Question

As part of his Fair Deal, what did Truman fight for?

Answer 1

President Truman outlined his Fair Deal" in a speech delivered in January, 1949. He proposed that Congress work on:

• - Expanding Social Security
• - Increase minimum wage from 40 to 75 cents an hour
• - Implementing anti-discrimination policies in employment
• - Addressing civil rights issues
• - Expanding public housing
• - Providing federal aid to education
• - Providing federal assistance to farmers
• - Establishing national health insurance

There were more proposals as well, but most of the proposals (including most of those noted above) did not gain any traction with Congress. Congress did extend Social Security coverage and raise the benefits, and also did raise the minimum wage. But other proposals did not go into effect.

Answer 2

Truman's idea of a "Fair Deal" was first mentioned in his State of the Union Address in 1949. In this speech before Congress, President Truman said that he would fight for:

1) An increase to the minimum wage.
2) More federal funding to public education.
3) Implementing laws that would made discrimination based on race illegal.
4) Financial assistance to American farmers.
5) A national health insurance program to ensure that all American citizens received a quality care.