President Reagan took the first big step toward fulfilling his election mandate from the people when he unveiled his proposals for economic recovery before a joint . congressional session, He outlined a program of spending and tax cuts. reduced government regulation. and pursuit- of a stable – monetary policy – and appealed to Congress to “make this our plan together” to bring down inflation and give the economy a needed shot in the arm, “Together. we can embark on this road not to make things easy. but in make things better.” the new President said. “Can we do the job? The answer is yes.” The two-fold centerpiece of Reagan’s prescription for “Amertcas new beginning” encompasses: – An aggregate H9,l billion reduction in fiscal 1982 costs. leading to an end to deficit spending by f984. Basically, only defense outlays would be increased. – Tax rate cuts for individuals and business. designed to create new jobs and opportunities. strengthen industry. and ‘-give the pgople room to do what they do st.” The reductions would amount to 30 percent spanning tour taxpaying years, ‘ Will Congress. which has the constitutional responsibility for the budget. buy the Reagan program? With the budget deep in red lnk the nauonat debt getting close to the trillion-dollar level. and the prospect of douhledigit inflation for the third straight year, the lawmakers are obliged to accept Reagan’s program lat least for the most partl – or come up with a better one of their own. The President challenged toes of his plan to propose better solutions “Have t.hey an alternativc.” he asked in his address. “‘which offers a greater chance of balancing the budget. reducing and eliminating inflation. stimulating creation ofjobs. and reducing the tax burden”‘ Initial congressional reaction ranged from wariness. particularly by some liberal Democrats. to nnrestrained enthusiasm by many Republicans Senate GOP leader Howard Baker said the tax cuts might not pass until next year. “but if we can hold it tthe Reagan plant together. then we have a chance for the first time in modem times to pass a comprehensive economic oat-kage.” Sen. Charles Grassley. R-Iowa. described the ropossls “as probably the most dlramatic redirection of the fiscal policy of the federal government since 1932 ” Speaker Thomas 0’Neitl promised the House would act “expeditiously” on Reagan’s program but “as cautiously and fairly as we possibly can. The Democrats will not be obstructionists ” Sen. Jake Gam. R-Utah. Senate Ranking Committee chairman. said he would he willing in support more expenditure cuts than he is asking.” Reagan was right when he said the country can no longer procrastinate. thinking things automatically will get better. The president has taken the initiative as the people willed by their votes He has made a good start toward solving distressing economic problems. Congress should move without delay on his recommendations to implement a forceful recovery program,