73:8 without having to go through the conference committee. The act was a historic
accomplishment with the dollar bill passing as introduced just 87 days before.
For the first time, large amounts of federal money went to public schools. More money went
to districts with large proportions of students from poor families, private schools (most of
them Catholic schools in the inner cities) received services, such as library funding,
comprising about 12% of the ESEA budget. Federal funds were administered by local
officials, and by 1977 it was reported that less than half of the funds were actually applied
toward the education of children under the poverty line.
Higher Education Act- 1965
The act increased federal money given to universities, created scholarships and low-interest
loans for students; as well as establishing a national Teacher Corps to provide teachers to
poverty-stricken areas. It also began a transition from federally funded institutional assistance
to individual student aid.
Bilingual Education Act- 1968
The bill offered federal aid to local school districts in assisting them to address the needs of
children with limited English-speaking ability.
Federal spending on education rose from $4 billion to $12 billion throughout Johnson’s
presidency.
Healthcare Reform
Medicare Bill
- Provided hospital and health care insurance for Americans aged 65 and older who
have worked and paid into the system through payroll taxes.
- 500 amendments made to the bill before passing through Congress (H: 307-116, S:70-
24)
- Made amendments to Social Security Act (1935)
Medicaid
- Encouraged states to provide health care; with each state deciding who is eligible for
Medicaid and the amount of health care that will be provided for them.
- States pay health care providers for their services, and each state is provided with
matching federal funds to cover part of the costs.
Poverty and Welfare
Economic Opportunity Act- 1964
Johnson had declared a “war on poverty” during his presidency, becoming the centrepiece of
the EOA- creating an Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) to enable Johnson to oversee
a variety of community-based antipoverty programs. Federal funds were provided for special
education schemes in slum areas, including paying for books and transport, while financial
aid was also provided for slum clearances and rebuilding city areas.
Appalachian Regional Development Act- 1965
Created jobs for those living in impoverished regions of the US.
accomplishment with the dollar bill passing as introduced just 87 days before.
For the first time, large amounts of federal money went to public schools. More money went
to districts with large proportions of students from poor families, private schools (most of
them Catholic schools in the inner cities) received services, such as library funding,
comprising about 12% of the ESEA budget. Federal funds were administered by local
officials, and by 1977 it was reported that less than half of the funds were actually applied
toward the education of children under the poverty line.
Higher Education Act- 1965
The act increased federal money given to universities, created scholarships and low-interest
loans for students; as well as establishing a national Teacher Corps to provide teachers to
poverty-stricken areas. It also began a transition from federally funded institutional assistance
to individual student aid.
Bilingual Education Act- 1968
The bill offered federal aid to local school districts in assisting them to address the needs of
children with limited English-speaking ability.
Federal spending on education rose from $4 billion to $12 billion throughout Johnson’s
presidency.
Healthcare Reform
Medicare Bill
- Provided hospital and health care insurance for Americans aged 65 and older who
have worked and paid into the system through payroll taxes.
- 500 amendments made to the bill before passing through Congress (H: 307-116, S:70-
24)
- Made amendments to Social Security Act (1935)
Medicaid
- Encouraged states to provide health care; with each state deciding who is eligible for
Medicaid and the amount of health care that will be provided for them.
- States pay health care providers for their services, and each state is provided with
matching federal funds to cover part of the costs.
Poverty and Welfare
Economic Opportunity Act- 1964
Johnson had declared a “war on poverty” during his presidency, becoming the centrepiece of
the EOA- creating an Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) to enable Johnson to oversee
a variety of community-based antipoverty programs. Federal funds were provided for special
education schemes in slum areas, including paying for books and transport, while financial
aid was also provided for slum clearances and rebuilding city areas.
Appalachian Regional Development Act- 1965
Created jobs for those living in impoverished regions of the US.
