In the light of this responsibility, certain general purposes and certain concrete measures are plainly indicated now.

There is urgent need for greater effectiveness in our programs, both public and private, offering safeguards against the privations that too often come with unemployment, old age, illness, and accident.  The provisions of the old-age and survivors insurance law should promptly be extended to cover millions of citizens who have been left out of the social-security system.  No less important is the encouragement of privately sponsored pension plans.  Most important of all, of course, is renewed effort to check the inflation which destroys so much of the value of all social-security payments.

Our school system demands some prompt, effective help.  During each of the last 9 years, more than 1 1/2 million children have swelled the elementary and secondary school population of the country.  Generally, the school population is proportionately higher in States with low per capita income.  This whole situation calls for careful congressional study and action.  I am sure that you share my conviction that the firm conditions of Federal aid must be proved need and proved lack of local income.

One phase of the school problem demands special action.  The school population of many districts has been greatly increased by the swift growth of defense activities.  These activities have added little or nothing to the tax resources of the communities affected.  Legislation aiding construction of schools in the districts expires on June 30.  This law should be renewed; and likewise, the partial payments for current operating expenses for these particular school districts should be made, including the deficiency requirement of the current fiscal year.

Public interest similarly demands one prompt specific action in protection of the general consumer.  The Food and Drug Administration should be authorized to continue its established and necessary program of factory inspections.  The invalidation of these inspections by the Supreme Court of December 8, 1952, was based solely on the fact that the present law contained inconsistent and unclear provisions.  These must be promptly corrected.

I am well aware that beyond these few immediate measures there remains much to be done.  The health and housing needs of our people call for intelligently planned programs.  Involved are the solvency of the whole security system; and its guarding against exploitation by the irresponsible.

To bring clear purpose and orderly procedure into this field, I anticipate a thorough study of the proper relationship among Federal, State, and local programs.  I shall shortly send you specific recommendations for establishing such an appropriate commission, together with a reorganization plan defining new administrative status for all Federal activities in health, education, and social security.

I repeat that there are many important subjects of which I make no mention today.  Among these is our great and growing body of veterans.  America has traditionally been generous in caring for the disabled—­and the widow and the orphan of the fallen.  These millions remain close to all our hearts.  Proper care of our uniformed citizens and appreciation of the past service of our veterans are part of our accepted governmental responsibilities.