Oct. 1, 1964 - Robert F. Kennedy made a bid today for the votes of the elderly.
In a major campaign speech in the garment district of Manhattan, the 38-year-old Democratic Senate candidate promised, if elected, to work for a package of benefits.
He said he would advocate that people over 65 be allowed to earn $3,000 a year and still be eligible for Social Security benefits. At present, benefits are terminated if annual earning exceed $1,200.
Kennedy said he chose the figure of $3,000 because it was enough below the prevailing wage rate to discourage excessive competition for jobs with younger workers and because it would provide, when combined with Social Security payments, an annual income roughly equivalent to median family income in the U.S.
He also said state provisions for eligibility for medical care should be broadened “so that elderly citizens do not have to pauperize themselves before receiving Kerr-Mills benefits.”
The Kerr-Mills Act of Congress provides medical care for the aged who demonstrate financial need under specified conditions.
The street rally, held at noon, drew not more than 2,500 to Seventh Avenue between 37th and 38th Sts. It was sponsored by the Senior Citizens Golden Ring Council for Medicare. A Liberal party official said there had been insufficient notice of the rally.
Although Kennedy drew only moderate applause for his speech, he was pursued by a crowd that sought to touch him or shake his hand when, dismounting from a sound truck, he walked to an open car at 37th St. One woman was knocked down, and another fainted.
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