Lyndon B. Johnson Promotes His Great Society Programs, Seeking to “encourage an increase in anti-poverty efforts.”

The Great Society was a set of domestic programs promoted by President Johnson in the 1960s. Two main goals of the Great Society social reforms were the elimination of poverty and racial injustice. New major spending programs that addressed education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation were launched during this period. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was central to the Great Society campaign and its War on Poverty. The Act included several social programs to promote the health, education, and general welfare of the poor.

Edmund G. (Pat) Brown was Governor of California. He was concerned because some aspects of the Economic Opportunity Act required states to match federal expenditures, and holding back funds for this need, states might be tempted to cut their own programs.

Typed Letter Signed, on White House letterhead, Washington, January 14, 1965, to Governor Brown, holding firm on the matching funds requirements and stating his policy that overall expenditures for the War on Poverty must increase. “Thank you for your recent letter with respect to the interpretation of the Economic Opportunity Act requirements for matching funds. I share your concern about the possibility that the matching requirements will deter state and local governments from increasing their anti-poverty expenditures before actually receiving federal grants. On the other hand, the Congress was anxious to ensure that federal expenditures under the program would encourage an increase in anti-poverty efforts, and not serve merely as a substitute source of financing for an established level of activity. I know that Mr. Shriver and his staff have been concerned with the difficulties involved in reconciling these two objectives. I have asked Mr. Shriver to explore further with your representatives the ‘bank account’ suggestions set forth in your letter.” An uncommon letter of LBJ about his Great Society.