NATIONAL CATHOLIC WELFARE CONFERENCE, Hon. CLEVELAND BAILEY, DEAR MR. BAILEY: We read with very great interest the remarks of Senator Long and Senator Burdick relative to a revision of the formula for apportioning cash assistance funds under the National School Lunch Act. Senator Long and Senator Burdick spoke to the bill S. 2442 as a substitute for S. 347. Their remark are to be found in the Congressional Record August 18, 1961, page 15258. We recognize the force of their argument for equity in the distribution of the funds. We recognize that such equity should be represented in all Federal legislation, Realizing the impact that the revised formula which seeks to provide such equity would have upon the school lunch program in the nonpublic schools, we appreciate the proposal that there be a 1-year transition period. According to this proposal, during the transition period one-half of the funds would be made available for apportionment under the formula now in effect and one-half under the new formula. This undoubtedly would help to alleviate the impact upon the nonpublic schools. In conjunction with this proposal we would urge that the Congress direct a comprehensive study to be made of the operations of the school lunch program, especially as to participation. We would suggest that this study extend no more than 2 or 3 years. This study even in its initial phases will indicate a need for a 2- or 3-year adjustment period. We share with you, Mr. Chairman, and with the original framers of the school lunch legislation a deep concern for the health needs of America's children. Undoubtedly you are aware that the present lack of equity arises from the fact that the relative participation by non-public-school pupils in the program has been lower than that by public school children. If the participation had been equal the inequity would not exist. Obviously the need of non-public-school children for the benefits of this program is the same as that of the public school children. We must ask, therefore, why there has not been equal participation. It is our contention that the failure arises not from a lack of need or of interest but rather from the inability of many nonpublic schools to provide the facilities necessary. The original legislation included an authorization for an appropriation of funds for the purchase of such facilities. However appropriations have not been made. We would ask that consideration be given to authorized appropriations. We feel confident that if the nonpublic schools could find a means of securing the needed facilities the asserted inequity would disappear and a much higher percentage of America's children would have the needed benefits of this legislation. In this way, Mr. Chairman, non-public-school administrators would find the program more acceptable and the original intent of the Congress, namely, that all American children should have adequate nourishment, would be obtained. In the light of these facts we urgently request a study of the school lunch program. We are mindful of the need for equity but we are also mindful of the need for providing for the well-being of all of the children whether they be in public or in nonpublic schools. We know that you and your committee will do everything possible to provide legislation which will give to the Nation's schools a program so designed that no child will be deprived of its benefits. With many thanks for the opportunity to present our point of view, Sincerely Rt. Rev. Msgr. FREDERICK G. HOCHWALT, S.F. No. 450 Resolution No. 7 A RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO ENACT LAWS PROVIDING FOR MORE WIDESPREAD USE OF FARM COMMODITIES FOR SCHOOL LUNCH AND WELFARE PROGRAMS Whereas, one of the most pressing problems of our Nation today is that of the ever-growing supply of farm surpluses; and Whereas, there are persons in our Nation who suffer nutritional deficiencies because of financial inability to secure adequate, nourishing food; and Whereas some progress in the problem of surpluses could be made by greater use of the surplus commodities for school lunch programs and welfare programs: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota, That the U.S. Congress and the Secretary of Agriculture be requested to expand programs whereby surplus food is distributed for school lunch and welfare programs; be it further Resolved, That the secretary of state is instructed to send copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and each Member of the U.S. Congress from the State of Minnesota. President of the Senate. E. J. CHILGUN, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Passed the senate this fourteenth day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and sixty-one. HOY TANEY, Secretary of the Senate. Passed the house of representatives this fifteenth day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and sixty-one. Approved April 20, 1961. Filed April 20, 1961. G. H. LEAHY, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives. ELMER L. ANDERSEN, Governor of the State of Minnesota. JOSEPH L. DONOVAN, Secretary of the State of Minnesota. о |