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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
Melanne Verveer to whom it may concern [Personally Identifiable
12/30/1994
b(6)
Information] [partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 10252
FOLDER TITLE:
MV Correspondence A-G 1994 [loose] [1]
2013-0534-S
rc3030
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act- [5 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.
MV
Correspondence
1994
Clinton Presidential Records
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A
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 19, 1994
Linda Abernathy
205 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Dear Ms. Abernathy:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for your thoughtful
letter and for sharing your concern for our nation's children and
in forming a task force to protect and alleviate the suffering of
children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Clearly, all
children should have adults who love them, who discipline them,
and who continue to stand up and fight for thier interests. Each
of us can make a difference in the life of a child every day if
we are willing to take the time to reach out to him or her with
caring and compassion.
Best wishes to you and your community. Thank you for taking
the time to make your voice count for children.
Sincerely yours,
muren
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 3, 1994
Ms. Sharon Abraham
2645 Cochise Terrace
Madison, WI 53711
Dear Ms. Abraham,
Thank you for your letter regarding meat additives. We
appreciated hearing your views on this important topic. Your
views are very helpful as we work to achieve lasting, meaningful
healthcare reform in this country.
Thank you again for sharing your views.
Sincerely yours,
Inve Ver Inc
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 24, 1994
Ms. Barbara Bader Aldave
Dean and Professor
St. Mary's University
School of Law
San Antonio, TX
Dear Barbara:
Thank you for your letter and the kind gift of Thomas
Schoenbaum's The North American Free Trade Agreement: A Guide
for the Perplexed. We appreciate hearing the author's views as
we work to achieve meaningful trade reform in this country.
I hope all is well with you. I'm certain St. Mary's is
prospering under your leadership. Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
their me if gring
Mee
call even in from
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 10, 1994
Ms. Jane Alexander
Chairman
National Endowment for the Arts
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.
Dear Jane:
Please be advised that the date marking the White House
celebration of the arts and humanities has been changed due to
two recently scheduled state visits -- those of President Nelson
Mandela and President Boris Yelstin. We regret any inconvenience
this change may cause you. The new date for the presentation of
the National Medals of Arts is October 14th.
The President and Mrs. Clinton very much look forward to
this year's celebration of the arts and humanities and the
participation of citizens from around the country.
Sincerely yours,
meder
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Assistant to the
President and Deputy
Chief of Staff to the
First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 3, 1994
Henry Edward Altenberg, M.D.
23 Whippoorvill Lane
Kittery, Maine 03904-5409
Dear Dr. Altenberg:
Thank you for the copy of your book,
Holistic Medicine, A Meeting of East and West
which accompanied your thoughtful letter.
Your ideas are very valuable to the President
and his Administration as they seek to
achieve meaningful health care reform in this
country.
Best wishes in the important work that
you do. Please give my regards to your wife.
I am so grateful for your support.
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Podhan Clinton Hillary
Hillary Rodham Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 21, 1994
Ms. Georgianna Nyman Aronson
137 Brimstone Lane
Sudbury, MA 01776
Dear Ms. Aronson:
Thank you for the beautiful examples of your portrait
painting. I have turned over your information to Capricia
Marshall on the First Lady's staff. Hopefully, she will be in a
position to reply to you before too long.
Thank you for your consideration of Mrs. Clinton.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 11, 1994
The Austin Family
1726 Alderson
Billings, MT 59102
Dear Austin Family:
Mrs. Clinton has asked me to thank you for letter you gave
her at the HealthRight event on Capital Hill and for sharing your
suggestions for meeting the special health care needs of
children.
The Congressional event that provided members of Congress
with the opportunity to hear stories like your own made a very
compelling case for health care reform. It reminded us that it
is because of families like yours that we must reform our badly
broken health care system and provide options for long term care.
All families should be able to depend on affordable health care
for their children.
Thank you again for writing and thank you for caring.
Sincerely yours,
Mene Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
U
THE WHITE HOUSE
originalie to
WASHINGTON
Alston
June 29, 1994
Byllye Y. Avery, President
National Black Women's
Health Project
1237 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Dear Mr. Avery:
Mrs. Clinton thanks you for your excellent position paper
outlining the concerns of the National Black Women's Health
Project as it relates to health care reform.
She has asked me to put together a meeting at the White
House with our health policy staff at your convenience. Please
contact Nicole Rabner at (202) 456-6266 to set up a discussion,
if you would find it helpful.
Your support is so greatly appreciated as we work to achieve
lasting, meaningful health care reform for this country.
Sincerely,
Me Verveer
w
Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
ccilicole.R.
NATIONAL
HCt
--
BLACK WOMEN'S
HEALTH
PROJECT
PH120 vsios
I.R. First
1237 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.. S.W.
Atlanta. Georgia 30310
(404) 758-9590
1-800-ASK-BWHP
FAX (404) 758-9661
January 24, 1994
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mrs. Rodham Clinton:
As you requested, we have enclosed a copy of our position paper regarding your health care
reform legislation. We applaud the efforts of both you and the President for this historic first
step in reforming our health care system. We look forward to working with you and the
Congress on this issue.
African Americans familie in this country are facing a devastating health crisis. Like many
social conditions in the United States, the overall crisis in health care was forshadowed by a
crisis within the African American community. Reform must be meaningful for poor women---
particularly African American and other women of color---as they are the childbearers and
nurturers, workers, and heads of households in our community.
We are pleased with the principles of the bill and the emphasis on preventive health care. We
believe that the tenets of the plan should also include 1) significant public education outreach by
the alliances on the mechanics of health care delivery in a culturally appropriate manner and 2)
multi-level health care delivery use of midwives and other lay practitioners who work with
physicians in underserved areas such as rural areas and densely populated urban areas.
At our last meeting, you suggested a followup meeting to discuss ways in which we can work
together to ensure that the health care needs of African American women are being addressed.
We look forward to hearing from your staff on this matter.
Sincerely,
Befly y They
Byllye Y. Avery
Cynthia I. Newbille
Founding President
Executive Director
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 29, 1994
Byllye Y. Avery, President
National Black Women's
Health Project
1237 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Dear Ms. Avery:
Mrs. Clinton thanks you for your excellent position paper
outlining the concerns of the National Black Women's Health
Project as it relates to health care reform.
She has asked me to put together a meeting at the White
House with our health policy staff at your convenience. Please
contact Nicole Rabner at (202) 456-6266 to set up a discussion,
if you would find it helpful.
Your support is so greatly appreciated as we work to achieve
lasting, meaningful health care reform for this country.
Sincerely,
Malan. Tan
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 22, 1994
Mr. Mark Axe
Director of Support Services
915 West Michigan Street
Sidney, OH 45365
Mr. Axe:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for your
letter regarding the formation of a cost-
containment coalition with other hospitals in
rural Ohio. It is wonderful to learn about
exciting new initiatives which have resulted from
the national debate on health care reform.
At this time Mrs. Clinton has no plans to
travel to Ohio, but she thanks you for your offer
to participate in the formation of your new
coalition.
Best wishes in your new-found partnership.
Sincerely,
Mana checkmark_ntt
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 15, 1994
Ms. Margaret C. Ayers
Executive Director
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation
112 East 64th Street
New York, NY 10021
Dear Peggy:
Thank you so much for sending a copy of the report you
presented at the Ms. Foundation for Women's National Conference
for Pro-Choice Coalitions. You are clearly one of the most
knowledgeable speakers on the topic.
Thanks again for writing. I hope all is well. I miss
working with you on all the causes. Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Men
hope you
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
haveng I Summer a Seene
to the First Lady
Write
short yr
THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
Margaret C. Ayers
Executive Director
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation
New York, NY
Dear Melanne -
Hope all is
will with you.
This should Be
of antust. Beft.
— Reggy
Presented at the Ms. Foundation for Women's
National Conference for State Pro-Choice Coalitions
Chicago, Illinois
July 31, 1994
THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
by Margaret C. Ayers
When the Republican Party renominated George Bush and adopted a party platform in 1992, it became abundantly clear just how
institutionalized a new breed of conservative politics is in America. In Houston and throughout the U.S. a battle is being fought
that is nothing less than an ideological war to determine the political, cultural and economic principles that will govern our lives.
This conflict is being acted out in our schools, courts, legislatures, arts institutions -- even in our local libraries. It is a battle
between the advocates of social control and the proponents of a free society, between the politics of exclusion and the politics of
inclusion. It is a battle between the authoritarian ideology of the Christian right and the liberation ideology embodied in the
social movements of the 1960's and the 1970's.
But what, exactly, is the Christian right?
As described by Suzanne Pharr, a student of this movement, the majority of Christians in the United States are not organized
politically as such, but are simply exercising their basic right to practice the religious and spiritual beliefs of their choice. In
contrast, the Christian right consists of conservative Christians who have combined politics and theology to create a system of
social control. The movement is both reformist and fundamentalist -- reformist in its desire to institutionalize Christian
authority, and fundamentalist in its literal interpretation of the Bible and its belief in absolutist law, order and morality. It is
comprised of both church-based Christian fundamentalists as well as born-again Christians who have experienced televangelistic
conversion. According to Pharr, of the 50 million fundamentalist Christians in this country, perhaps 15 million are involved to
some extent in promoting the social and political agenda of the religious right's leadership.
And so where does this place the Christian right on the political spectrum and what has resulted from its activism?
The coalition that elected Ronald Reagan in 1980 included republicans, conservatives, neoconservatives, members of the secular
New Right, and religious fundamentalists. Broadly speaking, the republicans, conservatives, and neoconservatives were
primarily concerned with the economy, national security, trade, and foreign policy. Health, education, and welfare received less
attention and were believed to be the proper responsibility of the states. Cultural policy received virtually no attention at all. In
fact, the new administration tried its best to delegate responsibility for the National Endowment for the Arts to the private sector,
believing that government should not be involved in subsidizing the arts. In contrast to these supporters, representatives of the
secular New Right and the Christian right, such as Paul Weyrich, Howard Philips and Jerry Falwell, believed that cultural policy
was of critical importance and that government had an essential role to play in shaping the culture of tomorrow. Proponents of
this position began with the basic unit of social organization: the family. Concerned with what they perceived as a breakdown
of authority and stability and the disintegration of the nuclear family, they cast about to explain the rising incidence of out-of-
wedlock motherhood, divorce, sexual promiscuity, teen pregnancy, teenage drug use, a rising school dropout rate, and a variety
of other societal problems. The culprits they identified included the weakness of organized religion, the strength of the womens'
movement, women in the workplace, day care, the availability of birth control and abortion, sex education, the social
acceptability of "deviant sexual behavior", and the glorification of all these evils in educational programs, books, journals,
movies, television, and in art.
Thus, early on in the Reagan Administration, when many of the adherents to this world view were rewarded with appointments
to political office within the Justice Department, the Department of Education, and the Office of Management and Budget, the
policies of the federal government began to change. It should come as no surprise that in the early 1980's these executive branch
agencies began to make use of regulations, administrative action, and the power of the government purse to try to control what is
taught in our schools, what is broadcast by the media, and what is performed or shown in arts institutions throughout this nation.
Conservative appointees to the Office of Management and Budget began, in 1983, to examine government grants and contracts to
determine whether or not the organizations receiving support were conducting programs consistent with White House policy.
This work quickly spread to numerous other agencies within the federal bureaucracy. The result was a spate of activity including
the creation of the infamous Meese Commission on Pornography and the subsequent establishment of the National Office of
Obscenity Enforcement within the Justice Department.
Most notable and consequential in this genre of activity was the Department of Health and Human Services issuance of a
regulation governing the kinds of activities permissible in health care facilities receiving grants under Title X of the Public Health
Service Act. Known as the "Gag Rule," this regulation, promulgated in 1988, prohibited Title X grantees from using federal
funds to discuss abortion with their patients. Then in 1990, the constitutionality of the Gag Rule was litigated before the
Supreme Court in Rust V. Sullivan. The Court's decision in 1991 upholding the constitutionality of the regulation has
implications far beyond the context of the national abortion debate. The decision set the stage for the implementation of "content
restrictions" and "viewpoint discrimination" by all federal agencies awarding government funds. As early as August of 1991,
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Leslie Southwick testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee asserting that Rust "states
certain general constitutional principles relevant to the government's power to impose conditions on governmental subsidies."
This principle is aptly demonstrated by the government's position as reflected by the Justice Department's 1992 arguments in
Finley V. National Endowment for the Arts, Stanford V. Sullivan, and Gay Men's Health Crisis V. Sullivan. In these cases, the
Bush Administration sought to justify actions taken by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Health and
Human Services to control the speech expressed by recipients of government grants and contracts. While it remains to be seen
how the first of these cases will ultimately be resolved, the Bush Administration's intention was clear: federal funds were not be
used to support organizations that promote ideology, speech or behavior with which the Administration found fault. And while
the top officials brought into government by the new Clinton Administration may not agree with the policies of previous
administrations, it should never be forgotten that the career bureaucrats who were promoted during the Reagan/Bush years
2
continue to be on constant patrol in the war against indecency and moral decay.
But let's step back a minute and examine the sources of support for the kinds of restrictive policies promulgated by the executive
branch that I have just described.
It has been argued that the foot soldiers of the secular New Right are the rank-and-file followers of a new generation of religious
fundamentalists such as Focus on the Family's James Dobson, the Christian Coalition's Pat Robertson, the Eagle Forum's Phylis
Schlafly, Concerned Women for America's Beverly LaHaye, the American Family Association's Donald Wildmon, and the
Traditional Values Coalition's Louis Sheldon. Collectively, these organizations boast a following that numbers in the millions --
a following that is reached through countless newsletters and periodicals as well as thousands of radio and television broadcasts.
And this following is comprised of readers and listeners who can be credited with the letter-writing campaigns that have, among
other things, promoted the exclusion of reproductive health care from any health care reform legislation.
Of the organizations I just mentioned, the Christian Coalition is overtly political. Boasting some 900,000 members organized
into 872 chapters located in all 50 states, the Christian Coalition is engaged in electoral politics aimed at sending "pro-family
Christians" to Congress and achieving "working control" of the Republican Party by 1996. A 501(c)4 organization, the
Coalition has raised millions of dollars through the mail that are being used to publish and distribute some 40 million "voter
guides" and 20 million "Congressional Scorecards" that are "telling Christians and pro-family Americans how their elected
officials are voting in Washington and state capitals across America." Moreover, member churches are conducting "in pew"
registration of voters and telephone campaigns directed at potential voters -- all to get out the vote. To supplement these
activities, the Coalition has mounted a major effort to teach its followers how to get elected to local school boards, planning
boards, town councils and local Republican committees. Through the operation of a Leadership School, the Christian Coalition
conducts hundreds of two-day political training seminars each year that are taken on the road to states where training is
perceived to be needed. According to a top ranking Coalition official, the School's training manual describes in detail how to
start a local coalition; how to fund raise for a candidate; how to back a candidate; how to groom a candidate; how to be a
candidate, and how to canvass your voters. Most important of all, the Christian Coalition's leadership has learned to exploit the
word "Christian" in its name to attract supporters and deflect criticism. This has served to advance the Coalition's agenda.
The political significance of the Christian Coalition stood out in sharp relief at the Republican Party's national convention in
1992. With 300 delegates, majorities or near majorities on Republican central committees from more than a half dozen states,
and a keynote address awarded to the Reverend Robertson himself, the dice were cast. The result was a party platform that
included, among other things, an anti-abortion plank, an arts content-restriction plank and much invocation of the Lord.
Moreover, the election itself marked a dramatic change in the Republican electorate. For the first time, Evangelical Protestants
became the largest constituency within the party.
3
In hindsight, the Christian Coalition's dominance of the convention was reflective of seismic shifts within the party, shifts that
are now tearing the party fabric at state conventions in all parts of this nation. In the last two years, the Christian Coalition has
made significant inroads into the Republican National Committee, has gained control of the state party apparatus in Virginia,
Texas, Minnesota and Iowa, and has expanded its influence in countless other states including Oregon, South Carolina,
Washington, Kentucky and New York. In each of these states, the Coalition has either elected its own or has successfully
persuaded "moderate" Republicans to adopt its "family values" agenda -- an agenda that denounces choice, contraceptive research
and sex education and that would limit our access to information by using the instruments of government to control the content of
libraries, books, curricula, visual arts presentations, movies, commercials, television and the performing arts.
And so, what are we looking at here? A political aberration? A swing in the political pendulum that will reach the outer limit
of its arc and then return to a more modified state of equilibrium? I don't believe so. The organizational framework being built
by the Christian Coalition at the state and local levels will do its best to ensure that its world view is institutionalized. And this
represents a fundamental threat to pluralism and flies in the face of the separation of church and state. The central questions
before us involve self determination and choice. Will we as a people continue to have a governing system that attempts to
provide access, opportunity and protections for all citizens, no matter who we are? Or will we have a government that makes
use of rigid social control determined by a theologically-based political group? Will we all have a seat at the decision-making
table? Or will attendance be limited to the chosen few? And who, ultimately, will decide?
4
Clinton Presidential Records
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indicated below.
Divider Title:
B
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 12, 1994
Gloria Jackson Bacon, M.D., M.P.H.
Executive Medical Director
The Clinic In Altgeld Inc.
13220 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60627
Dear Dr. Bacon:
Thank you for sending our office the
program of the luncheon commemorating your
years of service to the Altgled Gardens-
Murray Homes public housing development.
Mrs. Clinton was pleased to be able to add
her dedication to the program and honor the
work that you have done for your community.
Thank you again and best wishes to you
in the important work that you do.
Congratulations!
Sincerely yours,
meder
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
DRAFTstp
October 12, 1994
Gloria Jackson Bacon, M.D., M.P.H.
Executive Medical Director
The Clinic In Altgeld Inc.
13220 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60627
Dear Dr. Bacon:
Thank you for sending our office the
program of the luncheon commemorating your
years of service to the Altgled Gardens-
Murray Homes publice housing development.
Mrs. Clinton was pleased to be able to add
her dedication to the program and honor the
work that you have done for your community.
in the Thank important you again work and that best you wishes do. congratulations! to you
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
The Clinic In Altgeld Inc.
13220 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60627
312.995.6300
October 5, 1994
Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
Thank you so much for your greetings to those attending the
luncheon commemorating my thirty years of service to the Altgeld
Gardens-Murray Homes public housing development. I was extremely
honored by the tribute; it is unbelievable how quickly thirty
years passes. I have enclosed a program for you.
As we prepare for our next milestone, the 25th anniversary of the
founding of The Clinic in Altgeld, Inc. - one of the first
comprehensive primary care facilities to serve a public housing
community - in August 1995, I hope we will also be able to
celebrate the passage of health care reform legislation.
I again offer my help in whatever form it is needed in the effort
to revamp the legislation.
Wishing you continued success.
Sincerely,
Gloria Jackson Bacon, M.D., M.P.H.
Executive Medical Director
GJB/CGJ:ebs.
DR-217
8 spages
30th Anniversary
Luncheon for Gloria
Jackson Bacon M.D.,
M.P.H.
30th
ANNIVERSARY
LUNCHEON
1964
1994
Gloria Jackson Bacon, M.D., M.P.H.
Celebrating
30 Years of Service
to the Residents of the
Altgeld Gardens-Murray Public Housing Development
Chicago, Illinois
Clinton Presidential Records
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marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
The Clinic In Altgeld Inc.
13220 S. Ellis Ave. Chicago, IL 60627
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 12, 1994
Dr. Thomas M. Badger
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Research Institute
800 Marshall Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
Dear Tom:
It was so nice to hear from you. I was
pleased to know you enjoyed the event at the
White House in May. Thank you so much for
sending the information so promptly on the
programs you and I discussed. I hope things
continue to progress well for the Arkansas
Children's Hospital Research Institute.
With best wishes, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton
LL: Ten klein
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 9, 1995
Ms. Sue Bailey
DASD (Clinical Services)
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1200
Dear Sue:
Thank you for writing and for sending
your materials. I have forwarded your
videotape with your CV to those in the Office
of Presidential Personnel making the
recommendations for Surgeon General.
Thanks again for writing and best wishes
for the New Year.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
DEC-16-1994 13:17 FROM AT&T A J MANDL, CEO-CSG
TO
912023337828 P.05
In
Thoughteins
December 16, 1994
Shimal
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
c/o The New Executive Office Building (Mail Room)
Dear Melanne:
Enclosed is a 10 minute videotape that is a sample of my recent public
appearance (i.e., CSpan, CNN). It is a demonstration of my ability to provide mature, coherent
representation of administration/government policy. I have also attached my CV and bio.
Melanne, I strongly believe I can bring to the Office of Surgeon General the
credentials, experience leadership and political sensitivity required to restore this office to its
rightful role in this administration.
Thank you for your consideration and best wishes for a Merry Christmas.
Best Regards,
Aue
Sue
Enclosure
Attachments
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 18, 1994
Dear Madame Balladur:
Enclosed are photographs which we
thought you might enjoy from the President
and First Lady's recent trip to Paris. The
President and Mrs. Clinton are so very
grateful to you and the Prime Minister for
your many kindnesses and for making their
visit so rewarding.
