edy administration proposal represented a new approach in that it emphasized services in addition to support, rehabilitation instead of relief, and training for useful work instead of prolonged dependency. The objective was to reduce dependency to encourage self-care and support, to maintain family life when it was adequate and to restore it when it was not. The underlying premise was that individuals prefer gainful employment to the dole.
The most important law was the Manpower Development and Training Act (MDTA) of 1962 and its later amendments. MDTA provided money for occupational training in classrooms or at jobs. Because many people needed remedial education before that training, the law also provided money for adult basic education and English as a second language. Counseling, career assessment, job development and job placement services were also included. Training pay, as well as money for transportation and tools, was also provided.
On November 27, 1963, before a joint session of Congress, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson paid tribute to his predecessor and called for prompt enactment of measures Kennedy had proposed. In November 1964, Johnson won re-election with an unprecedented popular majority, which he interpreted as a mandate to pursue his domestic reform program, intended to establish what he termed the "Great Society." Johnson's skill as a parliamentary strategist helped push through an impressive amount of welfare legislation. In 1964, the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) passed, and the "War on Poverty" began. EOA
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