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American Legislative Exchange Council, 4/28/89
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Document No. 030267
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 04/25/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/26
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
(04/25 Draft One )
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE ok
R
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
P
DARMAN See Com
STUDDERT
BATES see Corn
>
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
PINKERTON
>
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BENNETT
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston, (Rm. 122, x2930), with an info copy to my office, by
2:00 on Wednesday, 04/26. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(SMITH)
April 25 1989
Draft One
ALEC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
APRIL 28, 1989
Congressman Halbrook, Mr. Brunelli, ladies and gentlemen,
friends -- Democratic and Republican -- and I do mean friends.
I'm always delighted to meet with this nation's largest
membership organization of state legislators. And in particular,
Sam, let me congratulate you on this splendid turnout.
You know, a politician once reminded me of the saying,
"Problems are really opportunities in disguise." But then he
added, laughing, "There are times I feel there are more
opportunities running around in disguise than I really deserve!"
It's true: Problems can get the upper hand. Our
task is to confront them, and turn them into opportunities that
are real.
That means realizing that in terms of problem-solving,
Washington -- unlike Robert Young -- does not automatically Know
Best.
Above all, it means cooperation -- between the public and
private sectors; between the Executive branch, Congress, and the
States. For our problems are too severe for bickering.
We see that kind of cooperation in our bipartisan budget
agreement with Congress to reduce the deficit. This accord will
2
narrow it to $99.4 billion in the Fiscal Year that begins October
1. That's far below the $163 billion estimated for the current
fiscal year.
I have said I like what works. This agreement works. Yes,
the plan's an outline -- rough talks still lie ahead. But our
accord is ahead of schedule, on target with Gramm-Rudman, and
with my 'no-new-taxes' pledge intact.
You know, in America nothing is impossible. Perhaps former
major-leaguer Craig Nettles put it best. "When I was a little
boy," he said, "I wanted to be a baseball player and join the
circus. With the Yankees I've accomplished both."
Well, deficit reduction can help achieve our goals. It will
lower interest rates, lift savings rates, and help business
invest. And so will another step that we can take together. I
refer to restoring the capital gains differential.
Our plan supports reducing the capital gains differential to
15 per cent on long-held assets -- a step which, according to
Treasury estimates, will raise $4.8 billion in new revenue. This
revenue will create new jobs. And help reduce the deficit.
These steps must originate with the Federal government. But
there are other problems best solved at the local level -- with
support from Uncle Sam.
In child care, for instance, our Administration's new
initiative puts money in the hands of low-income families, limits
Federal intervention, and increases options. Here, we say: "Let
the parents decide."
3
Just this week, I've been talking about how States,
localities, and the Federal government can help stem drug abuse.
Here, we say: "Teamwork can help America get clean, and stay
clean."
And recently, we unveiled an education program which
parallels many of your suggestions. Like you, we want to reward
achievement, demand accountability, and spur flexibility and
choice. We support alternative certification. And awards for
the best teachers in every State. Here, we say: "The pursuit of
excellence is central to America."
I'm talking, here, about cooperation. About America as a
family, and our role as family members.
Yes, the Federal government will help, and lead. But we
will act as a partner. For America's genius doesn't lie solely,
or even mostly, in Washington, D.C. It resides in Wilmington and
Winnetka
...
in Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine
in
the people, and in you -- the people's trustees.
Will Rogers once said, "I love a dog. He does nothing for
political purposes." My friends, let us, too, rise above
politics to serve the public. And, together, let us build a
better, more decent, more prosperous land.
Thank you for coming here, God bless you all, and God bless
America.
# # # #1
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE
EXCHANGE COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
APRIL 28, 1989
REPRESENTATIVE HALBROOK, MR. BRUNELLI, LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN, FRIENDS -- DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN -- AND
I DO MEAN FRIENDS.
- 2 -
I'M ALWAYS DELIGHTED TO MEET WITH ONE OF THIS
NATION'S LARGEST ORGANIZATIONS OF STATE LEGISLATORS.
AND, SAM, LET ME CONGRATULATE YOU ON THIS SPLENDID
TURNOUT.
IN PARTICULAR, I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR
PAST SUPPORT. AND FOR YOUR ADHERENCE To TRADITIONAL
VALUES -- BOTH HERE AND ABROAD.
- 3 -
YOUR CONSERVATIVE, FREE-ENTERPRISE AGENDA IS
HELPING US RETURN POWER TO THE PEOPLE. AND ON ISSUES
LIKE FEDERALISM, TAX POLICY, EDUCATION AND THE
ENVIRONMENT, YOU'RE HELPING KEEP AMERICA No. 1.
