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Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001a. paper
re Meeting with Admiral Leighton Smith, USN [partial] (1 page)
08/19/1996
b(6)
001b. talking
re Meeting with Admiral Smith [partial] (1 page)
08/19/1996
b(6)
points
002a. list
Minimum Wage Bill Signing Adoption Advocates [Personally
08/20/1996
b(6)
Identifiable Information] [partial] (3 pages)
002b. fax
Donna Fitzwater to Jen Klein re interracial adoption (2 pages)
05/15/1996
b(6)
002c. list
Minimum Wage Bill Signing Adoption Advocates [Duplicate of 002a
08/20/1996
b(6)
less annotations] [Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (3
pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Jennifer Klein
OA/Box Number: 13525
FOLDER TITLE:
Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
2014-0536-S
kc1456
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute ((b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Tuesday, August 20, 1996
11:30 AM
Photo with Admiral
Leighton Smith
TAB A
12:30 PM
Video Taping
Distributed
Separately
2:00 PM
Signing of the Small
Business Job Protection
Act of 1996
and Remarks
TAB B
- Participants and
Attendees List
TAB C
3:15 PM
Conference Call
Distributed
with Technology CEOs
Separately
- Talking Points
To be forwarded
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1996
FINAL
SCHEDULING DIRECTOR:
ANNE HAWLEY
HOME:
703-553-8940
OFFICE:
202-456-2823
WHCA PAGER:
4039
SCHEDULING DIRECTOR:
STEPHANIE STREETT
HOME:
202-332-5651
OFFICE:
202-456-2823
WHCA PAGER:
4033
PRESS DESK:
JEREMY GAINES
HOME:
202-362-5475
OFFICE:
202-456-5771
WHCA PAGER:
4194
WEATHER:
Washington, DC
Clear to partly cloudy. Wind northeast to east
at 3 to 10 knots. Low 64 to 69. High 84 to 89.
as of August 19, 1996 7:32pm
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1996
FINAL
tba
MORNING RUN
9:00 am-
PHONE/OFFICE TIME
10:30 am
OVAL OFFICE
10:30 am-
MEETING
11:00 am
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Nancy Hernreich
11:00 am-
MEETING
11:15 am
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Leon Panetta
11:15 am-
BRIEFING
11:30 am
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Tony Lake
11:30 am-
OFFICIAL PHOTO WITH ADMIRAL LEIGHTON
11:40 am
SMITH
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Tony Lake
WHITE HOUSE PHOTO ONLY
11:45 am-
MEETING
12:00 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Harold Ickes, Doug Sosnik
12:10 pm-
MEETING
12:15 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Stephanie Streett, Anne Hawley
12:15 pm
THE PRESIDENT proceeds to OEOB 459
12:20 pm-
BRIEFING
12:30 pm
OEOB 459
Staff Contact: Harold Ickes, Laura Schwartz
12:30 pm-
VIDEO TAPING
12:35 pm
OEOB 459
Staff Contact: Harold Ickes, Laura Schwartz
CLOSED PRESS
as of August 19. 1996 7:32pm
12:40 pm
THE PRESIDENT proceeds to the Oval Office
12:45 pm-
PHONE/OFFICE TIME
1:45 pm
OVAL OFFICE
1:45 pm-
BRIEFING
2:00 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: John Hilley, Jennifer O'Connor
2:00 pm-
SIGNING OF THE SMALL BUSINESS JOB PROTECTION
3:00 pm
ACT OF 1996
SOUTH LAWN [Rain Site: Department of Labor]
Remarks: Eli Attie
Staff Contact: John Hilley, Jennifer O'Connor
Event Coordinator: Robyn Dickey, Kim Widdess
OPEN PRESS
--
The President, the Vice President and the First Lady proceed
to the Diplomatic Reception Room to greet Kathy Wilkinson,
Lisa Moore and Deborah Moore.
--
Off-stage announcement of the President, the Vice President
and the First Lady, accompanied by Kathy Wilkinson, Lisa
Moore and Deborah Moore.
--
The Vice President makes remarks and introduces Kathy
Wilkinson.
--
Kathy Wilkinson makes remarks and introduces the President.
--
The President makes remarks and invites members of
Congress to join him on stage.
--
The President proceeds to the signing table and signs the
legislation.
--
The President and the Vice President work a ropeline and
depart.
3:10 pm-
BRIEFING
3:15 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: John Emerson, Ray Martinez
as of August 19, 1996 7:32pm
3:15 pm-
CONFERENCE CALL WITH TECHNOLOGY CEOS
3:30 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: John Emerson, Ray Martinez
CLOSED PRESS (Oval Office)
AUDIO FEED TO BRIEFING ROOM
Note: The Vice President will participate.
3:30 pm-
PHONE/OFFICE TIME
5:00 pm
OVAL OFFICE
5:00 pm-
SPEECH PREP
6:00 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Don Baer
6:00 pm-
MEETING
6:15 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Nancy Hernreich
HOLD EVENING
BC AND HRC RON
THE WHITE HOUSE
as of August 19, 1996 7:32pm
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001a. paper
re Meeting with Admiral Leighton Smith, USN [partial] (1 page)
08/19/1996
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Jennifer Klein
OA/Box Number: 13525
FOLDER TITLE:
Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
2014-0536-S
kc1456
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAI
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRAI
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
5641
[00(a]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 19, 1996
MEETING WITH
ADMIRAL LEIGHTON SMITH, USN
DATE: Tuesday, August 20, 1996
LOCATION: Oval Office
TIME: 11:30-11:40 a.m.
FROM: ANTHONY LAKE
I. PURPOSE
Farewell call and photograph for Admiral Leighton (Snuffy)
Smith.
II. BACKGROUND
Admiral Smith was relieved by Admiral Joe Lopez on July 31
in Naples, Italy, as CINCSOUTH/CINCUSNAVEUR/IFOR and he will
retire from military service on September 27. Admiral
Smith's performance as Commander of IFOR caps a stellar
military career, which included his heroic achievement in
1972 as an A-7 pilot in destroying the Than Hoa Bridge in
North Vietnam after seven years of unsuccessful efforts by
U.S. pilots.
Admiral Smith has been informed that the Queen of England
intends to award him an honorary knighthood and his farewell
call with you is occurring on his 57th birthday. Admiral
Smith will be accompanied by his wife, Dottie.
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
They have three children.
At Tab B is a copy of your letter which was read at Admiral
Smith's change of command in Naples. It is uncertain what
the Admiral will now do in civilian life.
III. PARTICIPANTS
Sandy Berger
Admiral Snuffy Smith
Mrs. Dottie Smith
IV. PRESS PLAN
WH photographer
2
V.
SEQUENCE
11:30 -: Photo and short discussion
11:40 -- End farewell call
Attachment
Tab A
Talking Points
Tab B Your Letter to Admiral Smith
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001b. talking
re Meeting with Admiral Smith [partial] (1 page)
08/19/1996
b(6)
points
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Jennifer Klein
OA/Box Number: 13525
FOLDER TITLE:
Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
2014-0536-S
kc1456
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - 144 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRAJ
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute ((b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
[00,b]
TALKING POINTS FOR MEETING WITH ADMIRAL SMITH
Happy Birthday, Snuffy
although understand it will soon be
"Sir Snuffy"! Congratulations on honorary knighthood.
Want to thank you for service to our country, for what you did
to stop fighting in Bosnia and for successfully implementing
military side of peace agreement.
You' had great career with notable accomplishments well
before Bosnia. Understand that Naval Academy has your heroic
achievement in destroying Than Hoa [Tan Waa] Bridge [Vietnam]
depicted in drawing in Memorial Hall.