With best wishes,
Sincerely yours,
Mar Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 20, 1994
Mr. Michael Barnes
Hogan & Hartson
Columbia Square
555 13th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Michael:
Thank you for writing and for sending a
copy of Ms. Niedermeier's resume. It is so
gratifying when such qualified, dedicated
individuals are interested in public service.
I have forwarded her resume to the Office of
Presidential Personnel.
Thanks again for writing and best
wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
R
HOGAN & HARTSON
.L.P.
COLUMBIA SQUARE
BRUSSELS
555 THIRTEENTH STREET NW
LONDON
WASHINGTON DC 20004-1109
PARIS
MICHAEL D. BARNES
(202) 637-5600
PRAGUE
PARTNER
WARSAW
DIRECT DIAL (202) 637-5695
BALTIMORE, MD
December 2, 1994
BETHESDA, MD
McLEAN, VA
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House Office
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Melanne:
Enclosed is the resume of a very impressive woman, Christine Niedermeier,
who is seeking a position with the Administration. As you can see, she has a
distinguished career as a member of the Connecticut state legislature and twice was
the Democratic nominee for Congress in her home district, once coming very close.
If you would have a few minutes to meet with Ms. Niedermeier, I am
confident that you would share my view that she is someone quite special who
would be a terrific addition to the Administration in an appropriate role.
If I can provide further information, please give me a call.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
mile
Michael D. Barnes
Enclosure
MDB:jtc
FAX: (202) 637-5910 TELEX: 248370(RCA), 892757(WU) CABLE: HOGANDER WASHINGTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 17, 1994
Dr. Jean Bartels, Ph.D
Nursing Division Chairperson
Alverno College
3401 S. 39th Street
P.O. Box 343922
Milwaukee, WI 53234-3922
Dear Dr. Bartels:
Mrs. Clinton thanks you for your letter and for welcoming
her to your campus during her recent visit to Milwaukee. She was
delighted to be there. She greatly appreciates your thoughts on
the role of nurses in health care reform. Your dedication to
educating our future nurses is vitally important. The Clinton
Administration strongly believes that nurses and nurse
practitioners are critical to successful health care reform.
Thank you again for your thoughtful letter and for
supporting the Administration's efforts to achieve lasting,
meaningful health care reform in this country. We look forward
to working with you and the nursing community to make this
happen.
Sincerely yours,
meter Melanne Verveer
ver
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 6, 1994
Frank and Sharan Barnett
Barnett & Barnett
530 Paloma Avenue
Pacifica, CA 94044
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Barnett:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for
writing and for sending a copy of your book,
Working Together: Entrepeneurial Couples.
Your kind words of support are also much
appreciated.
Thanks again for writing and best
wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
December 16, 1994
Hillary Clinton
Democratic National Committee
Barnett
430 So. Capitol Street, 3rd Floor
Barnett
Washington, DC 20003
Dear Hillary,
The other day I had the opportunity to speak with Albie Dickson and mentioned
to her how much my wife Sharan and I admire you and Bill. We were living
abroad during the campaign year and were able to vote on absentee ballots for
Bill. What an exciting time that must have been for you and your family. For us,
it was an opportunity to support a candidate whose views for the future of our
country match our own. For our sake, and for the sake of so many others like us,
please do not feel that you need to alter your course.
As authors and writers we observe that our nation has become very impatient
with every aspect of life - including the Presidency. Today, it is hard for us to
imagine a president from any party who will be able to sustain the public's
enthusiasm and withstand the criticism that abounds in the media and
opposition parties. It's a real concern and our only advise to you both is to forge
ahead with your far reaching vision and goals for our nation. We are simply
amazed with what you both have been willing to take on - right from Bill's first
day in office!
A few years ago we researched and wrote Working Together: Entrepreneurial
Couples. And of course, we view you and Bill as the ultimate copreneurs, a term
we coined to describe a husband and wife team that is based on equality within
the relationship. Copreneuring is based on trust, equality, sharing, and intimacy
between partners. It involves not only a commitment to a particular enterprise
or undertaking; it reflects a life style that incorporates the work and personal
worlds. We can think of no other enterprise that fits copreneuring so well as the
roles of President and First Lady.
During our conversation I mentioned our book to Albie and she kindly
volunteered to pass it on to you, along with this letter. I stated that Sharan and I
both love and admire you and Bill and she asked me to please pass those
sentiments on to you personally. We hope you enjoy our book and that your
working relationship with your husband will be further validated.
Warm regards,
Fund Bamitt
SharanBarnett
Frank and Sharan Barnett
530 Paloma Avenue
Pacifica. CA 94044
(415) 738-9946
FAX 738-1136
Memorandum
TO:
Melanne Verveer
FROM:
Albie Dickson
DATE:
January 3, 1994
SUBJECT: Enclosed letter and book
I met the author of this book on the phone when ordering Christmas gifts
from a catalog. When giving my mailing address he was interested to learn that I
worked at the DNC and expressed a desire for the First Lady to have a copy of his
book. He was so enthusiastic about the Clintons and this Administration that I said
I would see that this was delivered to the First Lady's office.
I wasn't sure who to forward it to. If you were the wrong person, I
apologize. Please let me know if you have any questions, I can be reached at 202-
863-7131.
Thanks!
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 15, 1994
Dolores Bausum
Quilters of Virginia
Route 7 Old Bridge
Lexington, VA 24450
Dear Ms. Bausum:
Thank you for your kind letter of support. Your offer to
send the First Lady one of your quilts is extremely generous.
The picture you sent is certainly an indication of your very
talented work.
If you would send the quilt to me in the First Lady's
office, I would be happy to see that the First Lady receives it.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 15, 1994
Ms. Dolores Bausum
Route 7, Box 5
Lexington, VA 24450
Dear Ms. Bausum:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for
the beautiful quilt and kind note you sent
her. She was so pleased to have it, as you
can see from the accompanying photo. Your
support and good wishes meant a great deal to
her.
Thank you again for your thoughtfulness.
Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
meun
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
Lexington, Virginia
PIO
Dolores Bausum
Design from a 15th-Century Brass Rubbing made by our family in 1976.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Dear mr. Clinton,
Please enjoy The simple beauty
of this "American Helidays gives as a
reminder of ordinary people who admire
you and President Clinton, and who are
Keeping faith with you as you work
to gether for improvements here and abroad-
Sincerely,
Dolores Bausum
Legington, Verginia
T June 1994
mailed
THE WHITE HOUSE
8/3/94
WASHINGTON
July 27, 1994
Mr. Peter Beach
Dells of the Eau Claire
Aniwa, WI 54408
Dear Mr. Beach:
The President and Mrs. Clinton thank you for
providing them with the video of your one-man
play, The Memoirs of Abraham Lincoln. It is an
extremely kind gift.
Congressman Obey forwarded the tapes and
background information to our office, along with
public comments from Wisconsin Public Television.
The reviews and public comments are most laudatory
and you are to be congratulated on a superb
production. Mrs. Clinton was pleased to learn
that the performance on the tape was filmed at the
Wausau Grand Theatre which she recently visited
with Representative Obey.
Continued best wishes.
Sincerely,
meme
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 5, 1995
Ms. Ann Beaudry
Millenium Communications Group
1150 18th Street, NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Dear Ms. Beaudry:
Thank you for writing and for sending a
copy of the results of your recent poll
Fighting Poverty in America: A Study of
American Public Attitudes. The results are
especially important as the debate heightens
on the need for programs to fight poverty.
We hope the study commands the attention it
merits in helping to advance a "national
consensus for real solutions."
Thanks again and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
menner
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
12-08-1994 01:27PM FROM Millennium Communications
TO
4566244 P.01
ILLENNIU
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC.
Thank
FAX TRANSMISSION
To: Ms.Melanne Verveer
Date: 12/8/94
Organization:
office of the First Lady Fax #: 456-6244
From:
Ann Beaudry
Phone:
Total number of pages (including this cover):
11
Call to confirm? Y N
Disposition of the Original:
In Route by U.S. Mail
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In Sender's File
1150 18th Street NW, 8th Floor Washington, DC 20036 Phone 202/872-8800 Fax 202/872-8845
12-08-1994 01:27PM FROM Millennium Communications TO
4566244 P.02
ILLENNIU
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC.
December 8, 1994
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Office of the First Lady
Old Executive Office Building. Room 100
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Ms. Verveer,
Enclosed please find a summary of the recent poll FIGHTING POVERTY IN AMERICA: A STUDY
OF AMERICAN PUBLIC ATTITUDES. This survey suggests that contrary to the debate on
Capitol Hill, there is strong public support for efforts to fight poverty in this country. Even
in the face of widespread and strongly felt frustration with government performance, the
support for maintaining or even increasing spending is spread across political parties and all
demographic groups.
The poll gives striking evidence that there is a very strong potential for what Henry
Hampton of Blackside calls for in the media release, "a responsible, compassionate, and
productive" dialogue about poverty. The challenge is to truly engage the American
people, to expand beyond what is now a very narrow, and often punitive, debate in the
political arena and build a national consensus for real solutions.
The look at history and lessons learned that is spurred by the upcoming Blackside
documentary. AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY, to be aired on PBS stations January 16, 17 and
18, provides one catalyst to foster that dialogue (check local listings). Injecting the public
will expressed in the poll into the debate can also help expand the discussion of solutions
to the problems of poverty. For example, there is strong majority support (73%) to increase
the minimum wage and index it to inflation, a topic that has not even been broached in the
political arena.
We invite your serious review of these findings. Please contact me if you would like further
information.
Sincerely,
Am Beandy
Ann E. Beaudry
1150 18th Street, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 872-8800 Fax (202) 872-8845
12-08-1994 01:28PM FROM Millennium Communications TO
4566244 P.03
BLACKSIDE
Embargoed for Release:
Contact: Ann Beaudry 202-778-1466
December 8, 1994
Kristen Grimm 202-778-1460
Poll Finds Strong Majority Support for Efforts to Fight Poverty
Low Level of Public Confidence in Government
Washington, D.C. A national poll conducted just prior to the 1994 mid-term elections suggests that
while there may have been a partisan political upheaval at the ballot box, there has been no sea change in
Americans' attitudes toward efforts to fight poverty or their willingness to support poverty programs.
Though respondents reflected a widespread and strongly felt frustration with government performance
which extends to poverty programs, this does not signify a mandate to eliminate or even cut back such
programs. A majority of Americans do not want to reduce spending on them. Rather, frustrated
Americans want more effective implementation of poverty programs and, especially, more effective
integration of poor people into the workforce.
The poll released today was part of a study commissioned by Blackside, Inc., producers of the acclaimed
documentaries Eyes on the Prize and The Great Depression, in anticipation of the premiere of its
five-hour documentary series, AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY, to be broadcast on PBS stations
January 16, 17, and 18 (check local listings). Major funding for the study came from the Charles Stewart
Mott Foundation, with additional support from the Joyce Foundation.
Henry Hampton, Executive Producer of AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY: "Our goal in producing
AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY was to provide a catalyst for Americans to think creatively about the
problems of poverty - to revisit a much maligned and misinterpreted time, and to learn from the past. It
is easy to get caught up in a political rhetoric that oversimplifies complex events. At such times we must
turn to accurate history to serve as our rudder, and we must turn to the people themselves to go beyond the
rhetoric and gamesmanship. We commissioned this survey of Americans' attitudes in hopes that by
moving outside the political arena, with history and public intention as our guides, we might begin to talk
together about poverty in a responsible, compassionate, and productive manner."
FIGHTING POVERTY IN AMERICA: A STUDY OF AMERICAN PUBLIC ATTITUDES was
conducted for Blackside by the Center for the Study of Policy Attitudes (CSPA) in consultation with the
Americans Talk Issues Foundation. The study included a national poll of 900 randomly selected
Americans (margin of error ± 3.5-4%), in-depth interviews, and focus groups carried out during October,
1994. Research also included a comprehensive review of polls by other organizations on the same topic.
The October survey found that the majority of Americans want to fight poverty. They believe that poverty
in this country is getting worse (63%) and they are concerned about it (85%).
The public's motivation to reduce poverty is strong. 83% believe there is a moral obligation to try to
alleviate poverty in this wealthy country, but an even greater majority (92%) believe efforts to reduce
poverty are a good economic investment. 72% believe reducing poverty would help reduce racial tension
and crime.
The recent poll results indicate that the percentage of Americans who believe the government has a
"responsibility to try to do away with poverty in this country" (80%) is undiminished from public support
during the 1960s when the War on Poverty was initiated. If anything, there is an increase. The same
question in an October 1964 survey by Gallup received 70% agreement.
more
Blackside, Inc. Film and Television Productions 400 Shawmut Avenue Boston, MA 02118-3320 (617) 536-6900 Fax (617) 536-1732
12-08-1994 01:29PM FROM Millennium Communications TO
4566244 P.04
Poverty Poll-page 2 of 2
By even stronger margins, however, the poll reflected a marked erosion in the public's confidence in
government to "deal effectively with poverty." Only 7% of respondents in the October survey expressed a
"lot of confidence" in government; only 36% have "some confidence." The anti-government sentiment
was also reflected in the majority of respondents' (75%) perceptions of high levels of waste, fraud and
mismanagement in government poverty programs.
Although Americans have strong negative perceptions of government programs, the survey found little
support (21%) for reducing levels of spending. Overall, a plurality of 46% wanted to keep spending the
same, while 32% supported increased spending. Thus, a majority of 78% wanted to either keep spending
the same or increase it. An overwhelming 70% wanted to increase spending for poor children, which
currently number one out of every five American children.
Support for increased spending was at the highest level for programs that move people into productive
work. 83% agreed they would be "willing to spend more in taxes on programs to reduce poverty provided
that the focus is on job training and moving people into productive work." The majority of respondents —
67% supports time limits on welfare, but as part of a program that helps welfare recipients find jobs.
70% of respondents felt it should be the government's responsibility to make sure jobs are available for
welfare recipients who are not able to find jobs within the time limit.
Consistent with their emphasis on the value of work, the public is willing to give more support to the
working poor. A strong majority (73%) favors raising the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation. The
mean proposed minimum wage was $5.41 per hour, approximately 27% above the current $4.25 per
hour.
In contrast to the lack of confidence in government, nonprofit organizations received high marks from the
public. High confidence levels included 75% for volunteer organizations, 74% for organizations of poor
people working in their community, 71% for churches, and 65% for charities. Sixty-four percent
expressed they want business to play a more central role in fighting poverty.
Steven Kull, Director of the Center for the Study of Policy Attitudes: "What is striking in the results of the
study is how, even though Americans are very frustrated with poverty programs, they still think the
government has a responsibility to maintain them. This attitude is 2 broad consensus that extends across
majorities in all demographic groups, including political parties. Apparently, Americans feel like they are
pouring water into a leaky bucket; but they don't want to stop pouring - they want to fix the leak, or
better yet, get a new bucket."
The following resource people are available for interviews with the media:
Henry Hampton
James Jennings
Executive Producer, AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY
Director, Trotter Institute
Blackside, Inc.
University of Massachusetts, Boston
(617) 536-6900
(617) 287-7360
Steven Kull
Dorothy Stoneman
Director, Center for the Study of Policy Attitudes
President, Youth Build
(202) 232-7500
(617) 623-9900
Chester Hartman
President, Poverty and Race Research Council
(202) 387-9887
A complete report of FIGHTING POVERTY IN AMERICA: A STUDY OF AMERICAN PUBLIC ATTITUDES
(including poll questionnaire) is available from CSPA at 202-232-7500.
12-08-1994 01:30PM FROM Millennium Communications
TO
4566244 P.05
Embargoed for 8, Release: 1994 1994
FIGHTING POVERTY IN AMERICA:
A STUDY OF AMERICAN PUBLIC ATTITUDES
Conducted by the
Center for the Study of Policy Attitudes
In consultation with the
Americans Talk Issues Foundation
Principal Investigator
Steven Kull
Commissioned by
Blackside, Inc.
Producers of AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY
Funding provided by
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Joyce Foundation
12-08-1994 01:30PM FROM Millennium Communications
TO
4566244 P.06
I
n light of the recent mid-term elections many Americans are wonder-
ing whether the electoral shift signifies a loss of concern for the poor
and of support for the government efforts to fight poverty that began
in the 1960s War on Poverty A study of American public attitudes on
fighting poverty was conducted by the Center for the Study of Policy
Attitudes in consultation with the Americans Talk Issues Foundation. It
included:
A nationwide poll of 900 randomly chosen Americans (margin of error
+3.5-4%) conducted October 13-16, 1994.
A comprehensive analysis of polls conducted by other organizations.
Two focus groups, with a demographically-balanced sample of
Americans.
In-depth interviews with 23 Americans from across the country.
Findings
The American public strongly supports the effort to fight poverty.
An overwbelming majority of Americans are resolved to fight poverty.
Eighty-six percent said they are "somewhat" or "very concerned" about
poverty in the United States, with 49% saying they are "very concerned."
This concern appears to be fueled by a perception (held by 64%) that
poverty in the United States is getting worse. Only 7% think it is decreas-
ing. In interviews and focus groups, respondents spoke worriedly of the
growing number of homeless people they encounter.
However, the concern about poverty is not
Poverty Line
limited to the more vivid cases such as the
family of four, per year
homeless. In fact, the public defines poverty
more liberally than the federal government.
20
When wld that the federal poverty line is an
annual income of $14,763 for a family of four,
16
58% thought the income line should be set
Thousands
12
higher, and only 7% thought it should be set
8
lower. Asked what the federal poverty line
4
should be for a family of four, the mean level
was $17,856 - 21% higher than the present
0
level.
Actual
Proposed
The resolve to fight poverty is motivated by
moral considerations. 84% agree that "society has a moral obligation to
try to alleviate poverry."
But, citizens are also motivated by pragmatic considerations: 92% agree
that "trying to reduce poverty is a good economic investment." 73% agree
that reducing poverty "would reduce racial tension and crime."
2
12-08-1994
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The American public believes that the government has a respon-
sibility to try to reduce poverty, an attitude that is as strongly
Id now as it was during the 1960s War on Poverty.
Eighty percent of the respondents in the CSPA poll agreed that govern-
ment "has a responsibility to try to do away with poverty in this country."
Agreement with this statement was spread across
all major demographic groups. Though Repub-
lican support was d. bit lower (68%) than
Government has a responsibility to
Democrats (87%), a majority still agreed. Even
try to do away with poverty
among white males, the demographic group who
made the strongest shift in the last election, 75%
100
agreed that the government has a responsibility
to try to eliminate poverry.
80
Contrary to the widespread assumption that
Percent Agree
60
support for government efforts to eliminate
40
poverty have dropped off since rhe 1960s, the
present level of support is actually an increase
20
over the 70% agreement when the same question
0
was asked in an October 1964 poll conducted by
1964
1994
Gallup.
The majority has a very negative attitude toward government's
rformance in poverty programs.
Although Americans feel that the government has a high level of responsi-
bility for addressing poverty, they have a very low level of confidence in its
efforts. Seventy-five percent agreed (48% strongly) that:
"Government programs to alleviate poverty inevitably become
mired in abuse, fraud and mismanagement. Ultimately, they not
help poor people and waste taxpayers' money."
Apparently, this lack of confidence is not limited to poverty programs but
applies to government as a whole. A July, 1994 Times/Mirror poll found
that 69% agreed that "when something is run by the government, it is
usually inefficient and wasteful."
In stark contrast to the constancy of the attitude
Trust government to do the right thing
that government has the responsibility to
eliminate poverty, confidence in the government
always or most of the time
has plummeted since the 1960s. In a 1964
University of Michigan poll 76% agreed that the
100
government can be trusted to do what is right
80
"always" or "most of the time." When
Yankelovich Partners ran the same question in
Percent Agree
60
August 1994, the number expressing such
40
confidence had sunk to 19%.
20
One source of antipathy toward government
rformance is the public's overestimation of the
0
1964
1994
Bureaucracy involved in poverty programs. A
3
12-08-1994
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P.08
very strong and widely expressed feeling was that
extraordinary amounts of money are consumed
Negative attitudes about government poverty programs extend
by bureaucracies. In the CSPA poll, respondents
back to the War on Poverty.
ere asked to estimate what percentage of the
nds that go to poverty programs "are spent to
Only 57% of all respondents in the October survey remembered the War
run the bureaucracies and never reach the poor?"
on Poverty initiated during the 1960s. Of those who remembered, 55%
The average estimate was 53%. This is several
said they had negative feelings about the War on Poverty (23% very
times more than the actual amount Administra-
negative), while 39% said they had positive feelings (10% very positive).
tive costs for poverty programs vary from 6% to
Respondents were then asked in an open-ended question why they had
18% and average around 12%. Respondents
those feelings. Among those who expressed negative feelings, the most
also estimated that 16% of the funds go to fraud.
common answer, cited by 45%, was that the War on Poverty had failed to
This means that the average respondent esti-
reduce poverty. Another 4% complained that the War on Poverty did not
mates that only 31% of the money that goes to
go far enough in the effort to reduce poverty. Thus for many, negative
poverty programs ultimately serves the poor.
attitudes about the War on Poverty were not based on a rejection of the
purposes and intentions of the Wai on Poverty. This further corroborates
the view that negative attitudes about govern-
The majority of Americans have numerous misperceptions
ment poverty programs are derived from frustra-
tion with government performance in the service
about the poor and about poverty programs.
of certain values, not a rejection of those values.
