Anti-poverty Policies and Economic Divisions, 1961-80 Flashcards
1960s growth:
Saw the longest period of uninterrupted economic growth in American history
What did GNP grow under JFK and LBJ?
39%
What was the average income for a white family?
$5,835
What was the average income for a black family?
$3,230
In 1966 what percentage of white Americans and non-white Americans were living below what the government defines as the poverty line?
White Americans - 12%
Non-white Americans - 41%
Kennedy and anti-poverty policies:
His New Frontier policies were not passed as he was shot
What did Kennedy fail to get congressional support for? (3)
- Federal aid for education
- Senior citizen healthcare
- Civil rights bill to end discrimination in the South
Area Redevelopment Act:
Passed in 1961 and created 38,500 jobs or training opportunities
1961 Housing Act:
Congress granted $5 billion for the extension of existing programmes such as urban renewal and public housing, an authorised low-interest loans for struggling middle-income families
Kennedy’s Food Stamp Programme
Fed 240,000 people at a cost of $22 million annually
What were Johnson’s policies called?
‘Great Society’ policies
How many adults were enrolled in basic education programmes?
90,000
How many adults were learning to read and write?
35,000
How many were receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits?
nearly 4 million
Why did many say the ‘Great Society’ programmes were not helping people out of poverty?
Instead it encouraged people to stay on welfare