Much to be proud of over the last two years: humanitarian
airlift, no fly zone, effective use of air strikes to stop
shelling and give muscle to peace process, brilliantly
executed deployment of IFOR and exemplary conduct since. In
short, helping create chance for lasting peace in Bosnia.
Dottie, want to thank you too for your contributions.
Appreciate how strong support of spouse -- in your case, even
through a serious illness
(b)(6)
-- that's
behind so much of our servicemen and women accomplish. Thank
you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 29, 1996
Dear Snuffy:
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for
your selfless contributions in the service of
our nation. Throughout a long and distinguished
military career spanning Vietnam and Desert
Storm, you upheld the highest ideals and
freedoms of our country. But perhaps most
notable are your accomplishments as a force for
peace in Bosnia.
Your leadership helped create and then seize the
opportunity to bring an end to the Balkan war.
Your firm resolve then ensured the successful
implementation of the military conditions for
the peace to take hold. I speak not only for
America but also for the Balkan people and
nations throughout the world in thanking you for
helping ensure a lasting accord.
May God bless you and Dottie as you now return
home -- a just reward for your service to our
country and to the cause of peace.
Sincerely,
Prin Crinten
Admiral Leighton W. Smith, USN
Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Southern
Europe/Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces
Europe
PSC 813 Box 1
FPO AE 09620
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 19, 1996
SIGNING OF MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE LEGISLATION
DATE:
August 20, 1996
LOCATION:
South Lawn
TIME:
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
FROM:
John Hilley 1H
Susan Brophy SB
Janet Murguia JM
Barbara Chow BC
I.
PURPOSE
To sign into law H.R. 3448, formally titled, the "Small
Business Job Protection Act." This legislation
provides for increases in the minimum wage, pension
portability, tax breaks for small businesses and a
newly created adoption tax credit.
II.
BACKGROUND
The House passed its version of H.R. 3448, which dealt
only with small business tax relief, on May 22nd by a
vote of 414 to 10. On May 23rd, the House passed H.R.
1227, which increased the minimum wage, by a vote of
281 to 144. Pursuant to the rule for the bills, the
two measures were combined into one measure (H.R. 3448)
and sent to the Senate. The Senate passed the bill on
July 9th by a vote of 74 to 24. The Conference
Agreement was approved by the House on August 2nd by a
vote of 354 to 72. The Senate cleared it hours later,
76 to 22.
Minimum Wage Provisions
The bill would increase the minimum wage for an
estimated 10 million workers from $4.25 to $4.75 an
hour on October 1, and then to $5.15 an hour on
September 1, 1997. However, this Act does not contain
a completely "clean" minimum wage increase. For
example, it creates a youth subminimum wage and freezes
the wage base for tipped employees:
"Opportunity Wage" - The Conference Agreement permits
an employer to pay newly hired employees, who are under
20 years of age, a subminimum wage of $4.25 per hour
for the first 90 days of employment with that employer.
The amendment prohibits employers from displacing
workers in order to hire employee's at this wage.
"Tip Credit" - Current law provides that employees who
receive tips (e.g. waiters and waitresses) may receive
50% of the minimum wage in the form of tips. For such
employees, the employer pays only one-half the minimum
wage. The Conference Agreement requires employers to
pay employees who receive tips $2.13 per hour (which is
50% of the current minimum wage). The Agreement does
not change the provision of current law that requires
the employer to pay employees the difference between
the tips earned and the minimum wage.
Pension Provisions
The bill adopts many of the pension reforms first
proposed by the Administration a year ago. It creates
a new, simplified 401 (k) plan that will make it easier
for small businesses to provide coverage to their
employees. The bill increases the portability of
pensions and makes it easier for workers to start
saving from their first day on the job. Other
provisions of the bill reduce the vesting period for
multiemployer plans from 10 years to 5 years and
immediately vests 1 million workers primarily in the
retail, health, and construction industries. Also
included are the Administration's proposals to allow
non-profit organizations to maintain 401 (k) plans and
to assure veterans that they will have pension coverage
when they return to their civilian jobs.
Small Business Tax Provisions
The final small business tax bill contains a mixture of
new tax proposals strongly supported by the
Administration (principally in the small business and
pension simplification areas), the temporary extension
of a number of key expiring tax provisions also
supported by the Administration, as well as some
proposals strongly opposed by the Administration such
as the repeal of a 1993 Administration initiative
designed to reduce tax incentives for U.S. companies to
move jobs and operations overseas, and repeal of the
tax credit that encourages economic activity in Puerto
Rico.
In addition, a number of special interest provisions
and member items were included. Overall, the bill
provides a gross tax cut over six years (1996-2002) of
$12.9 billion.
Significant new tax provisions supported by the
Administration include the following:
--Small business expensing. Increases the amount of
tangible depreciable property that small businesses can
expense from $17,500 to $25,000 by the year 2003. Your
budget contains a similar proposal, with a faster
phase-in.
Key expiring provisions temporarily extended include:
--Employer-Provided education assistance.
Retroactively reinstates and extends through May 31, 1997
the $5,250 exclusion for employer-provided education
assistance (expired December 31, 1994).
However, the bill does not extend credit for graduate
education for courses that begin after June 30, 1996 and
does not include the Administration's proposed 10% tax
credit for education assistance.
--Research tax credit. Extends credit from
July 1, 1996 through May 31, 1997, but does not provide
for full retroactive reinstatement (credit expired
June 30, 1995) as supported by the Administration.
--Airport/Airway Trust fund excise taxes. Extends
taxes through December 31, 1996.
Proposals strongly opposed by the Administration
include:
--Repeal of current taxation of certain foreign
earnings (Section 956a). Repeals a 1993 Administration
initiative that reduces tax incentives for U.S.
companies that move jobs overseas.
--Repeal of Puerto Rico and possessions tax credit.
Phases out special tax benefits for businesses in
Puerto Rico. Includes generous grandfather rules for
existing beneficiaries, but provides no incentives for
new or expanded investment in Puerto Rico.
--Independent contractors. Liberalizes provisions
designating certain workers as independent contractors.
Adoption Provisions
This bill also includes two provisions that you have
strongly supported that will ease and encourage adoption.
The bill includes a $5,000 tax credit (or income
deduction if an employer agrees to pay adoption expenses)
for costs related to adopting a child. Families who
adopt a child with special needs receive a $6,000 credit.
A full credit or income deduction is available to
adoptive parents with incomes up to $75,000, and the
benefit gradually phases out as income approaches
$115,000. This bill also prohibits adoption placement
agencies from denying or delaying placement of a child on
the basis of race, color or national origin. This
provision is similar to the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act
(MEPA), which you signed in 1994. It strengthens the
language of MEPA and adds penalties of up to 5% of
Federal funding for foster care and adoption assistance
for states that fail to act within six months.
Acknowledgments
While many Members of Congress deserve credit for working
in a determined and deliberate fashion to pass this
legislation, a few members deserve special
acknowledgement -- especially those who will not be in
attendance at the bill signing ceremony. Democratic
leaders Daschle and Gephardt worked together to ensure
this legislation passed during this session. Congressman
Bill Clay (D-MO), who serves as the Ranking Member on the
Education and Economic Opportunities Committee in the
House, should be mentioned as well as House Democratic
Whip David Bonior (D-MN).
You will be introduced by Catherine Wilkinson. Catherine
Wilkinson is a lecture assistant and tutor at West
Virginia Community College in Wheeling, WV. She earns
$4.25 an hour. She is also a student at West Liberty
State where she has been studying part time for about
five years. She is working towards her Masters in
elementary education.