The second most common reason given for
Poverty in the U.S. compared to other industrialized countries.
negative feelings about the War on Poverty, cited
When asked their impression of poverty in the U.S. "as compared to other
by 22% was that it "put lots of people on welfare
industrialized countries such as the Western European countries or Japan,"
and made them dependent."
34% said poverty in the U.S. is about the same, and 21% said poverty is worse
in most other industrialized countries." Only 40% had the correct perception
Yet, a substantial minority, 38%, had positive
that poverty is worse in the U.S. than in Western Europe and Japan.
feelings toward the War on Poverty. When this
group was asked why they had these positive
Racial distribution and urbanization of the poor.
feelings in an open-ended question, 29% said
The public has a mistaken image of the poor as mostly Black and Hispanic
because they believed that the War on Poverty
city-dwellers. Eighty-one percent of the sample believed that "most poor
helped reduce poverty. One Baltimore man who
people live in cities." According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 40% of
participated in the focus group explained:
Americans living below the poverty linc live in urban environments.
"It did help life people. it seemed. If you
applied, you didn' geta lot of money, but
Racial Makeup of the Poor
the training you got was very valuable
Actual and Perceived
that if you kept pursuing it, it paid off for
so
Perceived %
67
you later on."
60
+Acrual%
Other focus group participants spoke from
personal experience. A Baltimore man shared
Percent
40
37
27
29
this story:
26
18
20
"I remember being n. younger kid and a
lot of older kids were getting jobs in the
0
White
*Hispanic
Black
summer. I know it was a big thing that
they all looked forward to, and it seemed
"Hispanic origin, may be of any facts therefore numbers add up to more than 100%
tSource: U.S.
Census Bureau
to help motivate their self-esteem and the
fact that they could count on the pro-
AFDC payments to single mothers.
gram."
The average response to lise question "Approximately how much do you
imagine an average family with a single mother and two children on AFDC
receives calls monde" was $685. In fact, the national average for combined
state and federal AFDC payments is $366 per month.
4
12-08-1994
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Despite negative impressions about government performance,
the majority wants to maintain or increase spending on poverty
ograms.
Even though Americans view government poverty programs as wasteful,
only a small minority wants to reduce spending on them. When respon-
dents were asked about spending on poverty programs overall, only 21%
said they wanted to cut spending, with just 9% wanting to cut a lot. A
plurality of 46% wanted to keep spending the same, while 32% wanted to
increase. Thus, a majority of 78% wanted to either keep spending the
same or increase spending. This majority appeared in every demographic
group. Republican support was slightly lower at
68%, while white males were 73%.
Federal Spending on Poverty Programs
While the CSPA poll found a plurality favoring
"Assuming that any change in spending would also affect your
keeping spending the same, a May 1994 Time/
taxes, 1 would like to know if you would famor increasing spending,
CNN poll found a plurality of 47% saying that
cutting spending. UT keeping total spending the same as now."
the government is spending "too litrle" on
Keep the
"assistance to the poor." Twenty-three percent
Increase
same as now
Cut
said the government is spending too much and
19% said that it is spending "the right amount."
Food Stamps
22%
48%
29%
Medicaid
30%
50%
18%
Three programs that originated during the War
Subsidized Housing
33%
47%
21%
on Poverty Job Corps, Head Start and Vista
AFDC
29%
47%
21%
- all received solid majority support (68%,
Earned Income Tax Credit
43%
44%
12%
63%, and 55% respectively) for increased
Headstart
63%
27%
ending, even when respondents thought in
lob Corp:
68%
26%
$%
ms of consequences DO their own taxes..
Vista
55%
38%
Medicaid, by far the biggest spending item,
received a strong plurality (50%) in favor of
All programs combined
32%
46%
21%
keeping spending the same, while support for
spending more (30%) outweighed support for
spending less (18%).
Support for increasing funding was even stronger
when the questions about spending were posed
Federal Spending on Poor Populations
in terms of certain populations receiving assis-
Keep the
tance rather than by programs. The strongest
Increase
same as now
Cut
majority - 70% - favored increasing spending
Children
70%
20%
on poor children.
Disabled
58%
31%
5%
Homeless
54%
25%
16%
Support for spending more on poverty programs
Working Adults
46%
34%
15%
could go even higher if they were considered
Mothers on Welfare
29%
36%
29%
more effective. Respondents were asked, "If you
were more confident that the government was
doing a good job carrying out poverty programs, would you favor spending
more, spending less, or spending about the same as now on government
poverty programs?" With this assumption, the total number who favored
spending more on poverty programs overall jumped from 32% to 60%.
5
12-08-1994 01:34PM FROM Millennium Communications
TO
4566244
P.10
The public overwhelmingly supports
Consistent with the emphasis on the value of work, welfare is very
programs that emphasize moving poor
unpopular because it is seen as discouraging work. Nonetheless, only
10% said they want to eliminate welfare. Sixty-seven percent support a
ople into productive work.
two-year time limit on welfare. However, this support for time limits is
generally predicated on the assumption that the government will ensure
One of the current sources of political gridlock is
that jobs are available to welfare recipients who reach their limit and are
that effective jobs programs which support the
not able to find jobs. Seventy percent said that the government should
transition of the poor into the workforce are
take such a responsibility.
deemed by politicians to be too expensive and
not popular with the American people. Com-
Other polls also show consensus around the idea of coupling time limits
trary to that political "wisdom," the October
with assurances of a job. A November 1993 Peter Hart poll found that
survey found that a resounding 83% agreed with
88% agreed that "it's not fair to cut off benefits without guaranteeing a
the following statement:
job." A November 1993 U.S. News & World Report poll found 88%
support for giving former welfare recipients either a community service
"I am willing to spend more in taxes on
position or a guaranteed job, as opposed to 7% who said benefits should
programs to reduce poverty provided
simply be ended.
that the focus is on job training and
moving people into productive work."
The majority is ready to give more support to the working poor
In the questions on spending, the program that
through raising the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation.
received the highest level of support was the job
training program, Job Corps - - 68% wanted to
Consistent with their emphasis on the value of work, the vast majority of
increase spending, and only 5% wanted to cut
Americans are willing to give more support to the working poor. Seventy
spending.
three percent think that the
The majority also appears quite ready to support
minimum wage is too low,
Minimum Wage
large scale jobs programs. Sixty percent favored
while only 2% think it is too
per hour
making jobs available "to all poor fathers and
high. Even when reminded that
others with dependent children when the
"any increase would likely result
6
rents want a job but cannot find one." Sup-
in a slight increase in the costs
port rose to 85% if such a program was designed
of goods and services," the mean
4
to replace welfare.
proposed minimum wage was
Dollars
$5.41 per hour approxi
2
This sentiment has been reflected in numerous
mately 27% above the present
polls, including a May 1994 Time/CNN poll in
level of $4.25 per hour.
0
which 84% favored "spending additional tax
Actual
Proposed
money to train people on welfare to find jobs"
A strong majority - - 76% -
and 90% supported spending "extra money to
said the minimum wage should
be indexed to inflation. In fact,
provide free day care to allow poor mothers to
130
work or take classes."
since 1980, the minimum wage
has not kept pace with inflation.
120.0%
120
Polls that have pressed respondents to consider
Minimum wage earnings for a
Minimum wage
the economic costs of these types of poverty
full-time, year-round worker
programs have still found positive results. An
have fallen well below the annual
Percentage of three-person poverty line
110
106.0%
Poverty line
April 1994 Los Angeles Times poll described a
100
poverty line for a family of three
comprehensive poverty proposal that included
(see chart, right).
90
93.8%
job training, guaranteed jobs, and subsidized
88.2%
78.8%
child care and explained that such a plan "could
80
end up costing over 50 billion dollars in a ten
year period." Nevertheless, 69% of the total
70
70.2%
sample thought that such a proposal would be
60
"worth the price." A May 1994 poll by
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
Princeton Survey Research found that 56% were
Year
willing "to pay higher taxes to provide job
Source: U.S. Department of Labor: U.S. Ceasus Burcau
aining and public service jobs to help people
t off welfare."
6
12-08-1994 01 35PM FROM Millennium Communications
TO
4566244
P.11
In contrast to the low levels of confidence in government to fight
poverty, the public has a high level of confidence in civic and
mmunity organizations, particularly organizations of poor
people working in their community.
Only 38% of respondents had some or a lot of
Levels of Confidence in Institutions
confidence that the federal government can be
Percent having some or 0 lot of confidence in ability to deal effectively with poverty
effective in dealing with poverty. State and local
governments scored only slightly higher at 44%
each. On the other hand, nonprofit organiza-
tions received high marks. People have the most
confidence in volunteer organizations - 75%
some or a lot of confidence. Confidence levels
are also high for organizations of poor people
working in their community (74%). churches
Volunteer
Organizations
of
Churches
Charities
Local
State
Federal
(72%) and charities (66%).
organizarions
poor people
government
government
government
The majority feels that wealthy Americans should pay more in
taxes for poverty programs.
Asked to choose between two statements, 58% of respondents agreed that
"wealthy Americans are clearly benefiting from the American economy and
should pay more in taxes to help fund programs for the poor." Only 34%
greed that "wealthy Americans are already paying higher taxes" and
uld not be required to pay more.
A May 1994 Time/CNN poll found similar levels of support for wealthice
Americans paying more for poverty programs. Fifty-seven percent favored
"reducing tax benefits that go to some better-off Americans, such as
limiting the tax deduction on home mortgages to the interest on the first
$300,000 of any mortgage," in order to pay for welfare reform.
The majority of the public wants business to play a more central
role in fighting poverty.
When asked to choose between two statements, 64% agreed that "busi-
nesses have a moral responsibility to give something back to the commu-
nity by making efforts to help the poor," while 30% took the position that
"businesses should not be expected to take on the job of trying to help the
poor."
The feeling that business needs to play a larger role in fighting poverty was
a strong theme in the focus groups and interviews. "Business has the
money," explained a man from Mechanicsville, Virginia. "We just need to
get them in the act. They are absolutely non-players today."
Several focus group members also mentioned the need for business and
government to work closely together to fight poverty. "I think we've
learned in the last ten or fifteen years that funneling government money
back into the community in public-private partnerships works," asserted a
thmond man. And for many, having the government subsidize jobs in
be private sector was preferable to government-created jobs. Businesses
were also seen as a good source of on-the-job training.
7
12-08-1994 01 35PM FROM Millennium Communications
TO
4566244
P.12
O
ur goal in producing AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY was to provide a catalyst for Americans to think creatively
about the problems of poverty - to revisit a much maligned and misinterpreted time, and to learn from the
past. Tt is easy to get caught up in a political rhetoric that oversimplifies complex events. At such times we must
turn to accurate history to serve as our rudder, and we must turn to the people themselves to go beyond the rhetoric and
garacsmanship. We commissioned this survey of Americans' attitudes in hopes that by moving outside the political arena,
with history and public intention as our guides, we might begin to talk together about poverty in a responsible,
compassionate, and productive manner."
-Henry Hampton
Blackside, Inc.
Blackside, Inc.
Producers of EYES ON THE PRIZE,
This study was developed in conjunction with
THE GREAT DEPRESSION, and
Millennium Communications Group Inc.
AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY
1150 18th Street NW, Eighth Floor
486 Showmut Avenue
Washington, DC 20036
Boston, MA 02118
Telephone (202) 872-8800
Telephone (617) 536-6900
Fax (202) 872-8845
Fux (617) 536-1732
email [email protected]
The Center for the Study of Policy Attitudes (CSPA) is nn
independent nonprofit research center devoted to increasing
understanding of public attitudes shaping contemporary public policy.
Using innovative methods, CSPA seeks not only to examine overt
policy opinions, but to reveal the underlying values, assumptions,
and feelings that sustain such opinions. The Center is directed by
Steven Kull, a member of the faculty of the University of Maryland.
Center for the Study of Policy Attitudes
11 Dupont NW, Suite 610
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone (202) 232-7500
Fax (202) 232-1159
The Americans Talk Issues Foundation (ATIF) is dedicated to
bipartison and nonpartisan, in-depth research using large sample
surveys of what the American people want for policy and legislation
on major national issues. Alan F. Kay is the President of ATIF.
Americans Tolk Issues Foundation
10 Carrero Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Telephone (904) 826-0984
Fox (904) 826-4194
TOTAL P. 12
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ms. Ann Beaudry
Millenium Communications Group
1150 18th Street, NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 13, 2994
Ryan Bebout
5104 S. 163rd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68135
Dear Ryan:
Thank you so much for the "M.I.K.E." tee-shirts that you
gave me and the President and Chelsea. It was so thoughtful of
you -- I was very impressed with your artistry!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to the White House. Your
efforts to promote health care for "kids everywhere" are
admirable and deeply appreciated. It was very special to meet
you.
Thank you again for the tee-shirts and for your hard work.
Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Hilling Rodbam Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 6, 1994
Ms. Judy Beebe
PO Box 1836
Bigfork, MT 59911
Dear Ms. Beebe:
Thank you for writing and for sharing
with us the information on your plan to save
time and money for health care providers and
their patients. Information systems like the
one you propose could play an important role
in the ongoing efforts to contain health care
costs. Good luck in your project.
Thank you again for writing and for
sharing this information with us. We are
grateful for your interest.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
DEC-19-94 MON 14:29 JUDY"BEEBE
4068375436
P.01
P.O. Box 1826
iB
Judy Beebe
Bigforh Moniana 599
(406) 837-5436
December 19, 1994
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Office of the First Lady
Washington, D.C.
Dear First Lady Clirton,
I have been a participating member of the medical community for
some thirty years and have acted in many capacities within that
spectrum. Currently, I am a medical author and under contract to
Williams & Wilkins for preparation of a computer teaching program
in medical transcription which I conceptualized. Over the years,
I have defined and found solutions for many time saving devices and
products.
Today, I was writing a letter to my publisher with ideas for two
new concepts which [ want to pursue when I realized that the one
was bigger than Williams & Wilkins. Therefore, I am taking the
liberty of sending a broad description in order to ascertain
interest in this concept. Along with you and the president, I know
that reform is necesary in order to keep health care costs within
a framework that the average American can afford. The problem has
been where to start and what can be cut. Certainly, the quality of
medicine should remain consistent and, in fact, increase measurably
over the next few years. I wonder if you are aware that 70% of all
physicians in the United States are specialists. This is an
important fact because medicine is so complex that it takes a
specialist to understand all of the complexities. How can we help
physicians, take the fear out of practicing medicine and still
eliminate unnecessary costs from the medical system?
I am going to extract the information about my plan which was faxed
to my publisher today in its exact format. I will be in Baltimore,
Maryland between January 3, 1995 and January 6, 1995 to do some
reflnement of the tutorial program for Williams & Wilkins.
Perhaps, if you have any interest I could meet with a
representative of yours for any interaction you deem appropriate.
The information sent to my publisher follows:
DEC-19-94 MON 14:35 JUDY"BEEBE
4068375436
P.06
Continued
Page 2...
"Secondly, I have been searching for a refined answer to the
overall program which would eliminate medical transcriptionists and
insurance billers/coders from the health care dollar. I believe
that I have stumbled on an answer to this problem. As an aside to
this program and itsability to eliminate medical transcriptionists
and insurance billers/coders, it would have the benefit of
lessening malpractice risks and eliminate the hours of physician
time which are now needed to document hoalth care regimens. It
would allow the physician to use his/her talents in diagnostic
achievements and the modical skills which are 80 vital to the
practice of medicine. Physicians should not waste their skills on
paperwork. The refined medical skills which they have acquired
through school and the practice of medicine should be utilized
fully and the burden of the paperwork should be eliminated from
their overhead costs and their personal work load.
Physicians are being burdened by malpractice concerns and the
paperwork has becone a nightmare of documentation to prevent
malpractice suits.
I know that I have come up with a viable plan for implementing a
system which would eliminate billions of dollars in health care
costs, allow physicians more personal time for interacting with
their patients and take the burden of excessive malpractice suits
away from the physician. At the same time, we would be placing
some of the responsibility on the patient and allowing the patient
to participate in their own health care. If health care could be
made more affordable, I know that each patient would not object to
their minor contribution in the information retrieval and, at the
same time, I know they would embrace the participation in the
decision making.
Each of us seeks out a physician to help us through a health care
crisis because of their knowledge, experience and skill. All of
these tools would still be utilized and, in fact, more fully than
before. However, the ultimate decision making is made by each
patient based on their own particular circumstances.
The information which is contained in each medical record for any
of us is an important component of our medical well being within
any given health care crisis. However, the malpractice locomotive
has required more and more documentation fuel and is now running
out of control towards an unknown destination. The costs
associated with the retrieval of this information are staggering.
DEC-19-94 MON 14:35 JUDY"BEEBE
4068375436
P.07
Continued
Page 3...
For instance, if their are 700,000 physicians in the
United States you would find that there is at least one
medical transcriptionist and one modical insurance
biller/coder. That is some 1,400,000 people who are
earning at least $1,500.00 per month (of course, this is
a bottom line figure and is a much greater each cost than
this figure represents). So, a cut in this area could
eliminate two billion dollars from the practice of
medicine.
NOW if we could also eliminate some malpractice dollars
at the same time, we have billions of dollars more in
savings.
We would also have the time savings from a physician's
point of view. How many health care dollars could be
saved if the physician didn't have to spend the 15
minutes (give or take many minutes) in the dictation
process for each patient. Physicians could lower fees
based on decreased malpractice costs, decreased
transcription costs (machines and personnel), insurance
billing costs and decreased time spent.
Elizabeth, this program is one that will find favor with the
current government and will require participation from many
vendors. I see Williams & Wilkins as the vendor who could
coordinate the database and information retrieval."
As the First Lady of the United States, you have undertaken a
valuable and worthwhile cause. T sincerely hope that programs like
this and, of course other such programs can make health care more
affordable and less of a burden on the physician and the taxpayer.
Respectfully,
Judy Beebe
Fax Number (406) 837-5430
DEC-19-94 MON 14:32 JUDY"BEEBE
4068375436
P.04
R
jB
P.O. Box 1836
Judy Beebe
Bigfork, Montana 59
(406)837-5436
December 19, 1994
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
Washington, D.C.
Dear Ms. Verveer,
I am enclosing a letter which is being faxed to the First Lady for
your perusal and possible enactment.
I can be reached at the above phone number or by fax at (406) 837-
5430.
I am being brought to Baltimore, Maryland by my publisher on
January 3, 1995 and will be there for two or three days. I could
make myself availab e for a meeting if this is an alternative.
Respectfully,
Pan Judy Beebe
U
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 8, 1994
Allen L. Van Beek, M.D.
3300 Oakdale Avenue North
Robbinsdale, MN 55422-2900
Dear Dr. Van Beek,
Mrs. Clinton thanks you for writing with your thoughts
concerning health care reform. Your comments on universal
coverage, choice of provider and improvement in medical
technology are well taken. The Administration values your input
as we seek to achieve meaningful, lasting healthcare reform in
this country.
Thank you for sharing your expertise in this area. Best
wishes in the important work that you do.
Sincerely have ther yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 11, 1994
Dr. Betsy Hess-Behrens
444 Kentucky Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94707
Dear Dr. Hess-Behrens:
The First Lady was so very pleased to hear from you and to
have had the opportunity to meet you when she was in California
recently. Thank you so much for sending us a copy of the
brochure you developed. It is most impressive. Your work and
dedication is an inspiration to us all.
Thank you for writing and for your support of the
Administration's efforts. Keep up your fine work!
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 13, 1995
Mr. Gary Ross Belz
Kiva Recording Studios
4431 Petit Avenue
Encino, CA 91436
Dear Mr. Belz:
Thank you for your letter to Kelly
Craighead and for the information on the Sri
Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical
Science. Mrs. Clinton's trip to India is not
yet finalized. If she goes, we are not yet
certain what her itinerary will include.
Thank you again for writing and best
wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
R-
Kelly Craighead
ask Welanne
Assistant to the First Lady
White House
Washington, D.C.
December 7, 1994
Dear Kelly:
I am following up on our brief encounter at Jimmy's in
regards to our work in Southern India developing a model
health care system at a world class super specialty hospital
named Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Science.
The hospital is unique in India and in fact the world for
several outstanding reasons. It was founded by Sri Satya
Sai Baba and dedicated by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha
Rao on November 22,1991. It's beauty, demonstrated in
the accompanying photograph, is largely due to the grand,
innovative architectural design. The architect, is Keith
Critchlow the advisor to Prince Charles on architecture and director
of Prince of Wales School of Architecture.