You KNOW, A POLITICIAN ONCE REMINDED ME OF THE
SAYING, "PROBLEMS ARE REALLY OPPORTUNITIES IN
DISGUISE." BUT THEN HE ADDED, LAUGHING, "THERE ARE
TIMES I FEEL THERE ARE MORE OPPORTUNITIES RUNNING
AROUND IN DISGUISE THAN I REALLY DESERVE!"
III
- 4 -
It's TRUE: PROBLEMS CAN GET THE UPPER HAND. OUR
TASK IS TO CONFRONT THEM -- AS YOU DO, DAILY -- AND
TURN THEM INTO OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE REAL.
THAT MEANS REALIZING THAT IN TERMS OF PROBLEM-
SOLVING, WASHINGTON -- UNLIKE ROBERT YOUNG -- DOES NOT
AUTOMATICALLY KNOW BEST.
- 5 -
ABOVE ALL, IT MEANS COOPERATION -- BETWEEN THE
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS; BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE
BRANCH, CONGRESS, AND THE STATES. FOR OUR PROBLEMS ARE
TOO SEVERE FOR BICKERING.
WE SEE THAT KIND OF COOPERATION IN OUR BIPARTISAN
BUDGET AGREEMENT WITH CONGRESS TO REDUCE THE DEFICIT.
- 6 -
THIS ACCORD WILL NARROW IT TO $99.4 BILLION IN THE
FISCAL YEAR THAT BEGINS OCTOBER 1. THAT'S FAR BELOW
THE $163 BILLION ESTIMATED FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.
I HAVE SAID I LIKE WHAT WORKS. THIS AGREEMENT
WORKS. YES, THE PLAN'S AN OUTLINE -- ROUGH TALKS STILL
LIE AHEAD. BUT OUR ACCORD IS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, ON
TARGET WITH GRAMM-RUDMAN, AND I KEPT MY 'NO-NEW-TAXES'
PLEDGE.
- 7 -
You KNOW, IN AMERICA NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.
PERHAPS FORMER MAJOR-LEAGUER CRAIG NETTLES PUT IT BEST.
"WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY," HE SAID, "I WANTED TO BE A
BASEBALL PLAYER AND JOIN THE CIRCUS. WITH THE YANKEES
I'VE ACCOMPLISHED BOTH."
WELL, DEFICIT REDUCTION CAN HELP ACHIEVE OUR GOALS.
IT WILL LOWER INTEREST RATES, LIFT SAVINGS RATES, AND
HELP BUSINESS INVEST.
- 8 -
AND so WILL A SECOND STEP THAT WE CAN TAKE TOGETHER. I
REFER To RESTORING THE CAPITAL GAINS DIFFERENTIAL.
Now, I'VE HEARD, AS YOU HAVE, THOSE PEOPLE WHO
CRITICIZE CUTTING THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX AS SOMEHOW A
"TAX BREAK" FOR THE RICH. You KNOW WHAT? THEY
COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG.
- 9 -
OUR PLAN SUPPORTS REDUCING THE CAPITAL GAINS
DIFFERENTIAL TO 15 PER CENT ON LONG-HELD ASSETS -- A
STEP WHICH, ACCORDING TO TREASURY ESTIMATES, WILL RAISE
$4.8 BILLION IN NEW REVENUE IN FY 1990. LOWERING THE
CAPITAL GAINS DIFFERENTIAL WILL ENCOURAGE THE SAVINGS
AND INVESTMENT NEEDED TO CREATE NEW JOBS AND HELP
REDUCE THE DEFICIT.
- 10 -
OURS IS A STRUGGLE FOR A MORE PROSPEROUS AMERICA.
WE CAN WIN IT, AND WE WILL. BUT THERE IS ANOTHER
STRUGGLE THAT WE MUST WAGE, AND WIN. IT IS AMERICA'S
WAR ON DRUGS.
MY FRIENDS, I'VE JUST RETURNED FROM A FOUR-DAY TRIP
WHERE I SPOKE, FROM Los ANGELES To MIAMI, TO AMERICANS
DEEPLY INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS. I WILL
TELL YOU WHAT I TOLD THEM: THE SCOURGE OF DRUGS MUST,
AND WILL, STOP.
- 11 -
Two MONTHS AGO, BEFORE A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS,
I ASKED FOR AN INCREASE OF $1 BILLION IN BUDGET OUTLAYS
-- TO NEARLY $6 BILLION IN 1990 -- TO ESCALATE OUR WAR.
SOME MONEY WILL BE USED TO EXPAND TREATMENT TO THE
POOR, AND TO ADDICTED YOUNG MOTHERS. AND SOME MONEY
WILL BE USED TO CUT THE WAITING TIME FOR TREATMENT.