She is accompanied by her two daughters, Lisa age 11 and
and Deborah age 9. This raise will help pay the utility
bills and help provide a little extra money to pay for
music lessons.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
See attached list.
IV.
PRESS PLAN
Open Press.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
*
Offstage announcement of you, accompanied by the
Vice President, the First Lady, and Cathy Wilkinson.
*
The Vice President makes opening remarks and
introduces Cathy Wilkinson.
*
Cathy Wilkinson makes remarks and introduces you.
*
You make remarks.
*
Following your remarks, you proceed to the signing
table and call the Members of Congress onto the
stage. You will sign this legislation with the
working families on the bleachers behind you and the
Members of Congress flanking you.
VI.
REMARKS
To be provided by Speechwriting.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
REMARKS ON MINIMUM WAGE BILL-SIGNING
SOUTH LAWN
August 20, 1996
96 AUG 19 P8: 59
Good afternoon. I am delighted to be joined by Secretary Reich, and, of course, by
Senator Kennedy who probably broke the wage and hour laws by working so hard to pass
this bill. I also thank Leader Daschle, Leader Gephardt, Congressman Bonior, and
Congressman Clay, who could not be with us today; the countless labor unions that have
championed this bill, led by the truly tireless John Sweeney; the many religious groups,
economists, and business people that have made this cause their concern; and Catherine
Wilkinson, who reminds us why we're here today, and what this bill is really about.
It is with great satisfaction that I will sign this bill to raise the minimum wage, giving
more than ten million Americans a chance to raise stronger families, and build better futures.
By coming together across the lines that too often divide us by finding this crucial common
ground -- we have made this a real season of achievement for the American people.
At its heart, this bill affirms the most profoundly American values: offering
opportunity to all. Demanding responsibility from all. And coming together as a community
to do what is right. This bill says to the working people of America: if you're willing to take
that responsibility, we're going to honor your hard work. We're going to honor your
commitment to your family. We're going to recognize that $4.25 an hour isn't enough to raise
that family. Our hardest-pressed families need and deserve this raise. All Americans know
this is the right thing to do.
Our economic strategy has given us growth that is both steady and strong. Our auto
industry now makes more cars than Japan. We have 900,000 new construction jobs. There is
a record number of businesses owned by women. We have cut the deficit by more than half
-- and it is now the smallest it has been since 1981. Our economy has created over 10
million jobs. And real hourly wages, which fell for a decade, are on the rise again.
Our challenge is to help every American reap the rewards of a changing, expanding
economy. That is why we cut taxes for fifteen million working families, and are working to
give families a new tax cut for education. And that is why this bill is such an important step
forward.
Look around me. These are some of the hardest-working people in America -- with
some of the strongest values in America. Seventy percent of minimum wage earners are
adults, and six out of ten are working women. To them, work is about more than a paycheck.
It is about their pride as well. They want a wage they can raise their families on.
By raising the minimum wage by 90 cents, this law gives those families an additional
$1,800 a year -- enough to buy seven months of groceries, or several months of rent or child
care. For many, this bill will make the difference that keeps their family together.
*
I want to offer a special word of gratitude to the businesses and small business owners
who supported this bill. Many of the minimum wage employers I talk to want to pay more
than $4.25 an hour, and know they can do it without hurting their businesses as long as
their competitors do it at the same time. This bill will allow them to do that. It also includes
a number of measures to help the small businesses that are the greatest engines of growth in
this economy.
It increases the amount of capital that a small business can expense, to spark the kind
of investment that creates growth and jobs. It extends the research tax credit, to help
businesses stay competitive in a fast-moving economy. And it extends a tax incentive for
businesses that train and educate their employees. That's good news for the people who need
those skills - and it's good news for a country that needs the best-educated workforce to seize
all the opportunities of the 21st century.
This legislation does even more to strengthen families, by helping millions more
Americans to save for their own retirements. This bill makes it dramatically easier for small
businesses to offer pension plans, by creating a new small business 401(k) plan. It also lets
more Americans take their pensions with them when they change jobs, by eliminating the
one-year wait before you can start saving at a new job.
We believe that as many as ten million Americans without pensions today will earn
them as a result of this bill. And I am delighted that we are joined by Shawn Marcell, the
C.E.O. of Prima Facie, a fast-growing video monitoring company with seventeen employees.
Shawn stood with me when I announced these proposals, and promised that if we made
pensions easier and cheaper for small businesses like his, he would give pensions to his all of
his employees. Today, he has told me that he is making good on that pledge. [ASK TO
STAND.] I predict that thousands of small business owners will follow his extraordinary
example.
Finally, this bill does something that is very important to me, and to Hillary. It breaks
down the financial and bureaucratic barriers to adoption, giving more children what every
child needs and deserves: loving parents, and strong, stable home. Two weeks ago, we held a
celebration for the American athletes who made us so proud in Atlanta. One of them, gold
medalist Dan O'Brien, spoke movingly about being adopted, and how much the support of his
family has meant in his life. Right now, there are tens of thousands of children waiting for
the kind of family that made such a difference to him. At the same time, there are thousands
of middle class families that want to bring a child into their homes, but cannot afford it.
We're offering a tax credit, to help bring them together. It gives extra help to families that
adopt children with disabilities, or take in two siblings rather than splitting them up. This bill
also ends the longstanding bias against interracial adoption, which too often means an endless
wait for the children. As much as we talk about strong, loving families, it is not every day
that we enact a law that literally creates them. I'm proud that this is such a day.
Beside me is the desk used by Frances Perkins -- the first woman cabinet member,
- 2 -
and one of our nation's greatest secretaries of labor. It was from this desk that many of
America's pioneering wage, hour, and workplace laws originated -- including the very first 25-
cent minimum wage, signed into law by President Roosevelt in 1938.
President Roosevelt and Secretary Perkins understood that a living wage was about
more than feeding a family, or shelter from a storm. A living wage makes it possible to
participate in what Secretary Perkins called the "culture of community" to take part in the
family, community, and religious life we all cherish -- confident in our ability to provide for
ourselves and our children, secure in the knowledge that hard work does pay.
By signing this bill, I have the honor of granting a raise to more than ten million
Americans, and honoring their hard work, their responsibility, their dreams for their families.
It is in their name that I lift this pen, and give America's new minimum wage the force of
law.
# # #
- 3 -
PARTICIPANTS FOR THE SIGNING OF THE MINIMUM WAGE
Tuesday, August 20, 1996
Secretary Robert Reich
Secretary Robert Rubin
Administrator Phil Lader
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Sen. Paul Simon (D-IL)
Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)
Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA)
Rep. Gene Green (D-TX)
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
Rep. John LaFalce (D-NY)
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Rep. Bill Martini (R-NJ)
Rep. Matthew Martinez (D-CA)
Rep. Bob Matsui (D-CA)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN)
Rep. Jack Quinn (R-NY)
Rep. Frank Riggs (R-CA)
Rep. Carlos Romero-Barcelo (D-PR)
Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT)
Rep. Harold Volkmer (D-MO)
Rep. Mike Ward (D-KY)
Rep. Al Wynn (D-MD)
John Sweeney, International President, AFL-CIO
There will be approximately 30 minimum wage earners and their
families on stage. A detailed list of these workers is attached.
The audience is comprised of labor, senior, pension, adoption,
and small business groups, as well other traditional constituency
groups. A detailed list will be provided by the Office of
Public Liaison.
MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
PARTICIPANT NAME
-Cecilia Rivas
-Michael Lopez - son
(she has one other 25 year old son, George Raude, who will not be attending)
Hometown:
Occupation: Provider of In-Home Supportive services through IHSS - L.A. County program
Hourly Wage: $4.25
-Maria Figueroa
-Jacqueline Bermudic - daughter
-Veronica Senchez - daughter
-Marcella Bermudic - daughter
Hometown:
Occupation: Provider of In-Home Supportive Services through IHSS - Alamdea County
Program
Hourly Wage: $4.25
-Ms. Vinnie Sharp
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Occupation: winder-stripper for St. Louis Braid
Hourly Wage: $4.95
-Jeanette Green
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Occuaption: braider operator for St. Louis Braid
Hourly Wage: $4.95
-Cathy Wilkinson
-Lisa Moore - daughter
-Deborah Moore - daughter
Hometown: Wheeling, WV
Occupation: Lab Ass't
Hourly Wage:
-Marie Sylvain
-Steve Brissette
-Shawinda Sintel
Hometown: Miami, FL
Occupation: Certified Nurses Aide
Hourly Wage: under $5
-Ms. Yammil Lopez
Hometown: Miami, FL
Occupation: housekeeping
Hourly Wage: under $5
-Tanya Heard
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Cashier at Hechinger's
Hourly Wage:
-Nancy O'Neal
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Food pantry aide - distributes emergency food baskets to needy families
-Ricky Morgan
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Maintenance worker at Georgetwon University - has two daughters and pays
child support.
-Charlene McKenzie
-Charlsye Mackenzie - daughter
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Secretary
-Dwight Williams
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Production Manager at a printing company - divorced with three children
-LaKisha Ross
-Charles Duvall III - son
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Clerk/Cashier and learning about computers
-Dorothy McClain
-Robin McLain - daughter
-Natalie McClain - granddaughter
Hometown: Cheverly, MD
Occupation: After School teacher Aide
-Leslie McCrae
-Brittany McCrae - daughter
-Dreeonna McCrae - daughter
-Cyndee McCrae - daughter
Hometown: Glenarden, MD
Occupation: After School Teacher and single mom
-Donald Williams
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Antique Store worker and single father of five children
-Ms. Kitt Haston
Hometown: Washington, DC
Occupation: Cashier/Clerk at a florist shop - single mom of five
-Juanita Fisher
Hometown: Landover, MD
Occupation: Cashier at McDonalds - saving for college
-Delores Darmon
Hometown:
Occupation:
-Lisa Richardson
NON-PARTICIPANT ATTENDEES
NAME
Ken Grossinger
Pat Ford
Carolyn Kazdin
Andrea Gandy
White House Minimum Wage Bill Signing
Minimum Wage Workers
Name
Ann Smith
Occupation: Decaler at Modern Glass
Hourly Wage: $4.50
City: Duquesne County: Allegheny
Ralph Smith (Husband)
Candyce Smith (Child)
Cameron Smith (Child)
Milette Reid
Occupation: Bagger & Runner at Giant Eagle
Hourly Wage: $4.40
City: Pittsburgh County: Allegheny
Heather Pierce (daughter)
Occupation: Cashier & Serves Food at Sabboro's Pizza
Hourly Wage: $4.40
City: Braddock County: Allegheny
Ken Pierce (Father)
Gloria Wawzensky
Occupation: Clerk at Renaissance Center (single parent raising 16 mo. yr.
old girl
Hourly Wage: $4.25
City: Pittsburgh County: Allegheny
Wanda O'Conner
Occupation: Janitor at Peoples Oakland
Hourly Wage: $4.25
City: Pittsburgh County: Allegheny
Belle Luna (2 yr old daughter)
Nellie Fennell
Occupation: Selling Clerk at Peoples Oakland
Hourly Wage: $4.25
City: Duquesne County: Allegheny
James Thompson
Occupation: Donut maker at Yum Yum Donut Shop
Hourly Wage: $4.60
City: Waynesburg County: Greene County
Vera Williams
Tory Williams (son)
City: Monessen County: West Moreland
Mark Gearhart
Occupation: Janitor & Food Service at Church of Good Shepard and
Burger King
Hourly Wage: $4.60
City: Tyrone County: Blair
Jennie Gearhart (wife)
Paul Lodico
Barney Oursler
Sandy Kolenda
Bill Malinowski
Barb Malinowski
Toni Selfridge
Minimum Wage Bill Signing
Group Representation
ACORN
AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO Employee Benefits Department
Air Line Pilots Association International
Aluminum Association
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
American Academy of Opthamology
American Association of Classified School Employees
American Bankers Association
America International Union
American Council of Life Insurance
American Dental Association
American Federation of Government Employees
American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees
AFSCME Retirees
American Federation of School Administrators
American Federation of Teachers
American Federation of Teachers Retirees
Americans for Democratic Action
American Health Care Association
American International Automobile Dealers Association
American Trucking Association
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association
Association of Flight Attendants
Association of International Automobile Manufacturers Association
Association of Private Pension and Welfare Plans
Auto Dealers & Drivers for Free Trade
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees
Building and Construction Trades Department
Burrito Brothers
California Public Employees Retirement System
Catholic Network of Volunteer Services
Child Welfare League of America
Coalition on Human Needs
Communications Workers of America
Computer & Communications Industry Association
Economic Policy Institute
ERISA Industry Committee
Fair Employment Council of Greater Washington
Federation of Business and Professional Women
Financial Executives Institute
Glass, Molder, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union
Graphic Communications International Union
Independent Drivers Association
Independent Insurance Agents of America
Institute of Business Designers
Institutional & Municipal Parking Congress
International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers
International Association of Chiefs of Police
International Association of Firefighters
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades of the United States and Canada
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237
International Leather Goods, Plastics, Novelty and Service Worker's Union
International Union of Electrical Workers
International Union of Police Associations
International Union of Teamsters
Investment Company Institute
Laborers' International Union of North America
Maryland Teachers & State Employee Retiree Plan
Motion Picture Association of America
NAACP
National Adoption Center
National Association for the Self-Employed
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
National Association of Counties
National Association of Government Deferred Comp. Ad.
National Association of Home Builders
National Association of Letter Carriers
National Association of Minority Contractors
National Association of Part Time and Temporary Employees
National Association of Police Organizations
National Association of Realtors
National Association of Retail Druggists
National Automobile Dealers Association
National Breast Cancer Coalition
National Center for Early Childhood Workforce
National Committee on Pay Equity
National Community Action Foundation
National Congress of Black Churches
National Council of Senior Citizens
National Council on Adoption
National Council on Teacher Retirement
National Council on Public Employee Retirement Systems
National Federation of Business and Professional Women/USA
National Realty Committee
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
National Small Business United
National Urban League
North American Council on Adoptable
Office and Professional Employees International Union
Oil. Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union
Older Women's League
Oregon Nurses Association
Patricof & Co., Inc.
Pension Welfare and Benefits Administration
Profit Sharing Council of America
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union
Screen Actors Guild
Seafarers International Union of North America
SEIU Retirees
Service Employees International Union
Sheet Metal Workers International Association
Small Business Association
Small Business Campaign
Small Business Center, Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Council of America, Inc.
Small Business Legislative Council
Texas Municipal Retirement System
The Adoption Exchange
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Transport Workers Union of America
Transportation/Communications International Union
Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees
UNITE
United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
United Food and Commercial Workers
United Steel Workers of America
U.S. Catholic Conference
Women's Legal Defense Fund
Worker Options Resource Council
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
SIGNING OF MINIMUM WAGE BILL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1996 2:00 P.M.
Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here with Secretary Reich; Leader Daschle;
Leader Gephardt; Congressman Clay; Congressman Bonior; and, of course, Senator
Kennedy -- who probably broke the wage and hour laws by working so hard to pass this
bill. And I am grateful to the countless labor unions, religious groups, economists, and
business people that have made this cause their concern.
It is with great satisfaction that I will sign this bill to raise the minimum wage,
giving more than ten million Americans a chance to raise stronger families, and build better
futures. By coming together across the lines that divide us -- by finding this crucial
common ground -- we have made this a real season of achievement for the American
people.
At its heart, this bill affirms the most profoundly American values: offering
opportunity to all. Demanding responsibility from all. And coming together as a
community to do what is right. $4.25 an hour just isn't enough to raise a family. Our
hardest-pressed families need and deserve this raise. All Americans know this is the right
thing to do.
Our economic strategy has given us growth that is both steady and strong. Our auto
industry now makes more cars than Japan. We have 900,000 new construction jobs. There
is a record number of businesses owned by women. We have cut the deficit by more than
half -- and it is now the smallest it has been since 1981. Our economy has created over 10
million jobs. And real hourly wages, which fell for a decade, are on the rise again.
Our challenge is to give every American the chance to reap the rewards of this
changing, expanding economy. That is why we cut taxes for fifteen million working
families, and are working to give families a new tax cut for education. That is why I will
sign the Kennedy-Kassebaum bill tomorrow -- to ensure that if you lose your job or change
jobs, you won't lose your health care. And that is why I will sign a bill that marks not the
end, but the beginning of our effort to give jobs to every American who is moving off of
welfare. After all, the best anti-poverty program is a job.
Look around me. These are some of the hardest-working people in America -- with
some of the strongest values in America. Seventy percent of minimum wage earners are
adults, and six out of ten are working women. To them, work is about more than a
paycheck. It is about their pride as well. They want a wage they can raise their families
on.
By raising the minimum wage by 90 cents, this law gives those families an
additional $1,800 a year -- enough to buy seven months of groceries, or several months of
rent or child care. For many, this bill will make the difference that keeps their family
together.
3
president's cabinet, and one of our nation's greatest secretaries of labor. It was from this
desk that many of America's pioneering wage, hour, and workplace laws originated --
including the very first 25-cent minimum wage, signed into law by President Roosevelt in
1938. They understood that a living wage was about more than feeding a family, or shelter
from a storm. A living wage makes it possible to participate in what Secretary Perkins
called the "culture of community" -- to take part in the family, community, and religious
life we all cherish, confident in our ability to provide for ourselves and our children.
By signing this bill, I have the honor of granting a raise to more than ten million
Amerticans, and honoring their hard work, their responsibility, their dreams for their
families. It is in their name that I lift this pen, and give America's new minimum wage the
force of law.
# # #
2
I want to offer a special word of gratitude to the businesses and small business
owners who supported this bill. Many of the minimum wage employers I talk to want to
pay more than $4.25 an hour, and know they can do it without hurting their businesses -- as
long as their competitors do it at the same time. This bill will allow them to do that. It
also includes a number of measures to help the small businesses that are the greatest
engines of growth in this economy.
It increases the amount of capital that a small business can expense, to spark the
kind of investment that creates growth and jobs. It extends the research tax credit, to help
businesses stay competitive in a fast-moving economy. And it extends a tax incentive for
businesses that train and educate their employees. That's good news for the people who
need those skills and it's good news for a country that needs the best-educated workforce
to seize all the opportunities of the 21st century.
This legislation does even more to strengthen families, by helping millions more
Americans to save for their own retirements. This bill makes it dramatically easier for
small businesses to offer pension plans, by creating a new small business 401(k) plan. It
also lets more Americans take their pensions with them when they change jobs, by
eliminating the one-year wait before you can start saving at a new job.
We believe that as many as ten million Americans without pensions today will earn
them as a result of this bill. And I am delighted that we are joined by Shawn Marcell, the
C.E.O. of Prima Facie, a fast-growing video monitoring company with seventeen
employees. Shawn stood with me when I announced these proposals, and promised that if
we made pensions easier and cheaper for small businesses like his, he would give pensions
to his all of his employees. Today, he has told me that he is making good on that pledge.
[ASK TO STAND.] I predict that thousands of small business owners will follow his
extraordinary example.
will break down barriers to adoption,
to
Finally, this bill does something that is very important to me, and to Hillary. It
offers a tax credit to make adoptions more affordable, giving more children what every
child needs and deserves: loving parents, and strong, stable home. wo weeks ago, we
held a celebration for the American athletes who made us so proud in Atlanta. One of
them, Dan O'Brien, spoke movingly about being adopted, and how much the support of his
family has meant in his life. Right now, there are tens of thousands of children waiting for
Putin
the kind of family that made such a difference to him. At the same time, there are
Dave
thousands of middle class families that want to bring a child into their homes, but cannot
afford it. This tax credit will bring them together. It will help families adopt children with
Thomas
disabilities, or take in two siblings rather than splitting them up. It will end the
The
bill
also
advocate for this bill
longstanding bias against interracial adoption, which too often means an endless wait for
the children. As much as we talk about strong, loving families, it is not every day that we
provides
enact a law that literally creates them. I'm proud that this is such a day.
adoption
benefits
Beside me is the desk used by Frances Perkins the first woman member of any
for his
employees
This legislation will also break down barriers to adoption. Today, too many children
in this country wait too long to be placed in permanent homes. Hillary and I have worked
hard to encourage and ease adoption for these tens of thousands of waiting children, and
our country needs to do more. This legislation will take important steps to strengthen
American families and give more children what every child in America deserves -- loving
parents and a healthy home. I just came from a celebration with the American athletes who
made us so proud in Atlanta. One of them, Dan O'Brien, has spoken out powerfully about
being adopted and about how important the support of his family has been to his
commitment and success.
The tax credit in this legislation will allow middle class families, for whom adoption
is often too expensive, to adopt children to love and nurture. It will help a family afford to
adopt a child with a disability or to take in two siblings rather than splitting them up. The
legislation also builds on my longstanding goal to end the historical bias against interracial
adoptions, which too often has meant interminable waits for children.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002a. list
Minimum Wage Bill Signing Adoption Advocates [Personally
08/20/1996
b(6)
Identifiable Information] [partial] (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Jennifer Klein
OA/Box Number: 13525
FOLDER TITLE:
Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
2014-0536-S
kc1456
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRAI
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information ((a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
1:30
456-7787
[ooza]
Minimum Wage Bill Signing
Adoption Advocates
When inviting the following people to the Minimum Wage Bill Signing, please specify that
the Minimum Wage Bill also includes provisions on adoption -- the tax credit and other
provisions.
Those with DOBs and SSN had accepted when event was originally scheduled event and
should be re-invited all should be invited.