Most importantly, the uniqueness of the hospital is based on it's
guiding principles. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, revered and respected
throughout the world as a great spiritual leader and social reformer,
teaches that all men and women have a right to education and
healthcare regardless of economic condition, caste, creed, race, or
religion. Advanced procedures utilizing the best equipment
available and including open heart surgery and kidney transplants
are currently being performed free of charge.
KIVA RECORDING STUDIOS
4431 PETIT AVENUE
ENCINO, CALIFORNIA, 91436
818 990 1296
fax: 818 990 3309
KIVA RECORDING STUDIOS
Page: 2
December 8, 1994
Patients are not required to pay for hospitalization, medication, or
professional services. The medical staff includes many
preeminent Indian and Western physicians who volunteer their
services. This hospital certainly represents a magnificent and unique
accomplishment and has been extolled by healthcare professionals
worldwide. The Prime Minister of India visited Sri Sathya Sai Baba
during Baba's birthday celebrations this last November. He
reiterated his support of this noble institution and his wonder that
such a thing could be accomplished.
We utilized the expertise of Hospital Corporation of America in
conceptualizing, designing, specifying, purchasing equipment, and
opening the facility. We also purchased millions of dollars worth
of specialized American manufactured and designed equipment
and continue to expand the Hospital. In addition, Duke University
as well as UCLA Medical participated and are still involved in this
rare and innovative institution.
We originally opened the facility with the Heart wing and every
year since have added additional heathcare dimensions with the
opening of the Kidney wing, last month with the ophthalomology
wing. The next planned wing is the neuro surgery.
This facility is a model for others to come and represents a new
standard in assisting people by meeting the increasing needs of the
developing world. There is little doubt that the Heathcare industry
is positioned for incredible growth and by delivering these facilities
can bring comfort to many as well as provide a market for U.S.
based consultants and manufacturers.
On my recent visit to India, we completed negotiations with
Siemens USA to purchase a CT Scanner. The contract has been
negotiated and initialed by all parties. It was my hope that on
Secretary Brown's mission next month that we could formally sign
contracts. There is also a strong likelihood that additional contracts
for the purchase of MRI and a lithoscope could also be executed at
KIVA RECORDING STUDIOS
Page: 3
December 8, 1994
that time, bringing the total contracts value close to $5,000,000.00.
I also look forward to the First Lady's possible visit in the spring
along with Mrs. Moynahan. I am certain that on Ron's visit as well
as the First Lady's, that either the Prime Minister or the President
of India would accompany the delegation on a most enlightening
tour of the Hospital.
Sincerely yours,
Say
GARY ROSS BELZ
The
Reproductive Center for
Law & Policy
120 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005 USA
212-514-5534
212-514-5538 fax
Janet Benshoof
President
July 28, 1994
Kathryn Kolbert*
Vice President
Lynn M. Paltrow
Called
Director, Special
Litigation
Rachael N. Pine
Ms. Melanne Veveer
Rurite
Director, International
Programs & Domestic
Legal Projects
Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Old Executive Office Building
her nate
Catherine Albisa
Janet Crepps
Eve C. Gartner
Office of the First Lady
Simon Heller'
Anika Rahman
Staff Attorneys
Room 100
Terri James
Lenora M. Lapidus
Washington, DC 20500
Priscilla J. Smith
Fellowship Attorneys
Ellen K. Goetz
Dear Melanne:
Director, Development
Tomasa Jiménez
Director, Administration
I really need your help. We're have a luncheon meeting and fundraiser for the
& Finance
Center on the Cape August 10th (see invitation). It would be truly wonderful if
Andrea Miller
Director, Education
Hillary could come, even for a short while. We're all enormous fans of hers, it
& Communications
would be great for the Center, and I would be personally honored. By the way, we
just won complete Medicaid funding in Arkansas!
Board of Directors
Lynn Allegaert
Roberta B. Bialek
Francis W. Hatch
Professor Patricia King
Jessica Lange
Professor Sylvia A. Law
Marcie J. Musser
Julia Scott
Best,
Dr. Sheldon J. Segal
Janet
Janet Benshoof
Janet
hearth be we 2r
*
Member Penn. bar only
s
Member Alaska bar and
inactive Member Idaho bar
1
Member N.Y. and D.C. bars
T Member N.Y., NJ. and
D.C. bars
# Member Calif. bar only
¥
Member N.Y. and Mass. bars
Lynn Allegaert
cordially invites you to attend
a discussion luncheon
to meet
Janet Benshoof
of
The Center for Reproductive
Law J Policy
Wednesday, August 10
12:30 p.m.
at the home of
Harry and Twanette Garvey
Planting Field Way
Edgartown, Massachusetts
(directions attached)
Please R.S.V.P. by August 1
to Margie Kelly at 212 514 5534 x226
Arkansas Democrat
ARKANSAS' NEWSPAPER
Copyright o 1994, Little Rock Newspapers, Inc.
LITTLE ROCK, JULY 27, 1994
Tucker stuck in middle
Sees ruling
as threat
to Medicaid
BY PATRICIA MANSON
Democrat-Gazette Federal Reporter
Gov. Jim Guy Tucker ac-
cused Congress and the Clin-
ton administration Tuesday of
playing a "gigantic game of
chicken" on the abortion is-
sue and threatening federal+
ly funded health care for poor
Arkansans.
"I literally at this point am
unable to find any way in
which I can both uphold the
constitution of the state of
Gov: Jim Guy Tucker
Arkansas and continue to pro-
Amendment as long as
vide Medicaid services,"
Arkansas receives federal
Tucker said at a news confer-
funds under the Medicaid Act.
ence.
Medicaid is the joint fed-
Tucker expressed frustra-
eral-state health insurance
tion over a ruling Monday by
program for the poor.
U.S. District Judge Bill Wil-
Arkansas' Medicaid budget to-
son that struck down an
tals about $1.2 billion - about
Arkansas constitutional pro-
$900 million from thefederal
vision banning public funding
government and about $300
for abortions except those
million in state funds.
needed to save a woman's life.
Wilson's ruling cleared the
Wilson barred the state
way for abortion providers to
from enforcing Amendment 68
be reimbursed with public
- called the Unborn Child
See ABORTION, Page 11A
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
11A
On Tuesday, Arkansas Autor-
Abortion
ney General Winston Bryant's
sion bars the use of public funds
Medicaid program beyond the
Defendants in the suit were
office filed a notice of appeal
to pay for an abortion except
limits of the Hyde Amendment
Tucker, Tom Dalton, director of
with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court
when a woman's life is in dan-
and also pay for the procedure
the Arkansas Department of Hu-
of Appeals.
ger or when her pregnancy is a
when the fetus is abnormal or
man Services; and Kenny Whit-
Continued from Page 1A
Bryant's office also filed a
result of rape or incest.
the woman's health would be se-
lock, state Medicaid director.
money for performing the pro-
motion asking Wilson to stay his
Wilson rejected arguments
riously impaired by carrying the
Wilson issued his decision
cedure on poor women who be-
order while the appeal is pend-
that the Hyde Amendment al-
fetus to term, Wilson said.
less than three months after an-
come pregnant because of rape
ing. A stay wouldn't cause ir-
lows - but does not require -
states to use Medicaid funds to
Wilson issued his ruling in a
other federal judge struck down
or incest.
reparable harm because the
Medicaid program provides for
lawsuit filed last fall on behalf
Colorado's ban on public fund-
Tuesday, Tucker blamed the
pay for abortions in those situ-
ruling on "zealots in Congress"
retroactive payments, the mo-
ations.
of the Fayetteville Women's
ing for abortions in a lawsuit vir-
Clinic, Dr. Tom Tvedten and Lit-
tually identical to the one filed
who insisted that taxpayers pick
tion said.
During the floor debates on
But Gartner said it was un-
the 1994 Hyde Amendment,
tle Rock Family Planning Ser-
in Arkansas.
up the tab for those abortions.
And the White House shares re-
realistic to expect doctors to
members of Congress made it
vices and its medical director,
Staff Writer Noel Oman con-
sponsibility for Arkansas'
perform free abortions in the
clear "that state Medicaid pro-
Dr. Curtis E. Stover.
tributed to this story.
predicament because it drew up
hope that Wilson's ruling even-
grams must cover abortion to
the Medicaid directives that
tually will be upheld.
the extent that federal match-
conflict with the Arkansas Con-
"If the court stays its order,
ing funds are available," Wilson
stitution, Tucker said.
rape and incest victims will be
wrote in his 35-page opinion.
He said Wilson's ruling could
unable to obtain abortion ser-
The judge refused to redraft
force him to choose between
vices and will be forced to car-
Amendment 68 to make it con-
obeying Arkansas' Amendment
ry unwanted children to term,
form with the Hyde Amend-
68 or letting a quarter-million
Gartner said And that is ir-
ment, saying that task should be
poor Arkansans keep their Med-
reparable harm."
left to the people of Arkansas.
icaid coverage.
In Monday's decision, Wilson
Arkansas voters adopted
"It is an absolutely dreadful
voided Amendment 68 because
Amendment 68 in 1988 by a vote
situation and I must say the in-
it conflicts with a section of fed-
of 398,107 to 368,117.
action of Congress and the ad-
Amendment. eral law called the Hyde
The options available to
ministration on this is one of
Arkansans, Wilson said, include
the most irresponsible acts I
Amendment 68 restricted the
getting out of the Medicaid pro-
have seen in polities in better
use of public funds for abor-
gram completely or restricting
than two decades in which I
tions to situations where the
abortions under the program to
have been in politics," Tucker
mother's life is threatened by
the minimum required by the
the pregnaney,
Hyde Amendment-cases when
said.
He said the battle over
The Hyde Amendment has
the woman's life is threatened
whether public money should
been added to the Medicaid ap-
by the pregnancy or when the
be spent on "a literal handful
propriations bill every year
pregnancy is the result of rape
of abortion cases each year"
since fiscal 1977. Its current ver-
or incest.
could hurt the "poorest,
Arkansans could extend
youngest and most vulnerable
abortion coverage under its
people in the state" if they lose
their Medicaid coverage.
One of the lawyers who filed
the lawsuit that led to Wilson's
ruling said Tucker seemed to be
"a little bit confused about
what's happening."
Wilson declared Amendment
68 void, relieving the state of the
requirement to obey the amend-
ment and eliminating any risk
that
nsas will lose its Med-
ical
is, said Eve Gartner,
sen
aff attorney for The
Center for Reproductive Law
and Policy in New Vart
Jul. 26 '94 10:55
0000 LRFPS
TEL 501-225-8705
P. 2
Arkansas Democrat
ARKANSAS' NEWSPAPER
Copyright c 1094, Little Rook Newspapere, Inc.
LITTLE ROCK, JULY 26, 1994
State can't bar abortion aid
Federal judge strikes down Amendment 68
BY PATRICIA MANSON
act.
"And since it's not an appro-
Democrat Gazette Federal Reporter
Medicaid is the joint federal-
priate function of a federal
A federal judge Monday
state health insurance program
court to rewrite state law, the
struck down Arkansas' ban on
for the poor. Arkansas has re-
decision strikes down Amend-
federally funded abortions for
ceived just under $845 million
ment 68 in its entirety, Gartner
poor women who become preg-
in federal Medicaid funds in its
said, "In light of that, it's our po-
nant as a result of rape or in-
current fiscal year.
sition that as of now, there is no
cest.
Lawyers who filed the law-
restriction on which abortions
U.S. District Judge Bill Wil-
suit that led to Wilson's ruling
are covered under Arkansas
son ruled that Amendment 68 of
praised the decision as a victo-
law. By default, Medicaid only
the Arkansas Constitution -
ry for women.
pays for medically necessary
which forbids spending public
The decision means a poor
abortion services, but that's up
money for any abortion except
woman who is the victim of rape
to the physician to say."
to save a woman's life is void
or incest will not be forced to
Gartner and Little Rock at-
because it conflicts with feder-
bear "a child who is the result
torney Bettina E. Brownstein
al law.
of an act of violence,' said Eve
said Wilson's ruling means the
Wilson barred the state from
Gartner, senior staff attorney for
state of Arkansas is not barred
enforcing Amendment 68 as
The Center for Reproductive
from using public money to fund
long as Arkansas receives fed-
Law and Policy in New York
any abortion.
eral funds under the Medicaid
City.
See ABORTION, Page 7A
Jul.2 26 '94 10:55
0000
LRFPS
TEL 501-225-8705
P. 3
Arkansas Democrat Garette
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
7A
Abortion
Continued from Page 1A
But Brownstein predicted
that the ruling will not result in
a big jump in the number of
publicly funded abortions in
Arkansas.
She said public money sim-
ply isn't available for most abor-
tions. And she described as
"horrible" the speculation by
some anti-abortion activists that
poor women will falsely claim
to be the victims of rape or in-
cest in order to obtain an abor-
tion.
But Robert Burr of Fort
Smith, president of Arkansas
Right to Life, said Wilson's rul-
ing will have dire consequences.
Bill Wilson
If the decision stands, Burr
said, "the blood of literally thou-
Montana courts decided the
sands of additional unborn
same way in Identical CRSES.
Arkansas children will be on
Gartner said Colorado has ap-
that judge's hands."
pealed the decision and she
He said Wilson ignored the
expects Michigan to appeal as
wishes of Arkansans.
well.
"It is discouraging to think
Four similar lawsuits are
that a federal judge can over.
still pending in Louisiana, Ok-
turn the will of the people" Burr
lahoma, North Dakota and
said.
Pennsylvania, Gartner said.
Lawrence Graves, spokesman
"My impression is that peo-
for the Arkansas attorney gen-
ple don't really understand the
eral's office. said ho could not
fact that they will save more
comment because he had not
money by funding all Medicald
soon Wilson's ruling.
abortions than just paying for
Wilson issued the ruling In a
life-threatening cases," Gartner
lawsuit filed on behalf of the
said. "Twenty-five percent of
Fayetteville Women's Clinic, Dr.
those people who might have
Tom Tvedten and Little Rock
Medicaid-funded abortions have
Family Planning Services and
children instead now, and then
its medical director, Dr. Curtis
people are paying for prenatal
E. Stover.
care, childbirth and probably
public assistance for that child.
If people were thinking about
'It is discouraging to
their pocketbooks with Amend-
think that a federal
ment 68, they were making the
wrong decision."
judge can overturn the
Arkansas voters passed
will of the people.'
Amendment 68, the Unborn
Child Amendment, In 1988. It
- Robert Burr, Arkansas
forbids spending public money
Right to Life
to pay for any abortion except
to save a woman's life.
The Hyde Amendment,
Defendants in the suit were
added every year to the federal
Tom Dalton, director of the
Medicaid appropriations act,
Arkansas Department of Human
bars the use of public funds to
Services; Kenny Whitlock, state
pay for an abortion except when
Medicaid director; and Gov. Jim
a woman's life is In danger or
Guy Tucker.
when her pregnancy is a result
Wilson issued his decision
of rape or incest.
loss than three months after an-
Wilson refused to redraft
other federal judge struck down
Amendment 68 to make It con-
Colorádo's ban on public fund-
form with the Hyde Amend-
ing for abortions in a lawsult vir-
ment. He said that task should
tually identical to the one filed
In Arkansas.
be left eto the people of
Arkansas.
U.S. District Judge Edward
Among the options available
W. Nottingham on May B barred
Colorado from enforcing its con-
to Arkansans, Wilson said, are
stitutional prohibition on using
opting out of the Medicaid pro-
public money to pay for abor-
gram completely, extending
tions.
coverage to abortions in cases
where the fetus is abnormal or
Arkansas and Colorado were
the woman's health would be
the only states that had consti-
tutional amendments barring
seriously impaired by carrying
public funding of abortions. But
the fetus to term, or restricting
federal judges in other states
abortions to women whose
recently have struck down laws
lives are threatened by preg-
that contained similar prohibi-
nancy or who are victims of
tions.
rape or Incest.
Last week, Michigan and
Writer Susan Roth con-
tributed to this story.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 10, 1994
Ms. Marjorie Benton
581 Ingleside Park
Evanston, IL 60201
Dear Marjorie:
Thank you for writing and for
recommending Fay Clayton for the Court of
Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. I have
forwarded her resume to the appropriate
people in the Counsel's Office who oversee
this process. You can be certain she will
receive careful consideration.
Thanks again for writing. It was great
hearing from you. I hope all is well. Best
wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Come when permism
me
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
$.c.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 31, 1995
Ms. Marjorie Benton
581 Ingleside Park
Evanston, IL 60201
Dear Marjorie:
Thank you for sending me a copy of the
recommendation Jay Pritzker sent to Senator
Dole on behalf of Fay Clayton. I have
forwarded it to the office working on
judicial nominations.
It was so nice to hear from you. With
best wishes,
18 per we
Sincerely me yours,
fre well
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 15, 1994
Mr. Maurice Berger
Vera List Center for Art and Politics
New School
66 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10011
Dear Mr. Berger:
Congratulations on your new appointment as the first senior
fellow of the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at the New
School. The Vera List Center is known for its innovative
approach to the subject of art and politics, an arena in which
you are sure to bring much experience and expertise.
Good luck in your new endeavors.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
what great
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
news.
Acnt 1/11/94
January 5, 1994
Mr. Charlie C. Bergman
Executive Vice-President
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Inc.
725 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Dear Charlie:
Thank you very much for sharing with me the
Pollock-Krasner Foundation's 1991-1992 annual
report. Thank you also for the very thoughtful
inscription.
os vionsly
role
The foundation plays a critical in the
creation of art by providing the financial support
for individuals to create and inspire. It is very veryr
gratifying to feel our shared commitment to the
arts
Thank you again for sharing the report with
me.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff to the
First Lady and Deputy
Assistant to the President
highs
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION, INC.
Pis send a
725 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10021
thank gm)
Gerald Dickler
Area Code (212) 517-5400
Chairman of the Board
Telefax (212) 288-2836
Eugene Victor Thaw
President
Charles C. Bergman
Executive Vice President
October 12, 1993
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
in the Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Melanne,
It was a pleasure meeting you at The White House ceremony last
Thursday. I want to express my personal congratulations to you
for all that you did to make the events so successful and
memorable, if not inspiring.
As the Chief Operating Officer of this Foundation, the largest
private foundation ever created to aid visual artists
internationally, I deeply believe that our new President, First
Lady and their dedicated staff, bring a whole new commitment and
priority to the arts and humanities that we have not seen since
President Kennedy.
I hope our paths cross in the near future.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
CCB/edr
Charles Charlie C. Bergman
P.S. l have inscrited our
annual report and a recent
epeech to you
We are pleased to send you this 1991-1992
Annual Report in the hope that it may prompt
you to recommend artists appropriate for our
support in accordance with our guidelines.
We welcome your response and comments.
Charles C. Bergman
Executive Vice-President
To melanne
1 moerital to Charlie
-
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
THE
POLLOCK-KRASNER
FOUNDATION, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT
1991 - 1992
To meline
file)
)
4 ho has helped advance
SUPPORT
this FOR Cause THE ARTS: qualty!
A PRIVATE AND PUBLIC IMPERATIVE
Charlie
ADDRESS BY
CHARLES C. BERGMAN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION, INC.
THE CITY CLUB OF CLEVELAND
OCTOBER 23, 1992
THIS ADDRESS WAS BROADCAST NATIONWIDE
ON THE NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO NETWORK
IT IS A GREAT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE FOR ME TO ADDRESS THE CITY
CLUB OF CLEVELAND, PARTICULARLY SINCE I AM WELL AWARE THAT YOUR
PUBLIC SPEAKERS FORUM, NOW 80 YEARS OLD, IS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF
THE MOST RESPECTED IN THE NATION. TODAY I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU
AND NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO LISTENERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY SOME
DEEPLY HELD FEELINGS CONCERNING THE VALUE OF THE ARTS AND THE
IMPORTANCE OF INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS IN OUR GREAT SOCIETY.
AS SOMEONE WHO HAS SPENT ALMOST MY ENTIRE CAREER IN MENTAL
HEALTH AND ARTS AFFAIRS, I HAVE A PARTICULAR CONCERN FOR THE
INNER ENVIRONMENT OF MAN AS WELL AS THE OUTER ENVIRONMENT IN
WHICH WE LIVE. IT IS MY CONVICTION THAT THE ARTS PLAY A VITAL
ROLE IN BOTH OUR INNER AND OUTER ENVIRONMENTS.
MY TOPIC SEEMS PARTICULARLY APPROPRIATE FOR A CLEVELAND
SETTING. I HAVE LONG ADMIRED THE PRIDE, COMMITMENT AND
GENEROSITY THAT THIS GREAT CITY HAS SHOWN IN ITS ARTISTIC AND
CULTURAL LIFE INCLUDING YOUR DISTINGUISHED CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF
ART AND THE CLEVELAND SYMPHONY. THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL, UNDER
WAYNE LAWSON'S DIRECTION, IS ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING IN THE
COUNTRY DESPITE YOUR RECENT BUDGET CUTS. I ALSO WANT TO COMMEND
CLEVELAND MAYOR, MICHAEL WHITE FOR RECENTLY ESTABLISHING THE
CLEVELAND COUNCIL OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS. AND AS AN EMISSARY OF THE
ARTS COMMUNITY IN NEW YORK CITY, I WOULD ADD THAT CLEVELAND HAS
MADE A WONDERFUL GIFT TO US IN THE PERSON OF AGNES GUND,
PRESIDENT OF THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART AND ONE OF NEW YORK'S MOST
VALUED AND RESPECTED ARTS LEADERS.
