New York (State). Commission on Relief for Widowed Mothers.

The commission was established by authority of Chapter 588 of the Laws of 1913 to investigate and report on the practicability and appropriate method of providing by statute for pensions or other relief for widowed mothers. Its work included an investigation of the circumstances affecting widowed mothers which would show the necessity or propriety of providing relief, and it was required to submit a report to the 1914 legislature on its findings, including recommendations on proposed legislation. The commission and its appointed subcommittees had authority to inquire into the conditions and statutes "in any State and country" and in doing so to"send for persons or papers," examine witnesses under oath, and take all necessary measures to examine the subject.

From the description of Correspondence of the secretary, 1913-1915. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 79096317

The commission was the result of the single-minded efforts of legislator Aaron J. Levy, who championed the cause of dependent families of widowed mothers and introduced several bills to provide relief to widows in the home. After such attempts at legislation failed because of gubernatorial veto, Chapter 588 of the Laws of 1913 was passed. This law created the commission with Assemblyman Levy as permanent chair.

The commission's purpose was to investigate and report on the practicability and appropriate method of providing by statute for pensions or other relief for widowed mothers. Its work included an investigation of the circumstances affecting widowed mothers which would show the necessity or propriety of providing relief, and it was required to submit a report to the 1914 legislature on its findings, including recommendations on proposed legislation. The commission and its appointed subcommittees had authority to inquire into the conditions and statutes "in any State and country" and in doing so to "send for persons or papers," examine witnesses under oath, and take all necessary measures to examine the subject.

The goal of the commission was to bring attention to the problem of widowhood as a cause of dependency, and to raise the standards of relief provided for widowed mothers who came under the jurisdiction of charitable organizations. The course of this policy reflected an understanding that poverty was too big a problem for private philanthropy, and that public assistance to the widow was an essential step in social legislation.

As summarized in the commission's 1914 report to the legislature, certain basic principles governed the approach, including that the "normal development of childhood is one of the main functions of government," that "the best education requires a proper home training," and that it is "the duty of the State to conserve the home as its most valuable asset."

In the course of its work the commission reviewed the records of some large private and public charities throughout New York State, as well as the legislation of other states. A special inquiry was made into conditions and legislation in Europe (Great Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland). Hearings held in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Massachuetts and in principle cities throughout New York State produced testimony and statistics on the subject.

The published results of the commission's investigation showed that: thousands of children of widowed mothers were institutionalized at public expense because of destitution or the illness of the mother; maintaining a decent living standard was impossible for unskilled working mothers; and work available to mothers outside the home "inevitably breaks down the physical, mental and moral strength of the family..." with the result that self support and "normal childlife" were equally impossible.

Finally the commission recommended that government aid to the dependent children of widowed mothers should be enacted into law as a matter of principle. It also recommended a method of administration of such aid.

The commission was dissolved after making its 1914 report. Its work resulted in passage of Chapter 228 of the Laws of 1915, amending the General Municipal Law to establish local boards of child welfare in each county. These boards could grant allowances to widowed mothers with one or more children under the age of 16, so that the children could be "suitably cared for in their homes" by their widowed mothers.

From the New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY. Agency record NYSV93-A26