Carolyn Johnson
215/735-9988
Executive Director
100 -familin
National Adoption Center
(b)(6)
Bill Pierce
202/328-1200
President
National Council on Adoption
(b)(6)
Mady Prowler
215/205-8622
Director
Adoption Assistance Programs
National Adoption Center
(b)(6)
Theodore Mason
c/o 215/205-8622
Attorney and Board Member
National Adoption Center
(b)(6)
Mae Best
202/724-8602
Chief of Adoptions
D.C. Dept of Social Services
(b)(6)
Jan Heffner
614/764-3319
Executive Director, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
(b)(6)
& Casey (slercamp
[002a]
Dave Thomas
614/764-3319
Dave Thomas Foundation
Dublin, Ohio
Leland C. Brendsel
703/903-3001
Freddie Mac Foundation
(b)(6)
Rita Simon
202/885-2965
American University
(b)(6)
Sameul Totaro
215/598-0951
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (invite all four below at above #)
(b)(6)
Andrea Totaro
215/598-0951
(b)(6)
Juliana Totaro
215/598-0951
(adopted daughter)
(b)(6)
Christopher Totaro
215/598-0951
(adopted son)
(b)(6)
Mark Eckman
703/281-9166
American Academy of Adoption Attorney
(b)(6)
Ann Sullivan (if she can't come, please ask her to send a rep from CWLA -- very imp)
Adoption Program Director
Child Welfare League of America
202/638-2952
Joe Kroll
Exec. Director
North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
St. Paul, MN
612/644-3036
Drenda Lakin
Center Director
Spaulding for Children
Southfield, MI
313/443-7080
Dixie van de Flier Davis
The Adoption Exchange
Denver, CO
303/333-0845
Barbara Harrison
Wednesday's Child, Channel 4 TV
202/885-4111
Susan Frievalds
The National Adoption Foundation
replace
Minneapolis, MN
3 or 4
612/544-6698
Douglas Mainwaring and Valerie Mainwaring
[stand President]
adoptive parents who testified in committee on adoption provisions
301/330-9580 or 301/924-3661
Diane Dobson
adoptive parent
301/593-7018
Steve Humerickhouse
Adoptive parent/advocate
612-521-1098
Sheryl Dicker
Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children
914/422-4425, office
914/834-8211, home
Norman Stein
212/753-4930, W
[002a]
Carol Williams
202/205-8622
Children's Bureau
DHHS
(b)(6)
Ann Rosewater
Deputy Assistant Secretary
DHHS
202/401-5180
Olivia Golden
Commissioner
Administration for Children, Youth and Families
202/405-8347
TO:
Hillary Rodham Clinton
FROM:
Jennifer Klein
DATE:
8/6/96
RE:
Signing Ceremony for Minimum Wage/Adoption Legislation
If you decide to go to the signing ceremony tomorrow, here is some background on
the event and the legislation.
THE EVENT
The signing will be held in the Great Hall at the Labor Department before an
audience of labor representatives, small business leaders, and adoption advocates. The
sequence of events is:
Secretary Reich gives brief remarks and introduces Secretary Rubin
Secretary Rubin gives brief remarks and introduces John Sweeney, AFL-CIO (not
confirmed)
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro gives brief remarks and introduces Senator Kennedy
Senator Kennedy gives brief remarks and introduces the President
The President gives remarks and signs legislation surrounded by low-wage workers
and families
You would be seated in the first row between Senator Daschle and John Sweeney
and would be called to the stage for the signing.
The part of the President's remarks on adoption are attached.
THE LEGISLATION
This bill increases the minimum wage, adopts pension reforms that the Clinton
Administration has fought for, and provides tax relief for small businesses, among other
provisions. It also includes the following adoption provisions: a $5,000 tax credit for
adoptive families (that ends after December 31, 2001); a $6,000 tax credit for families
adopting children with special needs; and a requirement (that replaces the Multi-Ethnic
Placement Act) that agencies receiving Federal funds not deny or delay adoption based on
race, color or national origin. States that fail to comply with this last provision within 6
months will lose up to 5% of Federal funding for foster care and adoption assistance.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002b. fax
Donna Fitzwater to Jen Klein re interracial adoption (2 pages)
05/15/1996
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Jennifer Klein
OA/Box Number: 13525
FOLDER TITLE:
Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
2014-0536-S
kc1456
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA|
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
8-15-1996 : 43AM
FROM HAYWARD SENIOR CTR 510 728 0576
P.3
BARBARA BOXER
1700 MONTGOMERY STREET
CALIFORNIA
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COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET
SUITE 112
525 B STREET
SUITE 990
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0505
SAN DIEGO. CA 92101
(202) 224-3553
(619) 239-3884
2300 TULARE STREET
SUITE 130
FRESNO, CA 93721
(209) 497-5109
May 29, 1996
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I have received the following unique request from Donna
Fitzwater and Steve Williams from Castro Valley, California.
Donna and Steve represent a family that adepts. Donna's
mother is the proud grandmother of six adopted grandchildren,
including Donna and Steve's two recently adopted children; Haile,
age seven and Maya, age three.
Donna and Steve strongly support interracial adoption and
have requested the opportunity to display their dedication to
this process. They would be honored to join you and the First
Lady at the White House during any bill signing of interracial
adoption legislation.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and please give
this request every consideration.
Sincerely,
Barbera Boxer
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
BB:keh
enclosure
Maya
Haile
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002c. list
Minimum Wage Bill Signing Adoption Advocates [Duplicate of 002a
08/20/1996
b(6)
less annotations] [Personally Identifiable Information] [partial] (3
pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Jennifer Klein
OA/Box Number: 13525
FOLDER TITLE:
Adoption-Tax Credit/Ethnic Legislation [2]
2014-0536-S
kc1456
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
AUG-14 96 16:33 FROM:
TO: 94569412
PAGE: 05
[002c]
Minimum Wage Bill Signing
Adoption Advocates
When inviting the following people to the Minimum Wage Bill Signing, please specify that
the Minimum Wage Bill also includes provisions on adoption -- the tax credit and other
provisions.
Those with DOBs and SSN had accepted when event was originally scheduled event and
should be re-invited all should be invited.
Carolyn Johnson
215/735-9988
Executive Director
National Adoption Center
(b)(6)
Bill Pierce
202/328-1200
President
National Council on Adoption
(b)(6)
Mady Prowler
215/205-8622
Director
Adoption Assistance Programs
National Adoption Center
(b)(6)
Theodore Mason
c/o 215/205-8622
Attorney and Board Member
National Adoption Center
(b)(6)
Mae Best
202/724-8602
Chief of Adoptions
D.C. Dept of Social Services
(b)(6)
Jan Heffner
614/764-3319
Executive Director, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
(b)(6)
AUG-14 96 16:32 FROM:
TO: 94569412
PAGE: 02
[002c]
Dave Thomas
614/764-3319
Dave Thomas Foundation
Dublin, Ohio
Leland C. Brendsel
703/903-3001
Freddie Mac Foundation
(b)(6)
Rita Simon
202/885-2965
American University
(b)(6)
Sameul Totaro
215/598-0951
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (invite all four below at above #)
(b)(6)
Andrea Totaro
215/598-0951
(b)(6)
Juliana Totaro
215/598-0951
(adopted daughter)
(b)(6)
Christopher Totaro
215/598-0951
(adopted son)
(b)(6)
Mark Eckman
703/281-9166
American Academy of Adoption Attorney
(b)(6)
Ann Sullivan (if she can't come, please ask her to send a rep from CWLA -- very imp)
Adoption Program Director
Child Welfare League of America
202/638-2952
TO: 94569412
PAGE: 03
AUG-14, 96 16:33 FROM:
Joe Kroll
Exec. Director
North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
St. Paul, MN
612/644-3036
Drenda Lakin
Center Director
Spaulding for Children
Southfield, MI
313/443-7080
Dixie van de Flier Davis
The Adoption Exchange
Denver, CO
303/333-0845
Barbara Harrison
Wednesday's Child, Channel 4 TV
202/885-4111
Susan Frievalds
The National Adoption Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
612/544-6698
Douglas Mainwaring and Valerie Mainwaring
adoptive parents who testified in committee on adoption provisions
301/330-9580 or 301/924-3661
Diane Dobson
adoptive parent
301/593-7018
Steve Humerickhouse
Adoptive parent/advocate
612-521-1098
Sheryl Dicker
Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children
914/422-4425, office
914/834-8211, home
Norman Stein
212/753-4930, W
TO: 94569412
PAGE: 04
AUG-14 36 16:33 FROM:
[002c]
Carol Williams
202/205-8622
Children's Bureau
DHHS
(b)(6)
Ann Rosewater
Deputy Assistant Secretary
DHHS
202/401-5180
Olivia Golden
Commissioner
Administration for Children, Youth and Families
202/405-8347
Tax Credit for Adoption Expenses as Included in
Conference Agreement to H.R. 3448 (smull Business)
Provides a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per child for adoption expenses.