THE CASE FOR THE ARTS AS AN ESSENTIAL AND ENRICHING
COMPONENT OF ANY CULTURE OR CIVILIZATION NEEDS NO JUSTIFICATION.
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF CIVILIZATION MAN'S CAPACITY TO DEPICT LIFE
AND HIS SURROUNDINGS HAVE ELEVATED AND ENRICHED THE HUMAN
EXPERIENCE.
AS THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
ELCQUENTLY STATES IN A RECENT PUBLICATION, THE VALUE OF THE ARTS,
"THE ARTS GIVE FORM TO WHAT IS RAW, SPONTANEOUS, DISCONNECTED AND
ARTICULATE, OFTEN IN NONVERBAL FORMS, THE MOST PROFOUND HUMAN
QUESTIONS AND INSIGHTS. THEY LEAVE A LEGACY OF MANKIND MORE
REVEALING THAN ANY OTHER HUMAN ENDEAVOR. THE ARTS ARE, IN THE
WORDS OF TWENTIETH CENTURY COMPOSER AARON COPLAND, "OUR MESSAGE
OF WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE ALIVE IN OUR TIME." AND THEY ARE,
THEREFORE, A COMPELLING AVENUE TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF OTHER
TIMES AND OTHER PEOPLES."
I AM NOT NAIVE ENOUGH TO PRESUME THAT THE ARTS, INCLUDING
PAINTING, SCULPTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, MUSIC, OPERA, DRAMA, DANCE,
FOLK ART, CREATIVE WRITING, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND THE GRAPHIC
ARTS, ARE A SOLUTION OR CURE FOR HUMANITY'S PROBLEMS. CERTAINLY
NOT. BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT THERE IS A PROFOUND,
INSPIRATIONAL, RESTORATIVE AND NURTURING DIMENSION TO ARTISTIC
EXPOSURE AND APPRECIATION. HENCE MY ASSERTION THAT THE ARTS
ENHANCE THE INNER AS WELL AS THE OUTER QUALITIES OF OUR LIVES.
-2-
GIVEN THE INEVITABLE DEGREE OF PAIN AND SUFFERING THAT IS
PART OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, IT IS EQUALLY INEVITABLE THAT ALL
OF US HAVE BEEN MOVED AND ENRICHED BY AN ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE.
WHETHER LISTENING TO A POWERFUL BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY, VIEWING A
BEAUTIFUL MATISSE PAINTING OR READING THE POETRY OF AN EDNA ST.
VINCENT MILLAY. FOR MANY PEOPLE INCLUDING THE UNDERPRIVILEGED,
THE ELDERLY, AND AFFLICTED, OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT MUSEUMS,
ATTEND CONCERTS OR WATCH THE OUTSTANDING OFFERINGS ON PUBLIC
TELEVISION BROADCASTING HAVE BROUGHT IMMENSE PLEASURE, MEANING
AND INSPIRATION TO LIVES SADLY LACKING IN SUCH JOYS.
AS HAROLD WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE J. PAUL GETTY TRUST
STATED BEFORE THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE ON THE ARTS AND
HUMANITIES, "I CANNOT IMAGINE A HUMAN SOCIETY WITHOUT THE ARTS.
WHAT DARK AND EMPTY SOULS WOULD POPULATE SUCH A PLACE."
TODAY I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPERATIVE NEED FOR THE
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
IN GENEROUS MEASURE EVEN IN THIS TROUBLED ECONOMIC CLIMATE.
HAVING RECENTLY SERVED ON A PANEL OF THE ARTS AND BUSINESS
COUNCIL TO HONOR CORPORATIONS FOR THEIR PATRONAGE OF THE ARTS,
I AM KEENLY AWARE OF HOW VALUABLE CORPORATE SUPPORT HAS BEEN IN
SUSTAINING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF ARTISTIC PROGRAMS
THROUGHOUT THE NATION.
-3-
WHILE FOR THE YEAR 1991 THE TOTAL ANNUAL FIGURE FOR NON
GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT OF THE ARTS, CULTURE AND HUMANITIES WAS
$8.8 BILLION, THIS FIGURE ONLY REPRESENTS A SLIGHT INCREASE FROM
THE PREVIOUS YEARS WHEN ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION.
MAJOR ART MUSEUMS FARED BETTER THAN PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS
IN THIS REGARD. BUT THOSE WHO SUFFER MOST IN THEIR STRUGGLE TO
STAY ALIVE ARE DANCE COMPANIES, THEATRE GROUPS, SMALLER MUSIC
GROUPS, AND THE LIKE.
IN THEIR OCTOBER 1991 REPORT THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE FOR THE
ARTS, NOTED THAT CORPORATIONS WHO SUPPORT THE ARTS BENEFIT BY
THEIR PATRONAGE IN MANY WAYS. BY SUPPORTING THE ARTS,
CORPORATIONS DEMONSTRATE THEIR GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP; THEY
ENHANCE AND PROMOTE THEIR CORPORATE IMAGE; THEY CREATE AND
SUSTAIN BRAND RECOGNITION FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES; THEY
GENERATE INCREASED SALES; THEY FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS WITH
CUSTOMERS, SHAREHOLDERS, OTHER BUSINESSES, OPINION MAKERS AND
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS; THEY ATTRACT QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES; THEY
ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE CREATIVITY; THEY ALSO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
AND INCREASE THEIR MEDIA COVERAGE.
THE ENLIGHTENED AND IMAGINATIVE CORPORATE PATRONAGE OF THE
ARTS EXEMPLIFIED BY THE OUTSTANDING CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAMS OF
SUCH COMPANIES AS AT&T, PHILIP MORRIS, AMERICAN EXPRESS, MOBIL
AND TEXACO ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OTHER CORPORATIONS TO EMULATE.
-4-
IN OUR CONCERN THAT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AND PERFORMING ARTS
GROUPS BE SUPPORTED, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE NOT NEGLECT THE
INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO CREATES THE ART!. UNFORTUNATELY
PHILANTHROPY, WHETHER CORPORATE, FOUNDATION OR INDIVIDUAL, RARELY
FUNDS THE WORK AND CAREERS OF INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS. THERE ARE, IN
FACT, VERY FEW SOURCES TO WHICH PROFESSIONAL VISUAL AND
PERFORMING ARTISTS CAN TURN FOR SUPPORT. ARTISTS NEED FUNDS FOR
FELLOWSHIPS, PROJECT SUPPORT, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE AND RESIDENCIES AS WELL AS GRANTS FOR THE NORMAL
EXPENSES OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVING.
WE AT THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION IN NEW YORK CITY, HAVE
AS OUR SOLE MISSION AND PURPOSE, PROVIDING GRANTS INTERNATIONALLY
TO INDIVIDUAL WORKING ARTISTS (PAINTERS, SCULPTORS AND ARTISTS
WHO WORK ON PAPER) OF ESTABLISHED ABILITY WHO DEMONSTRATE
FINANCIAL NEED. LEE KRASNER, A DISTINGUISHED ABSTRACT
EXPRESSIONIST PAINTER IN HER OWN RIGHT AS WELL AS THE WIDOW OF
JACKSON POLLOCK, KNEW A GREAT DEAL ABOUT THE STRUGGLE AND
SUFFERING THAT ARTISTS EXPERIENCE. OUT OF THIS AWARENESS, SHE
CREATED OUR FOUNDATION IN HER WILL. IN THE 8 YEARS OF OUR
EXISTENCE WE HAVE AWARDED MORE THAN $8,778,342 TO OVER 918
ARTISTS WORLDWIDE. OUR FILES ARE FULL OF STORIES THAT CHRONICLE
THE STRUGGLES, VICISSITUDES AND CHALLENGES THAT CONFRONT
INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS AS THEY SEEK TO DO THEIR WORK. REGRETTABLY,
THERE ARE VERY FEW RESOURCES WHERE A DANCER, A MUSICIAN OR AN
ACTOR FOR EXAMPLE, CAN TURN FOR THIS ESSENTIAL SUPPORT.
-5-
I URGE OTHER GRANT MAKING ORGANIZATIONS, PARTICULARLY
PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS, TO INCLUDE GRANTS TO INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS OF
MERIT AND NEED IN THEIR GRANT PROGRAMS ALONG WITH THEIR DESIRE TO
SUSTAIN ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS. THE POLLOCK-KRASNER
FOUNDATION HAS A DEEP COMMITMENT TO HELPING OTHER WEALTHY ARTISTS
AND POTENTIAL DONORS CREATE FOUNDATIONS LIKE OURS AND WE ARE
AVAILABLE TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE AND COUNSEL WITH OTHERS.
THIS BRINGS ME TO THE PARAMOUNT MATTER OF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR
THE ARTS AND, MORE SPECIFICALLY, TO THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS. SINCE 1965 WHEN THE NEA WAS ESTABLISHED,
IT HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR DRAMATIC GROWTH IN ARTS
ORGANIZATIONS, ART AUDIENCES AND THE CAREERS OF INDIVIDUAL
ARTISTS. THE NEA IS JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF ITS ACHIEVEMENTS.
AMONG THESE I WOULD BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE NEA
--- SUPPORTS MANY LOCAL NON-PROFIT THEATER PRODUCTIONS THAT
GO ON TO BROADWAY AND HOLLYWOOD FAME SUCH AS DRIVING MISS
DAISY, CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, CHORUS LINE, M BUTTERFLY,
ANNIE AND THE GREAT WHITE HOPE.
PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO MAKE POSSIBLE SUCH LASTING PUBLIC ART
CONTRIBUTIONS AS THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL IN
WASHINGTON, DC: THE CALDER SCULPTURE THAT IS THE
CITY SYMBOL FOR GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN; AND ISAMU NOGUCHI'S
MEMORIAL TO THE CHALLENGER ASTRONAUTS IN MIAMI, FL.
REGULARLY BRINGS THE AWARD-WINNING SERIES "DANCE IN
AMERICA, " "LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER,' " "AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE,"
TO TELEVISION AUDIENCES IN THE MILLIONS.
INITIATED ARTS EVENTS FROM THOSE OF OUR RURAL HEARTLAND
SUCH AS THE ANNUAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING IN ELKO, NEVADA,
TO THOSE OF INTERNATIONAL IMPACT SUCH AS THE SPOLETO
FESTIVAL OF TWO WORLDS IN CHARLESTON, SC. AND HAS HELPED
THE ARTS GROW AND THRIVE THROUGHOUT AMERICA, WITH SUPPORT TO
OUTSTANDING CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE GLIMMERGLASS
OPERA IN COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK, AND BALLET WEST IN SALT LAKE
CITY, UTAH.
-6-
---
AWARDS ANNUAL NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIPS TO HONOR AND
NURTURE THE WORK OF THE NATION'S MOST ACCOMPLISHED
TRADITIONAL ARTISTS, AND HELPS SOLVE URBAN DESIGN PROBLEMS
AT THE ANNUAL MAYORS INSTITUTE ON CITY DESIGN AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE.
--- FUNDS APPROXIMATELY 10,000 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE AT MORE
THAN 11,000 SITES IN 50 STATES REACHING OUT TO OVER 103,000
TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS AND 4.5 MILLION STUDENTS
ANNUALLY WITH ARTS PROGRAMS.
--- AND, FINALLY, THE NEA AND THE COUNTRY CAN BE PROUD THAT
IN THE LAST TWO YEARS SIX PULITZER PRIZES, FOURTEEN
MACARTHUR FELLOWSHIPS, TWO MAJOR TONY AWARDS, AND
FIFTEEN EMMY AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO NEA GRANT RECIPIENTS.
LET ME SHARE WITH YOU IMPRESSIVE STATISTICS THAT DOCUMENT
THE GROWTH IN ARTS ORGANIZATIONS OF QUALITY SINCE THE INCEPTION
OF THE NEA 26 YEARS AGO:
THERE WERE IN...
1965
1991
CHORUSES
10
80
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS (BUDGET $280k+)
110
220
DANCE COMPANIES
37
220+
THEATRE COMPANIES
56
420+
OPERA COMPANIES
27
110
LOCAL ARTS AGENCIES
60
3,000
STATE ARTS AGENCIES
5
56
STIMULATED BY NEA SUPPORT, GROWTH IN PERFORMING ARTS
ATTENDANCE HAS BEEN EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE:
IN LIVE PERFORMING ARTS ATTENDANCE
# IN 1965
# IN 1989
THEATERS
1 MILLION
15 MILLION
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS
9 MILLION
25 MILLION
OPERAS
3 MILLION
21 MILLION
-7-
DESPITE THIS POWERFUL STATISTICAL EVIDENCE, THE ARTS IN OUR
COUNTRY TODAY ARE FACING AN UNPRECEDENTED FINANCIAL CRISIS AT A
TIME WHEN INCREASED SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL IF THEY ARE TO SURVIVE,
LET ALONE THRIVE AND GROW, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE OVERALL ARTISTS
POPULATION HAS RISEN FROM 736,960 IN 1970 TO 1.6 MILLION TODAY.
THE ANNUAL COST OF SUPPORTING THE ENDOWMENT FOR EACH PERSON
IN THE UNITED STATES IS A MERE 68 CENTS! COMPARE THIS FIGURE
WITH CANADA WHERE THE PER CAPITA SUPPORT OF THE ARTS IS $32.00,
WEST GERMANY $27.00, FRANCE $32.00, SWEDEN $35.00, AND THE
NETHERLANDS $29.00, ACCORDING TO LATEST AVAILABLE FIGURES. EVEN
MORE REVEALING COMPARE THE $600 MILLION CULTURAL BUDGET OF THE
CITY OF BERLIN ALONE TO OUR NEA BUDGET OF $174 MILLION FOR 1991!
WE MUST NOT RELINQUISH OUR LEADERSHIP IN NURTURING THE ARTS AND
OUR ARTISTS SIMPLY BECAUSE WE FACE, AS DO EUROPE AND THE REST OF
THE INDUSTRIALIZED WORLD, ECONOMIC PRESSURE AND VARIED DEMANDS
FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT.
THE ENDOWMENT IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1991 AWARDED 4,453 GRANTS
TOTALLING AROUND $152 MILLION. OF THIS AMOUNT 7.6% WENT TO
INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS AND THE REMAINDER TO ORGANIZATIONS. IN ITS 26
YEAR HISTORY THE NEA HAS MADE MORE THAN 96,000 GRANTS. ONLY A
MINUTE PORTION OF THESE (PERHAPS 20 GRANTS) HAVE BEEN
CONTROVERSIAL IN ANY DEGREE. SURELY THIS IS A RECORD OF WHICH WE
AS A NATION CAN JUSTIFIABLY BE PROUD.
-8-
YET DESPITE THE REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION THE NEA HAS MADE TO
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE GROWTH AND EXPOSURE, THERE HAS BEEN A
SUSTAINED EFFORT BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT TO DISCREDIT
THE NEA'S PROUD TRACK RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT. THIS IS
IRRESPONSIBLE AND A DEVELOPMENT THAT MUST BE GREETED WITH CONCERN
IN ALL SPHERES OF OUR SOCIETY.
IN THIS ELECTION YEAR, IN THE SPIRIT OF THE BI-PARTISAN
SPONSORSHIP THAT CREATED THE NEA IN 1965 AND FROM THE VERY PODIUM
WHERE BOTH PRESIDENT BUSH AND GOVERNOR CLINTON HAVE ADDRESSED
CLEVELAND'S CITADEL OF FREE SPEECH, I IMPLORE BOTH PARTIES TO
FORTIFY AND RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT TO A WELL FUNDED NEA FREE OF
UNNECESSARY RESTRICTIONS.
TO QUOTE JOHN E. FROHNMAYER, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE NEA IN
HIS RECENT ADDRESS TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB, "DEMOCRACY IS
CONSTANTLY IN A PROCESS OF BECOMING. IT IS NEVER FIXED, NEVER
SECURE, NEVER COMFORTABLE. TO PROTECT, RENEW AND MAINTAIN OUR
DEMOCRACY, WE HAVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT:
"CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF
RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR
ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS, OR OF THE
RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION
THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES."
-9-
EACH GENERATION MUST RE-ENFRANCHISE BOTH OUR DEMOCRACY AND
THE FIRST AMENDMENT, AND BECAUSE OF TENSIONS IN OUR SOCIETAL
FABRIC, OUR GENERATION IS HAVING MORE DIFFICULTY THAN MOST. WHAT
WE ARE REALLY INVOLVED IN HERE -- WITH GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED ARTS
AS A FOCAL POINT -- IS A REDEFINITION OF THE SOCIAL CONTRACT FOR
OUR GENERATION."
WE MUST NOT ALLOW THE PRECIOUS LEGACY OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT
TO BE CRIPPLED AS IT RELATES TO ARTISTIC EXPRESSION. FOR IN
DOING so, WE WILL BE DESTROYING THE ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL FABRIC
OF OUR GREAT NATION - THE INNER AND OUTER ENVIRONMENT OF OUR
SOCIETY.
iT IS INTERESTING AND INSTRUCTIVE TO NOTE THAT NO ONE HAS STATED
THE CASE FOR THE NEA MORE ELOQUENTLY THAN PRESIDENT EISENHOWER.
I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE WITH HIS OBSERVATION THAT "FREEDOM OF THE
ARTS IS A BASIC FREEDOM, ONE OF THE PILLARS OF LIBERTY IN OUR
LAND. FOR OUR REPUBLIC TO STAY FREE, THOSE AMONG US WITH THE
RARE GIFT OF ARTISTRY MUST BE ABLE TO FREELY USE THEIR TALENT.
LIKEWISE, OUR PEOPLE MUST HAVE UNIMPAIRED OPPORTUNITY TO SEE, TO
UNDERSTAND, TO PROFIT FROM OUR ARTISTS' WORK. AS LONG AS ARTISTS
ARE AT LIBERTY TO FEEL WITH HIGH PERSONAL INTENSITY, AS LONG AS
OUR ARTISTS ARE FREE TO CREATE WITH SINCERITY AND CONVICTION
THERE WILL BE HEALTHY CONTROVERSY AND PROGRESS IN ART. ONLY THUS
CAN THERE BE OPPORTUNITY FOR A GENIUS TO CONCEIVE AND TO PRODUCE
A MASTERPIECE FOR ALL MANKIND."
-10-
I THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY CONCERNS IN
THESE MATTERS. THEY DEEPLY AFFECT THE QUALITY NOT ONLY OF OUR
LIVES TODAY BUT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME.
-11-
THE PLAIN DEALER
ARTS&LIVING
SATURDAY. OCTOBER 24. 1992
Support
for arts and
NEA urged
But individual artists must not be negiected. he said.
He commended the Ohio Arts Council for its program of
individual artist support. one of the nation's largest.
By REBECCA FRELIGH
PLAIN DEALER REPORTER
"There are. in fact. very few sources to which profes-
sional visual and performing artists can turn for sup-
CLEVELAND
port." Bergman said.
T
he arts in this country are facing an unprecedented
financial crisis and must have continued public
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation provides grants to
and private support to survive. foundation exec-
painters. sculptors and artists who work on paper who
utive Charles Bergman told the City Club yesterday.
have ability and need. In its eight-year existence. the
foundation has awarded nearly $9 million to 918 artists
Such support is imperative even in this troubled eco-
worldwide. Bergman said.
nomic climate. said Bergman. executive vice president
and chief operating officer of the Pollock-Krasner Foun-
"I urge other grant-making organizations to include
dation. The foundation has headquarters in New York
grants to individual artists of merit and need in their pro-
and is the largest private institution assisting needy V1-
grams." he said.
suai artists woridwide.
As for public support. the arts endowment has been re-
"We must not relinquish our leadership in nurturing
sponsible for dramatic growth in arts organizations. audi-
the arts and our artists." Bergman said. "simply because
ences and careers since it was founded in 1965, Bergman
we face. as do Europe and the rest of the industrialized
said.
worid. economic pressure and varied demands for gov-
For example. he said. in 1965 there were 56 theater
ernment support."
companies: by 1991 that number increased to more than
In particular. Bergman called for continued support of
420. In 1965. the theater audience was 1 million: in 1989.
the National Endowment for the Arts. created in 1965 un-
it rose to 15 million.
der bipartisan sponsorship. The arts endowment faces
Yet the arts today are in financial crisis. Bergman said.
reauthorization in Congress.
In the United States. 68 cents per person a year goes to
"In this election year
I implore both parties to for-
support the arts endowment. He compared per capita
tify and renew their commitment to a weil-funded NEA
support of the arts in Canada ($32). France ($32) Sweden
free of unnecessary restrictions." Bergman said.
($35) and the Netheriands ($27).
