FDR Jr. Urges Vets to Back Wyatt Bill, OPA

Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. '37 last night urged veterans to take an active part in pushing through Congressional action on bills to provide increased public housing and continuance of the OPA. One of four speakers at a housing rally sponsored by Boston area chapters of the American Veterans Committee in the Old South Meeting House, he also urged ex-servicemen to keep city and state government officials informed of their needs and opinions.

Citizens Favor Proposals

"In order that members of Congress may understand that the forces opposing the Wyatt housing program and the OPA are those of vested interest, it is imperative that every veteran let them know the opinion of the common citizen, which, I am convinced is overwhelmingly in favor of these measures," Roosevelt declared.

In a press conference held earlier in the day, the son of the late President, now a member of the AVC, pointed to the nation's two main housing needs: temporary, immediate "panalized" buildings: and permanent dwellings.

OPA Has Proven Self

Urging support of the OPA, which he said had proven it could hold down inflation, rather than "gambling with plans proposed by the National Association of Manufacturers in advertisements," Roosevelt pointed out that "It's the little guy who gets hurt in inflation. Veterans don't get rich in the war," he said, citing surveys indicating that 84 percent of them could afford only a maximum of $6,000 for building homes of $50 monthly rent.

Also speaking at the rally were John Dobbs, regional housing expiditer; Philip Nichols, chairman State Board of Housing; and a representative of the Boston city housing office.