johnson started the war on poverty shortly after president kennedy's assassination. the murder shook the nation, and johnson attempted to gain public trust by passing legacy legislation during the subsequent months. johnson received an initial briefing from walter heller, who informed johnson of kennedy's poverty program. by march 1964, the legislation, now known as the economic opportunity act of 1964, had been prepared for congress. the legislation included training, educational, and service programs for communities, including the job corps.