State Old Age Pensions in the United States [Discussion]

Provision for old age assistance as expressed by our old age pension laws is at the present time probably attracting the most widespread attention of all forms of social legislation. As we approach the close of the 1931 session of the state legislatures, New Jersey, Delaware, Idaho and West Virginia may be added to the list of the states that have adopted old age pension or relief laws, making the total number sixteen. News reaches us that commissions have been appointed to study old age security in Illinois, Maine and Oregon. Bills have either been considered or are being considered by the legislatures of at least nine other states. The subject is constantly being brought before us in the form of investigations and legislative reports as well as in the newspapers and periodicals. While the reports of the investigating commissions are very helpful, there is so much propaganda being published and such a mass of detail and statistics offered that it is difficult to get a clear picture of what the movement means. Consequently, the orderly and unbiased presentation of the subject presented by Mr. Williamson is very welcome.