Bergman called political attempts to discredit the arts
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented an
endowment's achievements irresponsible and "a devel-
eloquent case for the arts. said Bergman. who closed by
opment that must be greeted with concern in all spheres
quoting Eisenhower:
of our society."
"Freedom of the arts is a basic freedom. one of the pil-
He said that in 1991. non-governmental support of the
lars of liberty in our land.
As long as our artists are
arts. culture and humanities totaled $8.8 billion. Major art
free to create with sincerity and conviction there will be
museums got more private support than performing arts
healthy controversy and progress in art. Only then can
groups. with dance companies. theater groups and smail
there be opportunity for a genius to conceive and to pro-
music groups facing the toughest struggie.
duce a masterpiece for all mankind."
THE PLAIN DEALER, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
Pollock-Krasner
fund reaches out
to artists in need
By REBECCA FRELIGH
PLAIN DEALER REPORTER
Artists interested in obtain-
ing guidelines and application
Listen to the voices of artists
materials should write to: The
awarded grants by the Pollock.
Krasner Foundation. diverse in their
Pollock-Krasner Foundation Inc.,
expression. united in their need:
725 Park Ave., New York. N.Y.,
"This grant was for a cataract re-
10021: Attn: Request for Appli-
cation.
moval on my right eye. Without the
grant I would not have been able to
pay for the operation. As a painter.
my vision is obviously my most im-
ers. are eligible to apply for grants.
portant tool. and now my vision IS
The foundation does not accept ap-
CHARLES BERGMAN: "I
normal."
plications from commercial artists.
would really be thrilled if we
"It has given me breathing room
photographers. video artists,
could give more grants in this
by helping to pay hospital bills and
filmmakers and crait artists.
area.
The city and its
living expenses such as rent and stu-
"We do. however. fund artists who
environs have a reputation for
dio supplies. as well as groceries and
incorporate photography into their
real talent."
health insurance.
painting. scuipture and works on pa-
That said. Bergman said he was
"For one year I could cancel
per. Bergman said.
'poverty' from my vocabulary.
Students and recent graduates are
proud that the foundation has given
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation.
also ineligible, Bergman said. "We
several grants directly to people with
with offices in New York. is the larg-
want to reach out and give a critical
AIDS. "And I do not know another
strategic lift at a very important time
private foundation in the country
est foundation created to support
in an artist's career." he said. "We
which has been involved in the AIDS
worthy and needy visual artists.
Since its inception in 1985. the foun-
are very sympathetic to older artists;
crisis in this manner." he said.
dation has awarded 958 grants total-
we are giving grants to artists in
Grants range from $1,000 to
their 70s. 80s and 90s."
$30,000. with the average grant in the
ing $9.32 million. Its assets are vai-
In determining grantees. Bergman
$10,000- $15,000 range. Bergman
ued at $40.359.000.
said. the key words in Krasner S will
said. Grants usually are made for a
About a half-dozen of those grants
were "worthy and needy." Eligible
year on a one-time-only basis: in rare
have gone to Ohioans. But that could
artists must both produce meritori-
circumstances, a second grant has
change. according to Charles Berg-
man. the foundation executive vice
ous work and need financial support.
been awarded to the same recipient.
The foundation receives about
Applicants must submit no more
president and chief operating officer.
5.000 applications every year. accord-
than 10 slides of recent work. com-
"I would really be thrilled if we
ing to Bergman. They are first re-
plete an extensive questionnaire of
could give more grants in this area.
viewed by a committee of four people
financial information. furnish profes-
said Bergman. who recently ad-
sional references and write a letter
whose identities are guarded. Even
dressed the City Club on philan-
their professions are a secret: for ex-
stating why they need the money -
thropy and the arts. "You have won-
ampie. they "might be" curators. art-
"terribly important." Bergman said.
derful artists here. and the city and
ists or critics. Bergman said.
There is no application deadline,
its environs have a reputation for
"But they are truly some of the
he said: "We are giving money away
real talent."
all the time."
most distinguished living people
Not many Ohio artists apply for
Few other sources provide finan-
who might be artists. might be cura-
grants. because the foundation is not
cial aid to individual artists. The
tors. museum directors or critics," he
well known in this area. Bergman
Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Founda-
said.
said. But he is cager to spread the
tion makes individual grants. but
Determining merit is the job of the
word.
limits them to older artists. Change
committee. which rejects about 90%
Inc., established by Robert Raus-
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation
of all applications at this stage.
was established under the will of abs-
chenberg. offers artists emergency
according to Bergman. But of the
grants of $500. Some foundations re-
tract expressionist painter Lee
10% whose work passes the commit-
Krasner. widow of painter Jackson
cently set up by wealthy artists -
tee. at least 75% receive grants. he
Pollock. Krasner died in 1984. and by
such as those bearing the names of
said.
Robert Mappiethorpe and Andy War-
April 1. 1985. Bergman said. "We
How does the foundation define
were in business."
hol - support only groups. not indi-
"need?" There is a misconception.
viduals. Bergman said.
Painters. sculptors and artists who
Bergman said. that need means cri-
Until this situation changes. the
work on paper, including printmak-
SIS or catastrophe. Need, for the
Pollock-Krasner Foundation stands
foundation. can simply refer to the
alone. an oasis for quality artists
normal ups and downs of the artist's
stranded in a desert of personal and
life.
professional need.
"We are very desirous to fund such
"We welcome applications from
critical needs of an artist's life as
artists of recognizable - not nec-
time to do one's art. studio rent and
essarily recognized merit and le.
artists supplies." Bergman said. The
gitimate financial need." Bergman
foundation guidelines refer to "all le-
said, "and we would urge them to not
gitimate expenditures relating to
hesitate to apply if in their best
professional work, personal living
judgment they meet our dual stand-
and medical expenses.
ard."
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 13, 1994
Mr. Charles Bergman
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Inc.
725 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Dear Charlie:
Thank you for writing and for sending me
a copy of your most interesting remarks at
the Royal College of Art. It was great
hearing from you again. The Foundation's
work in providing grants to talented artists
plays such an important role in supporting
artists and making their creative
contributions accessible to more of our
citizens.
Thanks again for writing. Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION, INC.
R
725 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10021
Gerald Dickler
Area Code (212) 517-5400
Chairman of the Board
Telefax (212) 288-2836
Eugene Victor Thaw
President
Charles C. Bergman
Executive Vice President
August 31, 1994
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
in the Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Melanne,
I thought that you would be interested in the enclosed address
which I gave recently in London to the Royal College of Art.
Prior to that memorable occasion, I gave a similar speech at
Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid.
I look forward with pleasure to seeing you in the near future.
With warm regards,
Sincerely,
Charles Charlie C. Bergman
CCB/nlab
enclosure
To melanne
with warm requests,
Chadie
THE CHALLENGE FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS TODAY
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION RESPONSE
LECTURE BY
CHARLES C. BERGMAN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION, INC.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART
LONDON, ENGLAND
JUNE 20, 1994
IT IS A REAL PLEASURE AND A GREAT PRIVILEGE FOR ME TO BE
PRESENT THIS EVENING AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART. I AM
EXCEEDINGLY GRATEFUL TO PAUL HUXLEY FOR HIS WARM AND GRACIOUS
INTRODUCTION BUT PARTICULARLY FOR HIS REMINISCENCES OF LEE
KRASNER. I WANT TO THANK MICHAEL HEINDORFF, SENIOR TUTOR OF
PAINTING FOR ARRANGING THIS LECTURE, TO THE RECTOR, PROFESSOR
ANTHONY JONES, AS WELL AS TO MY HOSTS, DELFINA ENTRECANALES AND
DIGBY SQUIRES OF THE DELFINA STUDIOS TRUST, FOR THEIR GENEROUS
HOSPITALITY IN MAKING THIS OCCASION POSSIBLE.
WE IN THE UNITED STATES REGARD WITH IMMENSE RESPECT THE
DISTINGUISHED TRADITION AND ACHIEVEMENT OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF
ART, ESTEEMED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO
ARTISTIC AND DESIGN EXCELLENCE. IT HAS THE UNIQUE DISTINCTION OF
BEING THE ONLY EXCLUSIVELY POST-GRADUATE INSTITUTION FOR ART AND
DESIGN EDUCATION THAT GRANTS MASTERS AND DOCTORAL DEGREES.
STUDENTS FROM OVER 60 COUNTRIES ARE PRIVILEGED TO STUDY HERE AND,
SINCE 1837, THIS GREAT INSTITUTION HAS MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION
IN GRADUATING THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST IN PAINTING,
PRINTMAKING, SCULPTURE, TAPESTRY AND BRONZE CASTING, NOT TO
MENTION AN OUTSTANDING GROUP IN DESIGN, CONSERVATION AND VISUAL
ARTS ADMINISTRATION.
I COME TO YOU THIS EVENING WITH A BACKGROUND IN ARTS AND
MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS PHILANTHROPY TO TALK
-1-
ABOUT A SUBJECT IMPORTANT TO MY LIFE AND CAREER, THE CHALLENGE
FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS TODAY. IN THE ALMOST 10 YEARS
THAT I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF DIRECTING THE POLLOCK-KRASNER
FOUNDATION, I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTIMATELY OBSERVE THE
CAREERS OF THOUSANDS OF VISUAL ARTISTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS
THEY STRUGGLE FOR RECOGNITION, ACHIEVEMENT AND STABILITY IN THEIR
LIVES. IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO US FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, THEY
HAVE SHARED WITH CANDOR AND DIGNITY THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS,
THE FULFILLED AND UNFULFILLED ASPIRATIONS OF THEIR EFFORTS TO
SURVIVE PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. THEIR STATEMENTS ARE A
MOVING AND OFTEN INSPIRING TESTIMONY TO THE COURAGE, COMMITMENT
AND DETERMINATION THAT ARE so OFTEN ESSENTIAL FOR AN ARTIST TO
REALIZE A MEANINGFUL LIFE IN HIS OR HER CHOSEN MEDIA. I DEEPLY
BELIEVE THAT FOR MOST ARTISTS, THE DECISION TO DEDICATE THEIR
LIVES TO THEIR ART, IS A NON NEGOTIABLE DETERMINATION THAT WILL
NOT BE ALTERED BY FRUSTRATION, REJECTION OR EVEN FAILURE.
TONIGHT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS AND
DIFFICULTIES ARTISTS CONFRONT WHICH I SHALL ATTEMPT TO ILLUSTRATE
BOTH ANECDOTALLY AND FACTUALLY. I WILL MAKE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS
AS TO HOW SOME OF THESE HURDLES AND DILEMMAS FACING ARTISTS CAN
BE REMEDIED AND, FINALLY, I SHALL COMMENT ON HOW OUR FOUNDATION
ATTEMPTS TO ADDRESS THESE NEEDS ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE LIMITED
ONLY BY THE FINITE RESOURCES AT OUR DISPOSAL TO MEET THE
OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
-2-
I SHOULD STATE AT THE OUTSET THAT, SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN
1985, THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION HAS BEEN PRIVILEGED TO AWARD
49 GRANTS IN GREAT BRITAIN TOTALLING OVER $549,000 TO PAINTERS,
SCULPTORS AND PRINTMAKERS IN LONDON, EDINBURGH, GLASGOW, CARDIFF,
BRISTOL, MIDDLESEX, NOTTINGHAM, NORFOLK, OXFORD, SOMERSET, SOUTH
WALES, AND LASTLY TYNE AND WEAR.
WE DESIRE TO ATTRACT MORE ARTISTS OF RECOGNIZABLE MERIT AND
NEED TO APPLY TO OUR GRANT PROGRAM, HENCE MY PLEASURE IN SPEAKING
TO YOU TONIGHT. I HOPE THE JOURNALISTS PRESENT WILL EXPAND OUR
OUTREACH TO QUALIFIED ARTISTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES FACING ARTISTS IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM ARE STRIKINGLY SIMILAR TO THOSE FACED BY THEIR COLLEAGUES
IN THE UNITED STATES AND INDEED IN MOST OTHER DEVELOPED
COUNTRIES. MUCH OF WHAT I WILL SAY TONIGHT ABOUT THE SITUATION
IN THE UNITED STATES IS EQUALLY RELEVANT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
AND VICE VERSA. I AM PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL FOR AN INFORMATIVE
AND USEFUL BOOK, THE ARTIST IN THE CHANGING CITY, PUBLISHED BY
THE BRITISH ARTS ASSOCIATION IN 1993, WHICH HAS BEEN AN
INVALUABLE RESOURCE FOR ME IN PREPARING THIS ADDRESS.
-3-
IN THE ARTS IN AMERICA, A REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT AND TO THE
CONGRESS, THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS, OUR FEDERAL ARTS
FUNDING AGENCY, NOTED THAT IN THE LAST TWO DECADES, THE NUMBER OF
ARTISTS IN ALL FIELDS HAS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED, BUT MOST
ARTISTS CANNOT MAKE AN ADEQUATE LIVING PRODUCING THEIR ART AND
MUST DO OTHER WORK, OFTEN HOLDING MORE THAN ONE OTHER JOB IN
ORDER TO SURVIVE. IT IS THE VALIANT STRUGGLE TO DO ONE'S ART, TO
HAVE THE TIME AND RESOURCES TO CREATE, THAT CONSTITUTE THE EVER
PRESENT DILEMMA AND CHALLENGE TO MOST ARTISTS' LIVES.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS ADDRESS, AND RESPECTING THE
COMPOSITION OF THIS AUDIENCE, I AM FOCUSING ON VISUAL ARTISTS BUT
IT IS A WELL DOCUMENTED FACT THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE RELEVANT TO
THE LIVES OF MOST PERFORMING ARTISTS AS WELL AS TO OTHER ARTISTIC
DISCIPLINES. THE ECONOMIC STUDY OF AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS BY THROSBY
& MILLS, PUBLISHED BY THE AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS' COUNCIL, REVEALED
THAT THE MAJOR IMPEDIMENTS CONFRONTING ARTISTS WERE THAT 41%
LISTED LACK OF TIME TO DO THEIR ART, 40% LACK OF MONEY, 11% LACK
OF SUPPLIES, AND 11% LACK OF WORK SPACE. OUR OWN EXPERIENCE AT
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION INDICATES THAT THESE STATISTICS
ARE EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE AND DO NOT REFLECT THE DEGREE OF
SEVERITY MOST ARTISTS FEEL.
-4-
THE DEVON STUDY OF THE ARTS COUNCIL OF GREAT BRITAIN
IDENTIFIED 723 ARTISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES WHERE 21% SPENT
75-100% OF THEIR WORK TIME ON THEIR PRINCIPAL ARTISTIC
OCCUPATION, 39% SPENT LESS THAN 25% OF THEIR TIME ON THEIR ART,
42% HAD BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR ONE WEEK OR MORE IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR
AND 71% WERE SELF-EMPLOYED. 45% EARNED NO INCOME OR LESS THAN
1,000 ENGLISH POUNDS FROM THEIR ART. THE AVERAGE YEARLY INCOME
FROM THEIR ART WAS 3,128 ENGLISH POUNDS.
JOAN JEFFRI, IN HER 1989 RESEARCH CENTER FOR ART AND CULTURE
PROJECT OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, IN NEW YORK, REVEALED THAT THE
MAJOR WORK-RELATED HUMAN AND SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS OF ARTISTS
INCLUDE: HEALTH CARE; HEALTH CARE INSURANCE (INCLUDING MAJOR
MEDICAL COVERAGE) ; LIFE INSURANCE; OBTAINING BANK LOANS AND
CREDIT; LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES; LIVING AND
WORKING SPACES; AND INCOME FOR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL NEEDS
FOR ONESELF AND FAMILY.
LET ME ILLUSTRATE FROM OUR POLLOCK-KRASNER FILES JUST A FEW
EXAMPLES OF THESE ALL TOO COMMON PROBLEMS WHICH CREATE ENORMOUS
STRESSES AND PRESSURES ON TALENTED ARTISTS WHO ARE DETERMINED TO
CONTINUE THEIR CAREERS.
-5-
A HIGHLY REGARDED SCULPTOR RECEIVED A GRANT PERMITTING HER
TO STOP WORKING LONG OVERTIME HOURS AT A COMMERCIAL ART FIRM AND
SPEND MORE TIME IN HER OWN STUDIO. SHE NOW HAS A NEW BODY OF
WORK TO SHOW DEALERS AND CURATORS INTERESTED IN HER CAREER.
A TALENTED PAINTER RECENTLY LOST HIS STUDIO AND WAS DIVORCED
AS HE WAS PREPARING FOR UPCOMING SHOWS LONG SOUGHT. A GRANT
STABILIZED HIS FINANCES THUS PERMITTING HIM TO FULFILL HIS
GALLERY COMMITMENTS.
A PAINTER RECENTLY HAD A CHILD REQUIRING HER TO MOVE HER
STUDIO OUT OF HER HOME. SHE LOST AN IMPORTANT EXHIBITION
OPPORTUNITY DUE TO A OF LACK OF FUNDS FOR A SEPARATE STUDIO SPACE
AND MATERIALS. A GRANT ALLOWED HER TO RENT A SPACE AND GET DAY
CARE FOR HER CHILD so THAT SHE COULD HAVE UNINTERRUPTED TIME IN
HER STUDIO. SHE HAS NOW BEEN FAVORABLY RECEIVED BY SEVERAL
PROMINENT GALLERIES AND CURATORS WHO HAVE VISITED HER STUDIO TO
SEE WORK IN PROGRESS.
A DISTINGUISHED ELDERLY ARTIST NEEDED MONEY TO PLAN A MAJOR
RETROSPECTIVE OF HIS WORK. A GRANT MADE THIS DESERVED EXHIBITION
POSSIBLE.
-6-
A PROMINENT SCULPTOR HAS RECEIVED SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITION
INVITATIONS ABROAD. A GRANT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO PURCHASE
CASTING MATERIALS AND TO TRAVEL TO THE HOST COUNTRIES FOR HIS
EXHIBITS.
AN ARTIST CRITICALLY ILL IN EASTERN EUROPE HAS RECEIVED
URGENTLY NEEDED MEDICAL CARE IN THE UNITED STATES, MADE POSSIBLE
BY A GRANT FROM OUR FOUNDATION.
AN AFRICAN ARTIST FORCED TO FLEE HIS COUNTRY, SOUGHT EXILE
IN A NEIGHBORING STATE AND RECEIVED A GRANT TO ESTABLISH A CAREER
AS A RESPECTED ARTIST IN A NEW CULTURAL SETTING.
HUNDREDS OF ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WRITE TO INFORM
US OF THE INSTABILITY OF THEIR INCOME, FLUCTUATING NOT ONLY IN
TERMS OF MONEY RECEIVED FOR THEIR ART, BUT ALSO FROM THEIR OTHER
EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN REGULAR EMPLOYMENT WHETHER AS TEACHERS,
CARPENTERS, TAXI DRIVERS, COMMERCIAL ARTISTS OR OTHER PROFESSIONS
AND TRADES. MANY COMPLAIN THAT THEIR ART HAS GONE OUT OF
FASHION. AND WITH GOOD REASON FOR THE ART MARKET IS VOLATILE,
UNPREDICTABLE AND ERRATIC AT BEST. NOW, WITH THE FALLING ART
MARKET, IT IS VERY DISTURBING TO SEE COUNTLESS EXAMPLES OF
ARTISTS WHO ONCE HAVING RECEIVED GOOD, IF NOT GENEROUS, INCOME
FROM ART SALES, HAVE LOST DEALERS AND DO NOT HAVE ANY INCOME AT
ALL FROM THE SALE OF THEIR ART.
-7-
ASIDE FROM THE VOLATILITY OF THE ART MARKET, THE HEALTH CARE
OF ARTISTS CONTINUES TO BE OF ONGOING CONCERN. THERE IS A NEW
DEVELOPMENT COMPOUNDING THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF ARTISTS WHICH IS
OF GREAT SEVERITY, NAMELY THE GLOBAL, PANDEMIC CRISIS OF AIDS.
THE TOLL OF THIS DEADLY DISEASE IN THE ARTISTIC COMMUNITY
INTERNATIONALLY HAS TRULY BEEN CATASTROPHIC. THE COST OF
TREATMENT FOR AIDS PATIENTS IS ENORMOUS, OFTEN EXCEEDING $150,000
TO $250,000 FOR A BRIEF TERMINAL ILLNESS. IN MOST CASES, WE HAVE
OBSERVED THAT ARTISTS DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE TO DEAL WITH THIS
CRISIS. WHILE MANY FOUNDATIONS SUPPORT AIDS RESEARCH, PREVENTION
AND TREATMENT, OUR FOUNDATION SADLY MAY BE THE ONLY FOUNDATION IN
THE UNITED STATES ACTUALLY GIVING GRANTS DIRECTLY TO INDIVIDUALS
WITH AIDS, PROVIDED THAT THEY MEET OUR ARTISTIC MERIT CRITERIA.
I HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY MOVED BY THE CONSTANT COMPLAINT OF
THE LONELINESS AND ISOLATION THAT IS ALL TOO OFTEN AN INTEGRAL
PART OF AN ARTIST'S LIFE. IN MANY CASES THE VISUAL ARTIST DOES
NOT HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP, IS NOT PART OF A NETWORK, AND DOES NOT
HAVE THE PEER REINFORCEMENT so SUPPORTIVE AND NECESSARY FOR
DEVELOPING A SENSE OF SELF ESTEEM AND SELF WORTH. ARTISTS ARE AS
VULNERABLE AS ANY SENSITIVE CREATIVE GROUP TO "INJUSTICE
COLLECTING." THEY CAN FEEL NARCISSISTICALLY WOUNDED AND ARE,
OFTEN FOR GOOD REASON, OVERWHELMED BY A SENSE OF ABANDONMENT,
REJECTION AND LACK OF APPRECIATION. THE PRICE OF THIS PSYCHIC
PAIN HAS CONTRIBUTED TO ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND EMOTIONAL AND
MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS.
-8-
WHILE SOME ARTISTS ARE CONTENT TO DO THEIR WORK WITHOUT
REGARD FOR EXPOSURE OR SALES, MOST ARTISTS DEEPLY DESIRE AND
DESERVE VISIBILITY AND RECOGNITION THROUGH REVIEWS, INDIVIDUAL
AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS, NOT TO MENTION SALES. OLDER ARTISTS ARE
LEGITIMATELY CONCERNED TO HAVE THEIR WORK DOCUMENTED AND
PRESERVED FOR POSTERITY. A POIGNANT NEW DIMENSION TO THIS
LEGITIMATE DESIRE HAS BEEN THE SAD FACT THAT TALENTED YOUNGER
ARTISTS HAVE BEEN DYING OF AIDS. THE ESTATE PROJECT FOR ARTISTS
WITH AIDS IN NEW YORK, WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE BASIC ADVICE ON
HOW TO BEGIN PLANNING FOR THE CARE OF ONE'S ART THAT WILL BE
PREMATURELY THE LEGACY OF YOUNGER ARTISTS.
JOAN JEFFRI, REFLECTING ON THE ARTIST'S PLACE IN SOCIETY,
MADE THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS INDICATING SOME OF THE STRESS,
FRUSTRATION AND STIGMA ARTISTS FEEL IN THEIR DESIRE TO COMMAND
RECOGNITION, RESPECT AND SIMPLY TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY "ALAS."
SAID ONE ARTIST, "MANY OF US ARE PERPETUAL, PERMANENT OUTSIDERS."
"WHAT INCENTIVES," COMPLAINED ANOTHER, "ARE THERE FOR YOUNG,
TALENTED ARTISTS TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING THEIR OWN WORK TO
MATURITY IN OUR 'THROWAWAY' SOCIETY WHEN THERE ARE ARTISTS LIKE
MYSELF RELEGATED TO RELATIVE OBSCURITY IN THEIR LATER PRODUCTIVE
YEARS?"
-9-
AND, FINALLY, AN ARTIST LAMENTS, "I AM FILLED WITH ANXIETY
FOR THE FUTURE AND RAGE AT OUR SOCIETY'S UNDERVALUING OF THE
ARTS. NEXT MONTH WE ALL GO ON UNEMPLOYMENT!"
THE ARTIST IN THE CHANGING CITY REPORT CITES THE INSTABILITY
OF ARTISTS' LIVES, THE FREQUENT NEED TO MOVE BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL
PRESSURES, WHICH, COMBINED WITH FLUCTUATIONS OF INCOME, CREATES
AN ENORMOUS DEGREE OF PRESSURE PARTICULARLY BY MID-LIFE, WHEN
REAL FEARS FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY ARE APPROPRIATE. ARTISTS
RARELY HAVE PENSIONS OR RETIREMENT PLANS ADEQUATE TO MEET THEIR
BASIC AND ARTISTIC PROFESSIONAL NEEDS.
VENUES FOR SHOWING ART ARE INCREASINGLY EXPANDING BEYOND
TRADITIONAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GALLERIES. ALTERNATIVE SPACES AND
OPEN STUDIOS SUCH AS THE CONTEMPORARY ART SOCIETY MARKET IN
LONDON AFFORD NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTIC AND CRITICAL
EXPOSURE.
RESIDENCY PROGRAMS ARE DEVELOPING INTERNATIONALLY AND NEW
STUDIO PROGRAMS OFFER CRITICALLY NEEDED SPACE TO PROMISING
ARTISTS. I AM HONORED TO BE A DIRECTOR OF THE DELFINA STUDIOS
TRUST, ESTABLISHED BY DELFINA ENTRECANALES, TO PROVIDE FREE
STUDIO SPACE FOR YOUNG ARTISTS IN LONDON, MANILVA, SPAIN AND NOW
IN SOHO, NEW YORK CITY.
-10-
AS IN THE UNITED STATES MOST PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SUBSIDY FOR
THE ARTS, WHETHER NATIONAL OR LOCAL, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION OR
INDIVIDUAL GOES TO ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, NOT TO INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS.
FUNDING SOURCES ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT AND
INSTITUTIONAL STABILITY THAN WITH THOSE WHO PRODUCE ART.
I HAVE BEEN PLEADING WITHOUT MUCH SUCCESS BACK IN THE UNITED
STATES THAT ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDERS INSIST THAT WHEN
ARTISTIC ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS APPLY FOR GRANTS, ARTISTS
FEES OR HONORARIA SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A FIXED NON NEGOTIABLE
ITEM IN THEIR CORE BUDGET. WE ALL KNOW THAT IN THE ATTRITION AND
CUTBACKS OF DECLINING FUNDING, THE FIRST ITEM TO GO IS OFTEN
DIRECT SUBSIDY TO ARTISTS.
THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED IN MOST COUNTRIES FOR SUBSIDIZED
HOUSING, HEALTH INSURANCE, (IN THE UNITED KINGDOM YOU ARE TO BE
APPLAUDED FOR YOUR NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM, SADLY NOT AVAILABLE
IN MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING MY OWN), TAX RELIEF AND MONEY FOR
ART SUPPLIES AND CASTING EXPENSES. FRANCE AND THE NETHERLANDS
SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS WITH A SPECIAL SOCIAL SECURITY
PROVISION OFFERING HEALTH CARE AS WELL AS PROVISIONS FOR THE
ELDERLY.
-11-
TAX BENEFITS ARE ALSO GIVEN TO ARTISTS IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS
GERMANY, WHERE ARTISTS PAY A LOW RATE OF VALUE ADDED TAX ON
WORKS SOLD, AND IN FRANCE WHERE NO VAT TAX IS REQUIRED WHEN AN
ARTIST SELLS HIS WORK DIRECTLY. IN IRELAND INCOME FROM SELLING
WORKS OF ART IS NOT SUBJECT TO TAX FOR THE ARTISTS.
AS THIS AUDIENCE FULLY REALIZES THERE ARE A VARIETY OF
AWARDS, PRIZES, GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE
INTERNATIONALLY. BESIDES THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION, WHICH I
WILL DESCRIBE IN SOME DETAIL LATER, THE ROCKEFELLER, GUGGENHEIM,
PEW, ADOLPH AND ESTHER GOTTLIEB, AS WELL AS THE RECENTLY
ESTABLISHED ELIZABETH FOUNDATION, ALL GIVE GRANTS TO INDIVIDUAL
ARTISTS. THE MARIE WALSH SHARPE ART FOUNDATION, LIKE THE DELFINA
STUDIOS TRUST, PROVIDES STUDIOS IN NEW YORK CITY AND HAS
ESTABLISHED AN ARTISTS' INFORMATION HOTLINE. I CAN COMMEND A
BOOK TO THIS AUDIENCE WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE
GRANTS: MONEY FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE IN THE ARTS. THIS
GUIDE, PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS IN NEW YORK
CITY, DESCRIBES GRANTS, AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES,
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
I SHOULD ALSO MENTION THE PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION AND THE
ARTS FOUNDATION IN GREAT BRITAIN WHO HAVE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS TO
SUBSIDIZE ARTISTS GIVING THEM TIME TO DO THEIR ART AS WELL AS TO
PURCHASE ARTISTS SUPPLIES AND PAY FOR CASTING EXPENSES.
-12-
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ARTISTS SEEKING GRANTS
CAREFULLY RESEARCH THE GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS OF ANY FUNDING
SOURCE WHETHER GOVERNMENTAL OR PRIVATE. ABOVE ALL, THE QUALITY
OF THE SLIDES SUBMITTED IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AS MANY A GOOD
ARTIST HAS BEEN REFUSED A GRANT BECAUSE THEIR POOR SLIDES HAVE
NOT SHOWN THEIR ART TO FAIR ADVANTAGE.
THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE STUDIO SPACE IS A MAJOR CONCERN OF
ARTISTS INTERNATIONALLY. THE RESTORATION OF OLD BUILDINGS,
WAREHOUSES AND LOFTS HAS BEEN A PARTIAL ANSWER TO THE DEMAND
WHETHER IN SOHO OR NOHO IN NEW YORK, MONTPARNASSE IN PARIS OR
ST. KATHERINE'S DOCK & BUTLER'S WHARF HERE IN LONDON.
HOME/STUDIOS OFTEN ARE THE ONLY AVAILABLE SPACE AND CAN BE A
TERRIBLE COMPROMISE ON BOTH THE FAMILY AND CAREER OF AN ARTIST.
MY TRIPS TO RUSSIA AND EASTERN EUROPE HAVE VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED
THIS POINT. THERE I HAVE SEEN THE IMPOSSIBLE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH
ARTISTS HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO WHERE A STUDIO BEDROOM AND KITCHEN
ARE ALL COMBINED IN ONE TINY ROOM - OFTEN WITH A CHILD.
AS THE BRITISH AMERICAN ARTS ASSOCIATION HAS DOCUMENTED,
PUBLIC STUDIOS IN COUNTRIES LIKE AUSTRIA, HOLLAND AND FRANCE
PROVIDE FOR STUDIOS WHERE ARTISTS LIVE AND WORK. IN BRITAIN
THERE HAS BEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENT ARTIST STUDIO
MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS ACME AND SPACE; ALSO WASPS IN
SCOTLAND.
-13-
OTHER NOTEWORTHY EXAMPLES OF INNOVATIVE NON PROFIT STUDIOS
INCLUDE THE PRIVATELY OWNED BALLS POND STUDIO AND THE BARBICAN
ARTS GROUP TRUST (BAGT), ONE OF LONDON'S OLDEST COLLECTIVES.
UNFORTUNATELY, AS OUR FOUNDATION HAS OFTEN HEARD ARTISTS WHO
BAND TOGETHER TO BUY A BUILDING DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE SUFFICIENT
KNOWLEDGE OF REAL ESTATE LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS AND LEASE
NEGOTIATIONS AND END UP IN LANDLORD-TENANT BATTLES REQUIRING
PROLONGED AND EXPENSIVE LEGAL ASSISTANCE.
AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFORMATION ON THE
PURPOSE, HISTORY, AND PROGRAM OF THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION.
AS ALL OF YOU KNOW, LEE KRASNER WAS A LEADING ABSTRACT
EXPRESSIONIST PAINTER AND THE WIDOW OF JACKSON POLLOCK. SHE DIED
IN 1984 AND LEFT HER ENTIRE ESTATE, EXCEPT FOR A FEW BEQUESTS, TO
ESTABLISH A FOUNDATION TO AID WORTHY AND NEEDY VISUAL ARTISTS
INTERNATIONALLY. GUIDED BY TWO DEVOTED FRIENDS, CO-TRUSTEES OF
HER ESTATE, HER LAWYER, GERALD DICKLER, A PROMINENT NEW YORK
ATTORNEY WHO REPRESENTED MANY WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS AND EUGENE
VICTOR THAW, A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE ART DEALER, CO-AUTHOR OF THE
JACKSON POLLOCK CATALOGUE RAISONNE AND HER ART ADVISOR, THE
FOUNDATION WAS TO BE ACTIVATED ON HER DEATH. MESSRS. DICKLER AND
THAW (CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT OF THE FOUNDATION RESPECTIVELY)
-14-
INVITED ME TO ASSUME MY PRESENT ROLE IN 1985. AS WE APPROACH OUR
10TH YEAR OF SERVICE, WE HAVE AWARDED $12,031,934 TO 1,126
ARTISTS IN 35 COUNTRIES.
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION'S DUAL CRITERIA FOR GRANTS
ARE RECOGNIZABLE ARTISTIC MERIT AND FINANCIAL NEED, WHETHER
PROFESSIONAL, PERSONAL OR BOTH. THE FOUNDATION'S MISSION IS TO
AID, INTERNATIONALLY, WORKING ARTISTS WHO HAVE EMBARKED ON
PROFESSIONAL CAREERS.
THE FOUNDATION WELCOMES, THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, APPLICATIONS
FROM VISUAL ARTISTS WHO ARE PAINTERS, SCULPTORS AND ARTISTS WHO
WORK ON PAPER, INCLUDING PRINTMAKERS.
THE FOUNDATION WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM COMMERCIAL
ARTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, VIDEO ARTISTS, FILMMAKERS, CRAFTS-MAKERS
OR ANY ARTIST WHOSE WORK PRIMARILY FALLS INTO THESE CATEGORIES.
WE DO HOWEVER ACCEPT ARTISTS WHO INCORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY WITHIN
THEIR PAINTING, SCULPTURE OR WORKS ON PAPER. WE DO NOT MAKE
GRANTS TO STUDENTS NOR FUND ACADEMIC STUDY.
THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS ARE ADVISED IN THE SELECTION
PROCESS BY A DISTINGUISHED COMMITTEE OF SELECTION COMPRISED OF
RECOGNIZED AUTHORITIES IN THE FIELDS OF THE FOUNDATION'S CONCERN.
THIS IS A ROTATING COMMITTEE MADE UP OF ARTISTS, MUSEUM
DIRECTORS, CURATORS AND CRITICS.
-15-
ARTISTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A COVER LETTER, AN
APPLICATION, AND SLIDES OF CURRENT WORK. ALL COMPLETED
APPLICATIONS ARE PROMPTLY ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONSIDERED. THE
REVIEW PROCESS MAY TAKE UP TO NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE, DEPENDING
UPON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE GRANT REQUEST.
WE ENCOURAGE APPLICATIONS FROM ARTISTS WHO HAVE GENUINE
FINANCIAL NEEDS THAT ARE NOT NECESSARILY CATASTROPHIC. GRANTS
ARE INTENDED FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD OF TIME. THE FOUNDATION WILL
CONSIDER NEED ON THE PART OF AN APPLICANT FOR ALL LEGITIMATE
EXPENDITURES RELATING TO HIS OR HER PROFESSIONAL WORK, PERSONAL
LIVING AND MEDICAL EXPENSES. THE SIZE AND LENGTH OF THE GRANT IS
DETERMINED BY THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE ARTIST. RECENT
GRANTS HAVE RANGED FROM $1,000 TO $30,000.
THE FOUNDATION DOES ACCEPT REQUESTS FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
FOR PROBLEMS OF A CATASTROPHIC NATURE; HOWEVER, NO APPLICATION
CAN PROCEED WITHOUT INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION. THIS IS A
REQUIREMENT UNDER UNITED STATES LAW THAT CANNOT BE WAIVED.
THE FOUNDATION DOES NOT MAKE GRANTS TO PAY FOR PAST DEBTS,
LEGAL FEES, THE PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE, OR TO PAY FOR THE COSTS
OF INSTALLATIONS, COMMISSIONS OR PROJECTS ORDERED BY OTHERS.
WITH VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS, THE FOUNDATION WILL NOT FUND TRAVEL
EXPENSES.
-16-
APPLICANTS MAY REAPPLY TO THE FOUNDATION, BOTH RECIPIENTS OF
GRANTS AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN REFUSED. HOWEVER, OUR PROCEDURE
REQUIRES THAT GRANTEES REAPPLY 12 MONTHS FROM THE END OF THEIR
GRANT PERIOD, AND REAPPLICANTS REAPPLY AT LEAST 12 MONTHS FROM
THE DATE OF THEIR APPLICATION LETTER. REAPPLICANTS APPLYING
UNDER EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WAIT THE 12-
MONTH PERIOD.
PAST RECIPIENTS OF OUR GRANTS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THE
FOUNDATION DOES NOT WISH TO BECOME AN INSTRUMENT OF EXTENDED OR
PERMANENT SUPPORT FOR PARTICULAR INDIVIDUALS. RECIPIENTS WHO
REAPPLY MUST HAVE EITHER GENUINE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS OR
CIRCUMSTANCES so CHANGED AS TO WARRANT A NEW APPROACH.
THE FOUNDATION CANNOT RESPOND TO APPLICATION REQUESTS BY
TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON. ARTISTS INTERESTED IN OBTAINING
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
SHOULD WRITE TO US.
WHILE WE WANT TO BE AS RESPONSIVE AS POSSIBLE TO THE
PROBLEMS OF OUR APPLICANTS, WE MUST RESPECT THE MANDATE OF THE
FOUNDATION TO AWARD GRANTS ONLY WHERE ARTISTIC MERIT AND
DOCUMENTABLE NEED ARE DEMONSTRATED. THE DRAMATIC ESCALATION OF
APPLICATIONS HAS UNAVOIDABLY CAUSED A TIME LAG BETWEEN RECEIPT OF
APPLICATION AND THE FINAL DECISION BY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS BUT
WE ARE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO SHORTEN THE PROCESS.
-17-
THE POLLOCK-KRASNER FOUNDATION CANNOT CONTINUE TO FUND THE
SAME ARTISTS NO MATTER HOW WORTHY AND LEGITIMATE THEIR ONGOING
NEEDS MAY BE, EXCEPT UNDER COMPELLING CIRCUMSTANCES. RATHER WE
MUST RATION OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES AMONG THE WIDEST APPROPRIATE
COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS INTERNATIONALLY.
MANY OF OUR ARTISTS HAVE RECEIVED INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITIONS AT
GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. AN ADDITIONAL NUMBER
OF OUR GRANTEES HAVE RECEIVED RESIDENCIES IN LEADING ART
COLONIES, AWARDS, PRIZES AND OTHER HONORS. THIS RECOGNITION
ENCOURAGES US TO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE HAD SOME MEASURE OF SUCCESS
IN ASSISTING DESERVING ARTISTS AS LEE KRASNER WOULD HAVE WANTED.
I DEEPLY APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU THIS
EVENING. THANK YOU.
This lecture was also given at
Circulo de Bellas Artes
Madrid, Spain
June 14, 1994
-18-
ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART
The Rector, Professor Anthony Jones
together with the Delfina Studio Trust
invite you to
"The Financial Challenge for Individual Artists Today:
The Pollock-Krasner Response"
A lecture by Charles Bergman
Executive Vice President of the Pollock-Krasner Foundation
on Monday 20 June 1994
at the Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, SW7
Guests will also have the opportunity to view the
Fine Art and Humanities Degree Show
RSVP
Telephone: 081 519 8841
6.30 pm
071 730 4888
Lecture Theatre One
La Fundación Delfina Studios tiene el gusto de invitarle a la conferencia que pronunciará
D. Charles Bergman. vicepresidente de la Fundación Pollock-Krasner:
"LOS RETOS DEL ARTISTA INDEPENDIENTE HOY EN DIA.
NUESTRA RESPUESTA"
CIRCULO DE BELLAS ARTES
14 de junio de 1994
Marques de Casa Riera. 2 MADRID
19.30 horas
HI Circulo de Bellas Artes eath financiado our el Consorcio del mismo nombre. integrado one 13 propis entitled.
el Ministerio de Cultura. la Comunidad de Madnu V el Avuntamiento de Madnu
Sala de Columnas
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 13, 1994
Rev. Dr. Charles V. Bergstrom
21 Sierra Way
W. Yarmouth, MA 02673
Dear Chuck:
Thank you for your kind note and for the copy of Vitality.
It is always intersting to see the way some people view the
President's Health Security Act. I'm sending along some of our
booklets, which do an excellent job of explaining our positions.
I'm glad you got to see the President and Hillary. They really
enjoyed the event, even though it was so warm.
Thanks again for writing. It's always good to hear from
you. Love to Lois.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne me Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
1 tope well
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 16, 1995
His Emminence
Joseph Cardinal Bernadin
Archdiocese of Chicago
155 East Superior
Chicago, IL 60011
Dear Cardinal Bernadin:
Enclosed is a photo from your visit with
Mrs. Clinton last summer. She truly enjoyed
the opportunity to meet with you and looks
forward to more such occassions.
Please accept our best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
he Do appreciated me
chance to visit with you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
January 5, 1995
Anne K. Bingaman, Esq.
Assistant Attorney General
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
10th & Constitution Avenues, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20530
Dear Anne:
Thank you for sharing with us the
news of the consent decree against Vision
Services Plan. This is certainly good
news for the consumer and a real
contribution to health care cost
containment. Your leadership is valued.