The maximum credit is increased to $6,000 for domestic special-needs adoptions (no
foreign adoptions qualify for the $6,000 credit).
The credit is allowed for most adoptions with the following exceptions: (1) No credit
is allowed for the adoption of a child of one's spouse (or through a surrogate parenting
arrangement); and (2) foreign adoptions must be finalized.
No credit is permitted for expenses covered by a grant received under any Federal,
State or local program.
The credit is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income between
$75,000 and $115,000.
The credit can be carried forward for up to five taxable years.
The provision also permits an exclusion of up to $5,000 for qualified adoption
expenses that are reimbursed by an employer pursuant to an adoption assistance
program. Although a taxpayer cannot take an exclusion and credit for the same
expenses, a taxpayer can avail themselves of both provisions (exclusion and credit) if
they have costs in excess of $5,000.
The provision is effective for taxable years beginning after 12/31/96.
Both the credit for non-special needs adoptions and the employer exclusion sunset after
2001.
ID:
MAY 20'96
5:58 No.013 P.02
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
May 9, 1996 (SENT)
(House)
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
(THIS STATEMENT HAS BEEN COORDINATED BY OMB WITH THE CONCERNED AGENCIES.)
H.R. 3286 - The Adoption Promotion and Stability Act of 1996
(Molinari (R) NY and 6 cosponsors)
The Administration strongly supports H.R. 3286, without the inclusion of Title III. Today,
families who seek to adopt children face significant barriers, including high adoption costs and
outdated assumptions. The Administration is deeply committed to removing these barriers and
making adoption easier. The Administration strongly supports the bill's $5,000 per child
adoption tax credit. The tax credit will alleviate a primary barrier to adoption and enable middle
class families, for whom adoption may. be too expensive, to adopt children. The Administration
also supports the adoption and foster care provisions in Title II of the bill. These provisions are
consistent with the Administration's current policy.
The Administration strongly supports passage of a Young amendment, which has bipartisan
support, to strike Title III from the bill. Title III would allow State courts to pre-empt tribal
governments in decisions regarding the custody of Indian children. These provisions raise
serious concerns because they would impinge on Indian tribal sovereignty, including the right of
tribal courts to determine internal tribal relations.
The Administration will work with Congress to identify more suitable offsets to the lost tax
receipts resulting from the bill's adoption tax credit. The Administration opposes the offset
provision that would repeal the income exclusion for utility payments to businesses for energy
conservation investments; the provision would effectively increase the taxes on these
investments. By ending an important market-based incentive to conserve energy, the provision
would undercut our ability to achieve clean air and energy security. The bill's other offset --
tightening the reporting requirements for U.S. holders of foreign trusts -- is included in the
President's balanced budget proposal for purposes of deficit reduction.
Pay-As-You-Go Scoring
H.R. 3286 will affect receipts; therefore it is subject to the pay-as-you-go requirement of the
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. OMB's preliminary scoring estimate is presented
in the table below. Final scoring of this legislation may deviate from this estimate.
ID:
MAY 20'96
5:59 No.U15 P.US
2
PAY-AS-YOU-GO ESTIMATE
(Receipts in millions)
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1996-2002
Receipts
+110 +318 +224 +154 +99 +56 +16 +977
*****
F:\LR\H3448STATE
HLC
JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF
CONFERENCE
The managers on the part of the House and the Senate at the
conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the
amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 3448) to provide tax re-
lief for small businesses, to protect jobs, to create opportunities, to
increase the take home pay of workers, to amend the Portal-to-Por-
tal Act of 1947 relating to the payment of wages to employees who
use employer owned vehicles, and to amend the Fair Labor Stand-
ards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage rate and to prevent
job loss by providing flexibility to employers in complying with
minimum wage and overtime requirements under that Act, submit
the following joint statement to the House and the Senate in expla-
nation of the effect of the action agreed upon by the managers and
recommended in the accompanying conference report:
(1)
(2) Contributions made to a qualified State tuition program will be treated as incomplete
gifts for Federal gift tax purposes. Thus, any Federal gift tax consequences will be determined at
the time that a distribution is made from an account under the program.
(3) The waiver (or payment) of qualified higher education expenses of a designated
beneficiary by (or to) an educational institution under a qualified State tuition program will be
treated as a qualified transfer for purposes of present-law section 2503(e).47
(4) Amounts contributed to a qualified State tuition program (and earnings thereon) will
be included in the contributor's estate for Federal estate tax purposes in the event that the
contributor dies before such amounts are distributed under the program.
The conference agreement provides that any distribution under a qualified State tuition
program shall be includible in the gross income of the distributee in the manner as provided
under section 72 to the extent not excluded from gross income under any other provision of the
Internal Revenue Code. Thus, the conferees understand that if matching-grant amounts are
distributed to (or on behalf of) a beneficiary as part of a qualified State tuition program, then
such matching-grant amounts still may be excluded from the gross income of the beneficiary as a
scholarship under present-law section 117.
Effective date.--The conference agreement follows the Senate amendment.
7. Adoption assistance (sec. 101 of H.R. 3286)
Present Law
Present law does not provide a tax credit for adoption expenses. Also, present law does
not provide an exclusion from gross income for employer-provided adoption assistance. The
Federal Adoption Assistance program (a Federal outlay program) provides financial assistance
for the adoption of certain special needs children. In general, a special needs child is defined as a
child who (1) according to a State determination, could not or should not be returned to the home
of the birth parents and (2) on account of a specific factor or condition (such as ethnic
background, age, membership in a minority or sibling group, medical condition, or physical,
mental or emotional handicap), could not reasonably be expected to be adopted unless adoption
assistance is provided. Specifically, the program provides assistance for adoption expenses for
those special needs children receiving Federally assisted adoption assistance payments as well as
47 In this regard, the conferees intend that if a qualified State tuition program issues a
check in the names of both the designated beneficiary and an educational institution at which the
beneficiary incurs (or will incur) qualified higher education expenses, then the issuance of the
check will be considered a payment of qualified higher education expenses to an educational
institution if the check (after endorsement by the beneficiary) is deposited in the institution's
bank account.
122
special needs children :- private and State-funded programs. The maximum Federal
reimbursement is $1,00 per special needs child. Reimbursable expenses include those
nonrecurring costs directly associated with the adoption process such as legal costs, social
service review, and transportation.costs.
House Bill
Tax credit
No provision. However, H.R.,3286 provides taxpayers with a maximum nonrefundable
credit against income tax liability of $5,000 per child for qualified adoption expenses paid or
incurred by the taxpayer. Any unused adoption credit may be carried forward by the taxpayer for
up to five years. Qualified adoption expenses are reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court
costs, attorneys' fees and other expenses that are directly related to the legal adoption of an
eligible child. In the case of an international adoption, the credit is not available unless the
adoption is finalized. An eligible child is an individual (1) who has not attained age 18 as of the
time of the adoption, or (2) who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or
herself. No credit is allowed for expenses incurred (1) in violation of State or Federal law, (2)
in carrying out any surrogate parenting arrangement, or (3) in connection with the adoption of a
child of the taxpayer's spouse. The credit is phased out ratably for taxpayers with modified
adjusted gross income (AGI) above $75,000, and is fully phased out at $115,000 of modified
AGI.
