ALS as governor of California, signed “RR,” one page both sides, 6 x 9, October 3, 1967. Letter to Ruth Gates, in full: "Nancy gave me your letter and I'm glad to have the chance to answer and correct some mis-information you've evidently rec‘d. In our attempt to make our welfare and health programs more workable we haven't changed the provisions for those over 65 at all. Nor have we cut back on aid to the blind. As a matter of fact our cuts were in such things as braces on teeth, dentures, reading glasses etc. so that we wouldn't have to deny medical care or operations for those who are seriously ill. I assure you we have no intention of lumping everyone into a group with no regard to their individual situation. This is why we want to pinpoint those who are cheating so we will be better able to help the deserving. I believe we should do all we can for those who through age or disability now find themselves in need of a helping hand. Certainly no one in this country should be denied a doctor because of inability to pay. If you have a problem and believe you have not been fairly heard please let me know and I'll see that your letter is brought to the attention of the proper agencies." Governor Reagan's secretary, Cathy Davis, penned the date and recipient below Reagan's signature, and drew a diagonal line in red ink across the front page, indicating that she had typed the letter. In fine condition.
On January 5, 1967, in his first inaugural address as governor, Reagan addressed California’s welfare crisis by declaring that he was ‘not going to perpetuate poverty by substituting a permanent dole for a paycheck.’ To ferret out “those who are cheating,” Reagan campaigned vigorously for revisions and cutbacks in the welfare system, confident that such measures, in addition to record tax hikes, would solve the bulk of the state’s fiscal problems. His allusion to the ‘welfare queen’ and his promise of sending 'the welfare bums back to work' rallied his supporters and paved the way for 1971’s landmark California Welfare Reform Act.
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