An Aruuysis 1982 Congress Reneges On Federal Relief Programs _~ “ ny Karen Parker Post Staff Writer December 23, 1982 marked the eventual close of the 97th Congress. Fol lowing is an analysis of major legislative issues: In 1932 when jobs were scarce and the United States was suffering from a Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt be lieved the government should assume more re sponsibility for the welfare of the nation. As a result, federal pro grams like building roads, highways, buildings and parks were established to provide jobs until employ ment rose In October 1982, unemployment in the United States skyrocketed to 11.6 million, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. President Regan in a recent state ment at the White House, declared, “If there's one lesson we should have learned over the last two decades, it is that focusing totally on government as Emmanuel Cheek Heads Northeast Optimist Qub me Northeast Optimist Club of Charlotte was of ficially organized recently with 36 men as charter members. Emanuel Cheek, 6701 Cardigan Avenue, was elected president of the new club. It will meet at 10 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of every month at St. Paul United Pres byterian Church. The Northeast Optimist Club was sponsored by the East Charlotte Optimist Club. James Ross, president of the sponsoring group was present for the establish ment of the Northeast Optimist Club. Both club6 are affiliated with Optimist Internation al, an association of more than 3,600 service clubs in the United States and Canada. The total mem bership is more than 135, 000 men. They operate NEW ST. JOHN’S / New St. John’s Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Robert Leak, will hold Sunday service January 2 with the theme “Spiritual Security in 1983.” This ser vice begins at 11 a.m. You are cordially invited to attend. The church isy located at 2000 St. Johfi Road._S Emanuel Cheek ...New president under the slogan, “Friend of Youth,” and conduct a wide variety of youth ac tivities and projects in their communities. Officers are Louis D. Rudisell, secretary-trea surer; David W. Hughes and Columbus O. Gillespie Jr., vice presidents; Don ald M. Kincaid, George J. Morris, Shedrick E. Will iams Jr., Lathan B. Phil lips, Vonnie Brown and Charles C. Cathey, board of director}! The Northeast Optimist Club k also affiliated with theNorth Carolina District pf Optimist International. 'Dr. J. C. Boone Jr. of Albemarle is governor of the district. a vehicle for social im provement is the least ef fective method of improv ing the lives of our people.” Shortly thereafter, Con gress killed a legislative bill that would have creat ed emergency jobs for the millions who are unem ployed in this country. Now unemployment statistics may continue to stagger unless some people with labor skills will be able to work when the massive highway and transit pro jects are underway. While these may be fe deral programs, intended to create jobs, it’s hard to view them as federal relief programs when they are funded by a five-cent gaso line tax increase passed by Congress last week. In stead of paying four cents tax for every gallon of gas American motorists will be paying nine cents. Senators John East and Jesse Helms voted against the gas tax not only be cause of the five-cent in crease, but also to prevent levying higher excise and user fees on heavy trucks. At about the same time the American public begins paying higher gas taxes, members of the House of Representatives will be re ceiving an increase in their salaries. They voted them selves a 15 percent raise which will lift them from ' $60,662 to $69,800. l he Senate decided against a raise; instead it will receive unlimited out side earnings from public appearances, speeches and writings. . ■ Another major issue de bated on and killed was the MX Missile. The Senate and House shot down Rea gan’s plan to appropriate $988 million for developing five MX missiles. How ever, Congress did agree to set aside money to re search the MX missle. No development is expected to take place until Congress approves a basing system for the weapon. Attorney and Mrs. Thomas Henry Wyche, of Charlotte announce the engagement of their daughter, Gwen dolyn LaNelle, to Randy Gene Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs James Ernest Harris of Marshville, N C Miss Wyche is a graduate of Clark College. Harris is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University. The wedding will take place in June. - ^ Anderson Wins Top Prizes There were many people who felt lucky the day of the Southwest Charlotte Optimist Club raffle ticke. drawing. But only Charle W. Anderson would walk away with two all expense paid tickets for a trip to the Bahamas. Anderson was one of thousands who contributed to the raffle which in turn helped buy 40 turkeys, 10 10 hams and fruit for needy families during the holi days. Some of the proceeds were used for a Senior Citizens Dinner sponsored jointly by the city Housing Authority and the South west Optimist Clubr “These were attempts on the part of the club to take care of the needs of some families,’’ according to Calvin Harris, president of the club. Vice president is Alvin Woods, and Charlie Mitchell is secretary-trea surer. Members of the Optimist Club realize the many pro blems and despair hunger can bring about. Mitchell emphasized, “We like to think of it as giving of cheer from the people in the com munity who gave dona tions." From Charles Anderson and others who donated by buying raffle tickets over 400 were served at the Senior Citizens Dinner and 50 families received food during the holidays. RCH Day Care Respite Care Homes of. Charlotte, Inc. is now pro viding before and after school services lor develop mentally disabled children and adults. RCH Day Care operates from 7-9 a.m. and trom 2-5:30 p.m. in school aays. On most school holidays and during surinmer vaca tion, the program operates fffll days from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program is located at Metro Center, 700 East Second Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • Support Our Advertisers Don't NlsftxA.__ “It’s A Love Affair” . SPRING BRIDAL SHOW A Che* Marjorie, Ltd. And .20 Other Hosts From BRIDES & MODERN BRIDES Magazines Registry km At Wood lawn Rd. 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