In Colorado the average annual family Income from all sources for 252 families was $1.424. This averaged $530 a year per worker. The average size of the migrant family in Colorado was 5.7so the average income per person was about $250. (Even the Federal income tax allows $600 per capita exemption.) Forty families with 6 members averaged $1.030 a year-$171 per person. Twentythree families with 8 members averaged $1.324 a year-$147 per person. The irregularity of employment makes all the more essential a minimum wage for the work migrants do have. But this Committee--or some agency of the Federal Governmentmust face the fact that methods must be devised to provide a steady yearround income for migrant workers. That could well be a major first task for the Federal Committee on Migratory Farm Labor. which is proposed In another Committee print bill. IV We strongly favor the appointment of such a Federal Committee and especially the Inclusion of public representatives. * * * I would now like to discuss another phase of the situation and to suggest legislation which we believe should have high priority in any Federal programthe conditions under which migrant children are growing up. It is obvious that there are many aspects of migrant life that are not wholesome for childrenthe constant moving about with no roots in a community. the congested housing that makes impossible normal or even decent homelife. the unspeakable sanitary conditions. inadequate income. poor diet. lack of medical care. the infantmortality rate among migrant families in Colorado was nearly twice as high as that for the State of Colorado. However. I am going to speak on three other points directly related to child welfare and basic to improvement. on which we urge immediate action: (1) The care of young children whose mothers are working. (2) child labor. and (3) education.
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