress private builders have had plenty of opportunities to build houses for all income groups, including the millions of people with low incomes. Private builders have utterly failed to build homes for the groups at this end of the scale, hence the need for a federally-aided public housing program. We do not oppose the provisions of the bill that give every possible aid to private enterprise, but we do insist that when private builders completely ignore a large segment of the population it is necessary to provide a public housing program for those groups. The welfare of the people of our Nation should take precedence over the greed of those who are out to defeat a comprehensive public housing program. The Senate has passed S. 866 and now action, long delayed by the House, is imperative. May we ask, please, that this statement be made a part of the record of the hearings. Sincerely yours, ELISABETH CHRISTMAN, STATEMENT BY A. S. BIGELOW, CHAIRMAN, MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSING BOARD The action of your committee on S. 866 is most important to the veterans, the taxpayers, and the administration of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The specific portion of the bill in which Massachusetts is particularly interested is title VI. It is the part that relates to public housing. The reason is that Gov. Robert F. Bradford, 6 weeks ago, signed a Massachusetts public housing act and that Massachusetts act required mandatory conversion to a Federal status-when, as, and if the opportunity presents. It is my purpose this morning briefly to describe the reason for the Massachusetts public housing legislation, its effect on the citizens of Massachusetts, and its direct relation to the measure now before you. As legislators, I think you gentlemen will be interested, not only as to why Massachusetts has taken this action, but how it came about. Early in 1946, Massachusetts adopted various measures to ease the housing shortage. They were temporary, stopgap, short-term measures. They included many incentives to private enterprise. In 1947 the situation was obviously worse. Amendments and other measures somewhat enlarging the scope of State aid were enacted. The results from this approach were woefully meager and inadequate. By the beginning of the summer of 1947 it was apparent to the State administration, the Governor, the legislature, and State housing agencies that the housing shortage was growing even worse and that action must be taken-drastic action if necessary. A recess commission, intensively to study veterans' housing in the Commonwealth, was created by the legislature. The commission met and organized on September 15, 1947. Senator Mason Sears, of Dedham, was elected chairman, and Representative Michael J. McCarthy, of East Bridgewater, vice chairman. Composed exclusively of veterans, the commission exhaustively examined the problem of veterans' housing. It held many public hearings over a period of 10 weeks. Material producers, builders, realtors, housing officials, veterans, veterans' organizations, and all interested citizens were heard. The diligence and intensiveness of the commission's study has been praised as a tremendous service, not only to the veterans, but to all citizens of the Commonwealth. Their report to the legislature is a significant document. I quote a few excerpts from that report: "The shortage of low-cost rental dwelling units for veterans of World War II, particularly in the industrial cities of this Commonwealth, is so great at the present time that an immediate solution can no longer be delayed. "There must be action of a definite nature in 1948, or conditions, now extremely acute, will become disastrous. "It has been conservatively estimated families of more than 50,000 Massachusetts veterans are in desperate need of housing. A total of 11,000 dwelling units of all types will have been completed in 1947, of which less than 10 percent are rental units. This number is woefully insufficient. It is also estimated that approximately 350,000 new residential units in this Commonwealth will be necessary during the next 10 years. "Private industry, all statements to the contrary, cannot meet this demand. Eighty percent of the veterans in this State requiring housing are financially unable to purchase a home at present high cost of such dwellings. Their needand it is this need the commission desires to emphasize throughout the reportis for low rental housing. "At a conference, mayors of various cities were emphatic in their statements that in order to relieve existing condition in their respective municipalities, financial assistance from either the Federal or State Government must be forthcoming. Based on surveys conducted in their cities, these mayors pointed out that the average veteran can meet rentals between $35 to $50 a month. Any cost beyond that figure is prohibitive, based on present earning capacities. "In all the conferences held by the commission, nobody, with the possible exception of the Savings Banks Association of Massachusetts, with respect to interest rates, appeared desirous to reduce costs even a fraction to get a housing program under way. "The commission has been asked not to place the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the direct construction of housing in competition with its private citizens. By the same token these private citizens in various phases of the housing industry have indicated an unwillingness to make concessions which |