Wilbur J. Cohen

Wilburportrait

Wilbur J. Cohen (June 10, 1913 – May 17, 1987) was an American social scientist and public administrator who played a significant role in the development of the Social Security Act and other social welfare programs in the United States. He served as the United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Early Life and Education

Wilbur Joseph Cohen was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1934. During his time at the university, he was influenced by the progressive ideas of John R. Commons and Edwin E. Witte.

Career

Social Security Administration

Cohen began his career in public service in 1934 when he joined the Committee on Economic Security, which was responsible for drafting the Social Security Act of 1935. He played a crucial role in the development and implementation of the Social Security program, which provided financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled.

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

In 1961, Cohen was appointed Assistant Secretary for Legislation in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). He was instrumental in the passage of the Medicare and Medicaid programs in 1965, which provided health insurance to the elderly and low-income individuals, respectively.

In 1968, Cohen was appointed Secretary of HEW by President Lyndon B. Johnson. During his tenure, he focused on expanding social welfare programs and improving access to education and healthcare.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving government service, Cohen continued to advocate for social welfare policies and served as a professor at the University of Michigan's School of Education and School of Public Health. He was also involved in various organizations dedicated to social welfare and public health.

Cohen's contributions to social welfare policy have had a lasting impact on the United States. He is remembered as a key architect of the Social Security system and a champion of social justice.

See Also

• Social Security Act
• Medicare (United States)
• Medicaid
• Lyndon B. Johnson
• Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

External Links

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