Ford Press Releases, January - April 1966: 12130682

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110ur Nation can afford to help all of our less fortunate citizens," Ford
said, "but it cannot afford to squandor any of the hard-earned dollars
collected from taxpayerso
"Tragically, little of the $2.3 billion appropriated to date for the war
on poverty has actually been received by the Nationrs poor. But, the army of
officials---certainly those in the higher echelons---has been well taken
care ofo"
Ford said Republicans "will push for a complete and independent audit"
of the use of poverty program funds, calling for a "thorough_, bipartisan
investigation of the anti-poverty war."
The House Republican leader called for a "war" against both inflation
and taxes, pointing to a cost of living that is two percent higher than a
year ago and the President's demand that excise taxes on telephones and
automopiles be again levied on the 1965 levelo
])escribing the living cost increase as a "secrets ales tax," Ford said
a remedy is to "hold down non-essential, non-defense spending~" Opposing
11new taxes," Ford urged "prudent restraint" in spending public money.
Ford also recommended a "war for advancement" to solve most social
problems in education and trainingo
"The poor, the unemployed, the handicapped, and all youth need education:,
a skill or training to meet job opportunities, 11 Ford saido
Republican-introduced legislation calls for an income tax credit "for
those who pay the education bill in the form of tuition, books, taxes, and
other expenses," Ford said.
The House Minority Leader said he favors "returning some federal funds
to the states for educational use without federal control."
The GOP "Human Investment Act, 11 Ford said, also would encourage industry
to train more persons on the job.
"The war to advance the position and skill of all our people is another
war we must win," Ford concluded 0
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