With best wishes for the New Year, I
remain
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hope 1995 is a blessed
year for the Bingamans.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1994
Ms. Marsha Birnbaum
5479 Wingborne Court
Columbia, MD 21045
Dear Ms. Birnbaum:
Thank you for your letter and for taking the time to share
your experiences with us. The President's plan for health care
reform attempts to address the rising cost of health care and the
impact of these costs on families like yours. Cost containment
is essential for lasting, meaningful health care reform in this
country.
Thank you again for writing and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
American Anne Bartley
Assistant to the Deputy
Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
Sent 7/22/914
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 15, 1994
Inese Birzniece
Human Rights Commission, Chair
Jekaba iela 16
Riga, LV 1811
Latvija
Dear Ms. Birzniece:
Thank you for the beautiful Latvian cross-
stitch bookmarkers. The workmanship and design of
the markers are exquisite and will serve as a
wonderful reminder of our meeting.
It was a pleasure to meet you. It was
readily apparent from your remarks that you are
deeply committed to the work which you are doing
to advance women's rights and I found your
comments most inspiring.
Again, thank you, and best wishes in your
endeavors.
Sincerely,
Hillary
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 6, 1995
Dr. George Blackburn
Chief, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory
New England Deaconess Hospital
194 Pilgrim Road
Boston, MA 02215
Dear Dr. Blackburn:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for
writing and for sharing with us your thoughts
about linking preventive medicine with a
middle-class tax cut. The savings that can
be achieved through preventive medicine are
well documented and the means you suggest for
implementing more extensive preventive
measures are very interesting.
Thank you again for writing and best
wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. It
was a pleasure to meet you.
Sincerely yours,
Me Melanne Verveer
were
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
DEC 14 '94 03:53PM 617 730 5534 CRI
P.
Deaconess
Hospital
R
Department of Surgery
New England Deaconess Hospital
Associate Professor of Surgery
George L. Blackburn, M.D., Ph.D.
194 Pilgrim Road
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Chief, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory
(617) 632-8543
Cancer Research Institute
Fax (617) 632-0235
facsimile
TRANSMITTAL
ATTENTION: Ms. Margaret Williams
to:
Mrs. Hilary Rodham Clinton
from:
George L. Blackburn, M.D., Ph.D.
fax #: 202-456-6244
Middle Class Tax Cut.
re:
date:
12/14/94
pages:
page(s) total, including this cover sheet 6
I had the pleasure of meeting with Mrs. Clinton at the launch of the
Koop Foundation's program, SHAPE UP AMERICA, together with Dr. Koop and
Ernat Wynder, M.D. President of the American Health Foundation.
Melaane Verveer was the Administrative Assistant for this event. (She may
regall: that I presented a picture of my look-alike wife, Dr. Kelly, and our
adopted Romanian orphan, Valeria Blackburn.
From the desk of...
I hope this idea is of value to the administration, particularly
Mrs. Clinton
Joan Long
tel:
fax:
"...where science and kindliness unite..."
DEC 14 '94 03:54PM 617 730 5534 CRI
P.2
Deaconess
Hospital
Department of Surgery
New England Deaconess Hospital
Associate Professor of Surgery
George L. Blackburn, M.D., Ph.D.
194 Pilgrim Road
Harvard Medical School
Chief, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Cancer Research Institute
(617) 632-8543
Fax (617) 632-0235
December 14, 1994
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
RE: Finding the Money for the
Middle Class Tax Cut
Linkage with Preventive
Health and SHAPE UP AMERICA
Dear Mrs Clinton,
Your commitment to Preventive Health, particularly children's health and
immunization, and your support of the C.Everett Koop Foundation campaign to
SHAPE UP AMERICA THROUGH A HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR LIFE provides a unique
opportunity to re-direct 50 billion dollars of health savings though Preventive Health
to pay for the Middle Class Tax Cut. This would also apply to those who want a
"Means Test", e.g., an incremental improvement in your preventive health "Report
Card" would earn you the tax cut. Properly communicated, this would be
acceptable to most Americans. The goal would be a modest, incremental
improvement in your preventive health report card such as immunization, physical
fitness, healthy diet, healthy weight, safety belts, alcohol and smoking cessation,
etc. The American Health Foundation, Ernest Wydner, President, has an
appropriate "Health Pass Port". Dr. Koop and the Koop Institute in Public Health at
Dartmouth as well as the Koop Foundation could be the messenger. Together with
its Blue Ribbon partners of most professional societies and volunteer health
associations, they could get the preventive medicine "Means Test" accomplished.
Who would lead the campaign? The children who are to be the beneficiary
of the tax cut. Already we recruit them for smoking and alcohol cessation for
themselves and their families. They are a key target of Shape Up America.
I believe the resources of Government, particularly the U.S. Preventive Task
Force, and other agencies of HHS (CDC/NIH/HCFA), the Treasury Department and
the White House Office on Physical Fitness, Science and Technology, etc., would
make this a reality. Development of this vision and a related strategic initiative will
"...where science and kindliness unite..."
DEC 14 '94 03:54PM 617 730 5534 CRI
P.3
accomplice the mission. Funding the Middle Class tax cut of $500/child or scale
that will reward realistic preventive medicine goals particularly as articulated by the
SHAPE UP AMERICA plan, the immunization programs and the Preventive Medicine
initiatives of the U.S. Preventive Health Task Force.
$50 billion dollars is but 5% of the National Health Budget. This saving
would be provided fairly by all health care trust funds, e.g., Medicare, Medicaid,
insurance companies and employers. Thus, this linkage between Preventive Health
and the Middle Class Tax Cut could achieve two important goals of value to most
Americans.
Mrs. Clinton, this initiative can only be accomplished by you; I hope it
matches your goals. I can't imagine a better source of funding for the Middle Class
Tax Cut than savings in medical expenditures by the middle class family (parents
and children); they are the ones who need to implement the U.S. Preventive Health
objectives and have the ability to do so.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I know it is late notice but it
would certainly be exciting if this idea could be the solution to President Clinton's
message on the topic of a Middle Class Tax Cut on Tursday night.
Sincerely,
Perso JBDalbum
George L. Blackburn, M.D., Ph.D.
Member, Scientific Advisory Group for
SHAPE UP AMERICA,
Co-Investigator with Dr. Ernst Wynder
on a National Cancer Institute
Breast Cancer Prevention Trial
Enclosures:
Dupont Estimate of Lifestyle, Illness, Cost per Employee
Deaconess Health Risk Assessment
SUA/Clinton/Tax
DEC 14 '94 03:55PM 617 730 5534 CRI
P.4
Blackburn, G.L.
2. Preventive Medicine is emerging as the most effective healthcare cost
containment strategy available.
3. Preventive Medicine is the systematic identification of controllable health risk
factors and the consistent utilization of economic and emotional "carrots and
sticks" to reduce the risk factors.
4. From economic and medical perspectives, it turns out that obesity is the most
important controllable health risk factor to diagnose and reduce.
This conclusion is based on the best kept medical secret around, that is, "When
you diagnose and treat obesity, everything else gets better."
That is, as excess body fat is diagnosed and treated, other risk factors improve
significantly.
In one study with a population of 45,976 Du Pont employees, mean annual excess
illness costs were calculated for seven behavioral risks, controlling for the
remaining six risks, age, education and pay category (R.L. Bertera, Journal of
Occupational Medicine, November 1991).
These seven controllable risk factors in descending order of economic
importance were:
Annual Excess
Risk Factor
Illness Costs
1) Current smoking
$960
2) Obesity
400
3) Excess alcohol intake
388
*
4) Elevated cholesterol
369
5) High blood pressure
343
6) Inadequate seat belt use
272
*
7) Lack of exercise
130
*
Indicates risk factors impacted by the diagnosis and treatment of
obesity with theoretical excess illness cost savings of $1,630 in this
model.
The evidence continues to accumulate that, from an economic perspective, obesity
is the number one controllable health risk factor in the U.S.
DEC 14 '94 03: 55PM 617 730 5534 CRI
Blackburn, P.5 U.L.
Deaconess Team Health
Health Risk Appraisal Questionnaire
MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
This Health Risk Appraisal is an awareness tool. As the first step to a healthier lifestyle, it
Use a No. 2 Pencil ONLY.
$ designed to acquaint you with the various aspects of your lifestyle and family history that
ca
ct your health. It is not a substitute for the advice and counsel of your personal
Make dark heavy marks that fill the box
The results of your Health Risk Appraisal are only as accurate as the information
completely.
oh
you have provided. You MUST answer every question to receive a print out.
Erase unwanted marks cleanly.
Make no stray marks on this answer sheet.
The Deaconess policy of strict confidentiality of medical records applies equally to all
medical information pertaining to employees. Information contained in this report will not be
PROPER MARK
IMPROPER MARKS
X
provided to your department or your supervisor and it will not be considered in making any
employment decisions. Information contained in this report will be provided to only
you.
SIDE 1
1. What is your sex?
1.
Male
Female
2. What is your race/ethnic background?
2.
White (Non-Hispanic)
African-American
Hispanic
Asian or Pacific Islander
Other
3. What is your age?
3.
Under 40 years old
40. 49 years old
50 years or older
4. What is the highest level of school that you have completed?
4.
Did not finish high school
High school
Junior college/Technical degree program
College
Graduate school
5. Do you smoke a pipe, a cigar, or use smokeless (chewing) tobacco?
5.
Yes
No
6. Do you smoke cigarettes?
6.
Yes, more than 2 packs a day
No. I quit
Yes, 1. 2 packs a day
Never
Yes, less than 1 pack a day or occasionally
Do you have an immediate family history (including parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents) of:
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
7. Heart disease/stroke
7.
8. Diabetes
8.
9. Cancer
9.
10. Alcohol/drug dependency
10.
11. High blood pressure
11.
12. High cholesterol
12.
Do you have a history of:
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
13. Heart attack/stroke
13.
14. Diabetes
14.
15, Cancer
15,
16. Alcohol/drug dependency
16.
17. High blood pressure
17.
18. High cholesterol
18.
19. Other
19.
20. How often do you have a complete check-up by a physician?
20.
Every year
Only when sick
Every 3 years
Never
Less often than every 3 years
21. Have you had an unplanned gain or loss of 5 pounds or more in the last 5 years?
21.
Yes
No
22. If "yes" to question #21, have you:
22.
Gained 25 pounds or more
Gained 10 24 pounds
Gained 5. 9 pounds
Lost 25 pounds or more
Lost 10 24 pounds
Lost 5 - 9 pounds
23. During any 2-year period (excluding pregnancy), have you lost 20 or more pounds and
23.
Yes
then regained more than half of the weight back?
No
24. How often do you do 20 or more minutes of aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, cycling,
24.
At least 3 times a week
Less than once a week
etc.)?
Once to twice a week
Rarely or never
25. How often do you use seat belts when you drive or ride in a car?
25.
Always
Sometimes
Never
26. Do you ride a motorcycle or a blcycle without a helmet?
26.
Yes
No
27. On the average, how many alcoholic drinks do you have each week (beer, wine, liquor)?
27.
None, or less than one a week
1 7 drinks per week
8 - 14 drinks per week
15 or more drinks per week
2
you ever felt you ought to cut down on drinking?
28.
Yes
No
29. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
29.
Yes
No
30. Have you ever been worried or concerned about your drinking?
30.
Yes
No
31. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a
31.
Yes
hangover (eve-opcner)?
No
CP92-0907 Printed in the D.S.A. (C1.VP)
DEC 14 '94 03:56PM 617 730 5534 CRI
P.6
REMINDER
PROPER MARK
IMPROPER MARKS
SIDE 2
32 Do you ever find yourself worrying about something days after it happened?
32.
Always
Sometimes
Frequently
Rarely
Often
Never
low do you think you handle stress?
33.
Worse than most
About the same as most
Better than most
34. How often does stress cause of worsen any physical symptoms you have?
34.
Always
Sometimes
Frequently
Rarely
Often
Never
35. How much do these physical symptoms interfere with your life?
35.
Always
Sometimes
Frequently
Rarely
Often
Never
36. How much stress do you experience from symptoms of illness?
36.
Great amount
Small amount
Moderate amount
None
37. Do you take over the counter medication (aspirin, allergy remedies, nasal sprays, etc.)?
37.
Yes
No
38. Do you take prescription medications?
38.
Yes
No
39. During the past year, have you visited a physician other than for your routine physical?
39.
Yes
No
40. During the past year, how many times have you required treatment from a health care
40.
5 or more times
2 times
4 times
1 time
professional other than a physician?
3 times
Never
41. During the last year, have you been hospitalized overnight? (Please exclude pregnancy)
41.
Yes
No
WOMEN ONLY
WOMEN ONLY
42. How often do you practice breast self-exam?
42.
Never
Less than once a month
At least once a month
43. Do you have an immediate family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter)?
43.
Yes
No
Don't know
Have you had your breasts examined by a physician?
44.
Within the last year
Within the last 2 - 3 years
More than 3 years ago
Never
45. Have you had a mammogram (x-ray) of your breasts?
45.
Within the last year
Within the last 2 . 3 years
More than 3 years ago
Never
46. When was the last time you had a Pap test? (This Is a test done during an internal exam to
46.
Within the last year
detect cervical cancer.)
Within the last 2 . 3 years
More than 3 years ago
Never
LOW THIS LINE
FEET (mark one)
HEIGHT
INCHES (mark one)
WEIGHT
(mark one)
(mark one)
(mark one)
WAIST
(mark one)
(mark one)
HIP
(mark one)
(mark one)
SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE
(mark one)
(mark one)
ag
(mark one)
(mark one)
THE
DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE
(mark one)
(mark one)
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
(mark one)
Ciris
(mark one)
(mark one)
BLOOD GLUCOSE
(mark one)
(mark one)
(mark one)
NUMBER
(mark one)
(mark one)
(mark one)
(mark one)
DO NOT MARK HERE
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
© New England Deaconess Hospital. Boston, MA. 1991
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1994
Mr. Hal Blagbrough
Blagbrough Galleries, Inc.
1949 Wright Street at 20th
3rd Floor
St. Louis, MO 63107-3832
Dear Mr. Blagbrough:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter to Mrs. Clinton. Your
kind words of support mean so much to her. She understands your
concerns about the need for health care reform and gun control.
They are issues that the President has been working very hard to
address.
Thank you again for the time that you took to provide her
with your views and for your support of the Administration's
efforts.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 17, 1994
Ms. Elizabeth Blake
Law Offices of E.F. Blake & Assoc.
PO Box 306
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Dear Ms. Blake:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for your fax and your
suggestion to examine the relationship between worker's
compensation and health care reform. The Administration supports
shared responsibility between employers and employees, and hopes
that in the future workers' compensation insurance can be
coordinated with other health insurance so that employees can
receive all care through their health plan.
Your comments and suggestions are especially important as we
continue our efforts to achieve lasting, meaningful health care
reform in this country. Thanks again for writing and best
wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Cove Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 4, 1994
Ms. Candace Block
Visions: The Women's Expo
1717 Stewart Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Dear Candace:
Thank you for your letter regarding the important work of
Visions: The Women's Expo. Mrs. Clinton appreciates your
invitation to be the keynote speaker at your annual convention
this year in Washington. Regrettably, she will not be able to
accept your kind invitation. However, she wishes you and all who
are associated with the Expo a most rewarding event.
Thank you again for your kind invitation.
Sincerely yours,
mee Veenee
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 22, 1994
Dr. Marvin Boris
Dr. Gayle Boris
Dr. Stanley Weindorf
Ms. Bonnie Lasinski
77 Froehlich Farm Boulevard
Woodbury, NY 11797
Dear Doctors Boris, Dr. Weindorf, and Ms. Lasinski:
Mrs. Clinton thanks you for your letter and the information
on lymphedema therapy. She appreciates your taking the time to
explain lymphedema and the costs associated with treating this
disease. The President's plan for health care reform does not
cover particular therapies, but instead leaves the decision as to
what treatment is best in a particular case to doctors and
patients while assuring coverage for broad categories of
services.
Thank you again for writing and for supporting the
Administration's efforts to achieve lasting, meaningful health
care reform in this country. Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Mene Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
Melanne Verveer to whom it may concern [Personally Identifiable
12/30/1994
b(6)
Information] [partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 10252
FOLDER TITLE:
MV Correspondence A-G 1994 [loose] [1]
2013-0534-S
rc3030
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 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.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 30, 1994
RE: SS Amanda Deaver [001]
(b)(6)
To whom it may concern:
I write to recommend Amanda Deaver for admission to the
Boston College Law School for the Fall 1995 semester.
I worked with the applicant during the Presidential
Transition from November 1993 to January 20, 1993. I am also
familiar with her work as a member of the advance staff during
the 1992 presidential campaign. I have beeh impressed by
Amanda's maturity, seriousness of purpose, intellectual curiosity
and commitment to public service. She is extremely hard working,
dependable and capable. She also possesses a common sense that
belies her years.
During the past serveral years, Amanda has engaged in a
variety of serious activities related to issue advocacy and
political interests that reflect her concerns for community and
public policy. These pursuits and her dedication to public
service have heightened her interest in the study of the law and
in acquiring the skills that come with formal legal training.
I also know from my former colleagues at People For the
American Way, a constitutional liberties organization where I
served as Executive Director, that the applicant, in her work
there, demonstrated excellent research skills and a keen interest
in grappling with some of the important constitutional questions
of our time.
I have spent years working with law student interns and
lawyers in many different capacities and I am confident that
Amanda will make an excellent law student and bring much credit
to your institution. I highly recommend her, without
reservation, for admission to the Boston College Law School.
Sincerely yours,
mede Melanne Verveer
Deputy Assistant to the
President and Deputy Chief
of Staff to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 8, 1994
Sandra Bouchard
Director of Special Projects/Risk Management
Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital
76 Summer Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
Dear Ms. Bouchard:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for inviting her to be
the keynote speaker during the celebration of National
Rehabilitation Week. Unfortunately, she will be unable to accept
your invitation. Your thoughtfulness and support for her work on
health care reform issues mean a great deal to her.
Please accept my best wishes for a successful National
Rehabilitation Week celebration and for the continued success of
the important services provided by the Whittier Rehabilitation
Hospital.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer Un
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 18, 1994
Mr. Charles Boulé
Co-Director
Cystic Fibrosis Alliance
P.O. Box 4213
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338
Dear Mr. Boulé:
Thank you for writing and for sending the information on
cystic fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Alliance is meeting a
crucial need in our health care system by providing education
about cystic fibrosis and about the needs of people with cystic
fibrosis. We share your goal of providing health insurance
security for cystic fibrosis patients and all Americans.
Thanks again for writing and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Mine Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 24, 1994
Mr. Harry Boyte
Humphrey Center
301 - 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Dear Harry:
It was a pleasure to hear from you, and I appreciate having
your thoughts on the important link between citizenship and the
health care campaign. The themes of public participation and
civic vision are certainly revelant to the health debate. Your
views are very helpful as we continue our efforts to achieve
lasting, meaningful health care reform in this country.
Thank you again. Best wishes for a happy New Year.
Sincerely herely yours yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 10, 1994
Mr. Bernard Braem
Ambassade de France
Service Culturel
4101 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20001-2178
Dear Mr. Braem:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for
sending her the information on Nelly Kaplan.
She hopes that the screening of "Plaisir
d'Amour" went well.
Thank you again for your thoughtfulness
and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
mee we
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 4, 1994
Dr. Burt Brent
2995 Woodside Road
Suite 300
Woodside, CA 94062-2401
Dear Dr. Brent:
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding health
insurance coverage, under the administration's approach, for
children who suffer from congenital microtia. We appreciate
hearing your experience, which is very helpful as we work to
achieve lasting, meaningful health care reform in this country.
Your encouragement and support of our efforts to reform the
American health care system is gratifying. Thank you again for
bringing this issue to our attention.
Sincerely yours,
me Ken
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 16, 1994
Ms. Dawn Briggs-White
Director of Governmental Affairs
Jackson Memorial Hospital
1611 N.W. 12th Avenue, West Wing 117
Miami, FL 33136-1094
Dear Ms. Briggs-White:
Thank you for sending me the copy of the CBS Evening News
"Eye on America Segment." It was insightful and interesting.
The Ryder Trauma Center is doing important work.
Thank you again for sending me the video tape. Your hard
work is important as we continue our efforts to achieve lasting,
meaningful health care reform in this country. Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 20, 1994
Agustus Oliver Brown
Health Care Benefits Trust Fund
2655 Glendower Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1114
Dear Ms. Brown:
Mrs. Clinton asked me to thank you for sharing your
suggestion of a health care demonstration project in the County
of Los Angeles. We also recognize the importance of cost
containment in the future of health care. The Administration
greatly values your ideas as we seek to achieve lasting,
meaningful health care reform in this country.
Thank you also for the brochure and kind invitation to visit
the Ennis-Brown House. It is obviously one of our nations
cultural treasures. Your support and encouragement are greatly
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Men Melanne Verveer we
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1994
Mr. Augustus Oliver Brown
Health Care Benefits Trust Fund
2655 Glendower Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1114
Dear Mr. Brown:
Thank you for your letter and for taking
the time to share your ideas of an
alternative to deal with the "deadlock" on
health care reform. We appreciate and
welcome your continued input.
Best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Minae Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady