JAMES "J.J" JARRELL PICKLE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/22/1974 - HFSID 79172

JAMES "J.J." JARRELL PICKLE
The congressman types a letter concerning bilingual programs in Texas public schools
Typed Letter signed: "J.J. Pickle", in blue ink, 1p, 8x10½. Washington D.C., 1974 May 22. On congressional letterhead. To "Dear Dr. Ottina" In full: "Because the schools of the state of Texas have come forward with strong bi-lingual proposals to the Office of Education, I would urge that you give consideration to the waiver of the 30% funds available rule of the ESAA./ Such waiver would enable the moneys for bi-lingual programs to be used with the most impact because of the concentration of Spanish speaking peoples in Texas./ Your consideration of my request would be appreciated./ Sincerely". John Ottina was appointed commissioner of the U.S. Office of Education by President Nixon, and served from 1973 to 1974 before becoming HEW's (Health Education, and Welfare) assistant secretary of administration and management. Democratic congressman James Jarrell Pickle (1913-2005), known as "J.J.", represented the 10th district of Texas. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas, Pickle entered the Navy, serving in World War II as a gunnery officer. He was stationed on the USS St. Louis and the USS Miami, and survived three torpedo attacks. After the conclusion of the war, he helped found a radio station with John Connally (who would become the governor of Texas in 1963) and then Congressman Lyndon B, Johnson. Pickle then moved on to advertising, working in the business for ten years before becoming involved in politics. In 1957, he joined the Democratic Election Executive Committee of Texas. He also was a member of the Texas Employment Commission (1961-1963). Pickle was elected to the 88th Congress. During his time in the House, Pickle was a prominent Democrat in the House Ways and Means Committee. Interestingly, he was one of only six congressmen from the Southern states to vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In addition, Pickle was instrumental in the passing of significant Social Security reform legislation in 1983. He was reelected a total of 15 times before he retired. Throughout his many campaigns, his trademark was a "squeaky pickle", a rubber toy he handed out to people he interacted with in local parades. Staple holes near upper left-hand corner. Lightly toned. Normal mailing folds. Otherwise, fine condition.