Nader group says Reagan broke 'safety net' pledges

A Ralph Nader group is accusing President Reagan of breaking at least 14 promises he made in his State of the Union address, ranging from protecting aid for the elderly to curtailing business subsidies.

"The 'safety net' that President Reagan promised would protect millions of Americans lies tattered under a heap of legislation benefiting special interests ," Congress Watch reported, comparing Reagan's Feb. 18 address with actions that followed. The successful fights for tax and budget reductions resulted in cuts in social programs that Mr. Reagan promised not to cut, while failing to eliminate the business subsidies he promised to cut, the report said.