SPENCER JOHNSON FILES, 1976-77

Johnson was appointed to the Domestic Council in February 1976 as Associate Director for Health, Social Security, and Welfare, remaining until the end of the Ford Administration. He replaced Arthur F. Quern who became Deputy Director for Policy and Planning.

Johnson's primary responsibilities were in health issues. He assisted in the formulation of policy and as White House liaison with government agencies and private organizations. Among his specific duties were the preparation of decision, information, and discussion memoranda, including some for the President which were routed through, or drafted for the signature of James Cannon, Executive Director of the Domestic Council. He arranged meetings between the President and special interest groups or met with such groups himself; prepared policy studies and Presidential talking points; and drafted Presidential messages. Among other functions he prepared correspondence and monitored legislation.

Sarah C. Massengale, Assistant Director for Health, Social Security, Welfare, and Cultural Affairs, worked under Johnson. In addition to routine matters, Massengale coordinated policy development for several important areas, including abortion, legislation on the aging, medical insurance reforms, and planning for the White House Conference on the Handicapped. She also arranged meetings between the President and special interest groups or met with such groups herself. Starting in August 1976 Ed Friedlander worked directly for Johnson as Special Assistant for Health Affairs.

The Johnson Files include materials inherited from Arthur Quern (1974-76) and Pamela Needham, Assistant Director for Health, Social Security, and Welfare (1975). Many were not added to by Johnson. Most other files consist of copies or printed material, and apparently were accumulated by Johnson for reference purposes. There are few original documents and such original memoranda and other transmittals as do appear are to and from Arthur Quern, James Cannon, Theodore Cooper and Michael Licata of H.E.W., and occasionally other Domestic Council staff such as Sarah Massengale and David Lissy or from persons outside of government. Major topics include food stamps, swine influenza immunization program, blood supply, President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Related Materials (July 1979)
Related materials may be found in the Domestic Council files of Sarah C. Massengale and Arthur F. Quern, particularly on food stamps and social security.