The credit is not allowed for any expenses for which a grant is received under any
Federal, State, or local program. This limit, however, does not apply in the case of special needs
adoptions.
Exclusion from income
The proposal provides a maximum $5,000 exclusion from the gross income of an
employee for specified certain adoption expenses paid by the employer. The $5,000 limit is a
per child limit, not an annual limitation. The exclusion is phased out ratably for taxpayers with
modified AGI above $75,000 and is fully phased out at $115,000 of modified AGI.
No credit is allowed for adoption expenses paid or reimbursed under an adoption
assistance program.
Effective date
The House bill is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996.
Senate Amendment
Tax credit
123
The Senate amendment to H.R. 3286 is the same as the House bill, with three changes:
(1) The maximum credit is increased from $5,000 to $6,000 in the case of special needs
adoptions.
(2) The credit for non-special needs adoptions is repealed for expenses paid or incurred after
December 31, 2000.
(3) No credit is allowed in the case of special needs adoptions for expenses for which a grant is
received under any Federal, State or local program.
Exclusion from income
The Senate amendment to H.R. 3286 is the same as the House bill except:
(1) the maximum exclusion is increased from $5,000 to $6,000 in the case of special needs
adoptions, and
(2) the exclusion is repealed after December 31, 2000.
Effective date
The Senate amendment to H.R. 3286 is the same as the House bill.
Conference Agreement
Tax credit
The conference agreement follows the Senate amendment provision of H.R. 3286 with
four modifications:
(1) The repeal of the credit for non-special needs adoptions is delayed for one year. Therefore,
the credit for non-special needs adoptions is not available for expenses paid or incurred after
December 31, 2001.
(2) Special needs foreign adoptions are limited to a maximum credit of $5,000 (rather than
$6,000) for qualified adoption expenses until December 31, 2001, at which time the credit for
special needs foreign adoptions is also repealed.
(3) The taxpayer is required to provide available information about the name, age, and taxpayer
identification number of each adopted child.
124
(4) Otherwise qualified adoption expenses paid in one taxable year are not taken into account for
purposes of the credit until the next taxable year unless the expenses are incurred in the year the
adoption becomes final.
Exclusion from income
The conference agreement follows the Senate amendment provision of H.R. 3286 with
three modifications.
(1) The repeal of the exclusion is delayed for one year. Therefore, the exclusion is not available
for expenses paid or incurred after December 31, 2001.
(2) Special needs foreign adoptions are limited to a maximum exclusion of $5,000 (rather than
$6,000) for qualified adoption expenses until December 31, 2001, at which time the exclusion is
repealed.
(3) The taxpayer is required to provide available information about the name, age, and taxpayer
identification number of each adopted child.
Taxpayer identification numbers
The conference committee is concerned that problems may arise in processing tax returns
of adopting parents because of unavoidable delays involved in obtaining a social security
number of a child who is being adopted. The conference committee understands that the Internal
Revenue Service recognizes these concerns and is committed to working with the Congress to
develop as soon as possible an administrative solution that minimizes the burdens imposed on
adopting parents while balancing processing and potential compliance considerations.
Effective date
The conference agreement follows the House bill and the Senate amendment.
The conferees wish to clarify the operation of the effective date by way of an example.
Suppose that, in the course of attempting to adopt a child, a taxpayer incurs $1,000 in qualified
adoption expenses in November, 1996, and an additional $3,000 in qualified adoption expenses
in February, 1997, when the adoption becomes final. The taxpayer is entitled to claim a credit
for tax year 1997 only with respect to the $3,000 of qualified adoption expenses in February,
1997. The taxpayer is never entitled to claim a credit with respect to the $1,000 in qualified
adoption expenses in November, 1996, because those expenses were incurred prior to the
effective date of this provision.
8. Six-month delay in implementation of electronic fund transfer system for collection of
certain taxes
125
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
04-Aug-1996 12:59pm
TO:
Jennifer L. Klein
FROM:
Diana M. Fortuna
Domestic Policy Council
CC:
Dawn Chirwa
CC:
Lyndell Hogan
SUBJECT:
adoption tax prefs/multiethnic
Are you worrying about how to incorporate adoption into the
signing ceremony for the minimum wage bill, given the
credit/exclusion are in that bill? Should I be? I assume we
would want some kind of event, although it would presumably be
overshadowed by the minimum wage.
So far the final version looks OK to me. On multiethnic, it looks
like House with some changes to how HHS must penalize states that
don't comply. I am checking with HHS to see which states might
get money withheld. On tax credit, changes from the House version
are a larger credit for domestic special needs adoptions ($6k vs.
$5k), making the credit and exclusion temporary (thru 2001) for
non-special needs adoptions, and not letting special needs
adopters claim the credit for expenses already reimbursed by
government programs.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
05-Aug-1996 09:07am
TO:
Diana M. Fortuna
FROM:
Lyndell Hogan
Domestic Policy Council
CC:
Jennifer L. Klein
CC:
Christine B. Ellertson
SUBJECT:
RE: Legal immigrants and foster care/adoption assistance
As it relates to immigrants, the legislation says the following:
Aliens are ineligible for state or local public benefits defined as: any
retirement, health, disability or assisted housing, post secondary education,
food assistance, unemployment benefit, or any similar benefit for which payments
or assistance are provided to an individual, household, or family unit by an
agency of a State or local government or by appropriated funds of a State or
local government. Exceptions are amde for emergency medical care, disaster
relief, public health such as immunizations, and services offered with
non-government funds.
A state may opt out of this provision through enactment of a state law.
So, answer to Diana's question: I'm not sure how this affects adoption and
foster care.
--Any child born on American soil, even to illegal immigrants, is considered an
American citizen, SO legal aliens with American-born children will actually be
eligible for welfare benefits.
--If a non-immigrant foster care family has in its care a legal immigrant, it
seems the money might continue to flow since it is going directly to the
non-immigrant foster family. Same for adoption assistance.
This sounds like a question for leg affairs.
What do others think?
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
05-Aug-1996 09:57am
TO:
Diana M. Fortuna
FROM:
Christine B. Ellertson
Office of Mgmt and Budget, HRD
CC:
Lyndell Hogan
CC:
Jennifer L. Klein
SUBJECT:
RE: Legal immigrants and foster care/adoption assistance
Yes, this is something worth checking into and getting counsel's
opinion on. From my wading through of the conference bill (Titles
401-422), most if not all groups of immigrant children would
continue to be eligible. The language divides immigrants into 3
categories:
o
legal immigrants- children are explicitly eligible for
Title IV-E and B foster care and adoption assistance if parents
are "qualified aliens.' No deeming requirements apply for these
benefits.
o
refugees/asylees/Cuban & Haitan entrants-- still eligible
for IV-E and B assistance, via explicit provisions. No deeming
requirements applicable.
o
illegals- the small list of benefits for which they are
eligible does not explicitly include IV-E or B. BUT, they are
eligible for programs or services that: deliver in-kind service at
the community level; are not means tested; are necessary for the
protection of life and safety. It seems like this could be
plausibly intrepreted to include IV-E/B child protection benefits.
Let me know if you interpret the language differently. I seems to
me that, as a matter of policy, all groups ought to be eligible.