Editor’s note: The Sunday Dispatch is celebrating its 70th year. This story was first printed in the Feb. 23, 1947 issue of the Dispatch and is reprinted here exactly as it originally appeared.
A bill with a dual purpose, the inauguration of a reforestation plan and the employment of idle ex-servicemen, will be presented to the Legislature tomorrow night by Michael Demech of Pittston, representative of the third Legislative District in Harrisburg.
The bill has been drafted after a comprehensive survey of the need for re-forestation and cleaning of stream beds and following a pool of ex G.I.s in various sections of the state, according to Mr. Demech. The representative is hopeful that the bill will be well received for, as he pointed out, the need for the planting of trees and cleaning of streams is evident because of the annual floods that so frequently result in heaving damage to land and buildings.
On the other hand, the state is presently concerned with hundreds of thousands of unemployed war veterans, who fought the good fight only to return and fail to find that “Little Niche” in life, which war time patriotism had assured them. The bill will cover both aspects of the state’s problem, according to Representative Demech, who has consistently leaned towards G.I. benefits and proper care of the woodlands.
The bill, as it is is being drafted, would provide for the employment of thousands of veterans, who would, if they so desired, be housed in certain areas where the work of clearing forest and planting trees was being performed. Clothing for work, and food would be provided under the conditions of the proposed bill. The minimum wage for the ex-solder would be $100 monthly, plus the free board and clothing. The monthly wage would increase according to the number of depends, with the average wage being $150 monthly.
On the other hand, the bill may incorporate clauses, which would establish the Re-forestation Group in about the same category as the Gypsy moth units that operate in this area. Workers would be employed in re-forestation work in their immediate vicinity, approximately a 50-mile radio of their homes. Under such a plan, transportation would be furnished to and from work.
Representative Demech said today that, “We must help the ex-serviceman. Hie wants to work for his money, and in this bill we have the opportunity to give him work at a fair wage, and at the same time benefit the general public through re-forestation.
The bill restricts the state government in that only ex-servicemen can be hired for the work. The veterans are given the privilege of leaving the job anytime they so desire.