- 12 -
ABOUT $1.1 BILLION OF MY REQUEST WILL GO FOR
EDUCATION. AND BECAUSE OVER 23 MILLION AMERICANS USED
ILLEGAL DRUGS LAST YEAR, WE MUST STOP THOSE WHO
PRODUCE, BUY, AND TRAFFIC ILLEGAL DRUGS.
THAT MEANS AN ALL-OUGHT FIGHT IN ENFORCEMENT AND
INTERDICTION. You KNOW, I'VE TALKED A LOT ABOUT "ZERO
TOLERANCE." WELL, "ZERO TOLERANCE" IS NOT A CATCHWORD.
IT MEANS, QUITE SIMPLY: IF YOU DO CRIME, YOU DO TIME.
- 13 -
WE WANT TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE FUNDING FOR
FEDERAL PRISONS. WE WANT JUDGES WHO STRICTLY APPLY THE
LAW TO CONVICTED DRUG OFFENDERS. AND I WANT INCREASED
PRISON SENTENCES FOR DRUG-RELATED CRIMES. AND THE
DEATH PENALTY FOR DRUG KINGPINS AND THOSE WHO COMMIT
DRUG-RELATED MURDERS.
- 14 -
MY FRIENDS, THESE ACTIONS WILL MAKE AMERICA A SAFER
PLACE To LIVE. BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP -- THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT CAN'T DO IT ALONE. THAT IS WHY THIS WEEK,
I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT HOW STATES AND LOCALITIES CAN
JOIN OUR CRUSADE. TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP AMERICA GET
CLEAN, AND STAY CLEAN.
- 15 -
I'M TALKING, HERE, ABOUT COOPERATION. ABOUT
AMERICA AS A FAMILY, AND OUR ROLE AS FAMILY MEMBERS.
THAT KIND OF COOPERATION EXISTS, FOR INSTANCE, IN
OUR ADMINISTRATION'S NEW CHILD CARE INITIATIVE. OUR
PROPOSAL URGES A NEW TAX CREDIT TO MAKE CHILD CARE MORE
AFFORDABLE. AND IT PUTS MONEY IN THE HANDS OF LOW-
INCOME FAMILIES, LIMITS COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE FEDERAL
INTERVENTION, AND INCREASES OPTIONS. HERE, WE SAY:
"LET THE PARENTS DECIDE."
- 16 -
AND RECENTLY, WE UNVEILED AN EDUCATION PROGRAM
WHICH PARALLELS MANY OF YOUR SUGGESTIONS. LIKE YOU, WE
WANT TO REWARD ACHIEVEMENT, DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY, AND
SPUR FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE. WE SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE
CERTIFICATION. AND AWARDS FOR THE BEST TEACHERS IN
EVERY STATE. HERE, WE SAY: "THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
IS CENTRAL TO AMERICA."
- 17 -
YES, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL HELP, AND LEAD.
BUT WE WILL ACT AS A PARTNER. FOR AMERICA'S GENIUS
DOESN'T LIE SOLELY, OR EVEN MOSTLY, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
IT RESIDES IN WILMINGTON AND WICHITA
...
IN
PORTLAND, OREGON, AND PORTLAND, MAINE
...
IN THE
PEOPLE, AND IN YOU -- THE PEOPLE'S TRUSTEES.
- 18 -
WILL ROGERS ONCE SAID, "I LOVE A DOG. HE DOES
NOTHING FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES." MY FRIENDS, LET US,
Too, RISE ABOVE POLITICS TO SERVE THE PUBLIC. AND,
TOGETHER, LET US BUILD A BETTER, MORE DECENT, MORE
PROSPEROUS LAND.
THANK YOU FOR COMING HERE, GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
# # # #
(SMITH)
April 25, 1989
Draft One
ALEC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
APRIL 28, 1989
Congressman Halbrook, Mr. Brunelli, ladies and gentlemen,
friends -- Democratic and Republican -- and I do mean friends.
I'm always delighted to meet with this nation's largest
membership organization of state legislators. And in particular,
Sam, let me congratulate you on this splendid turnout.
You know, a politician once reminded me of the saying,
"Problems are really opportunities in disguise." But then he
added, laughing, "There are times I feel there are more
opportunities running around in disguise than I really deserve!"
It's true: Problems can get the upper hand. Our
task is to confront them, and turn them into opportunities that
are real.
That means realizing that in terms of problem-solving,
Washington -- unlike Robert Young -- does not automatically Know
Best.
Above all, it means cooperation -- between the public and
private sectors; between the Executive branch, Congress, and the
States. For our problems are too severe for bickering.
We see that kind of cooperation in our bipartisan budget
agreement with Congress to reduce the deficit. This accord will
2
narrow it to $99.4 billion in the Fiscal Year that begins October
1. That's far below the $163 billion estimated for the current
fiscal year.
I have said I like what works. This agreement works. Yes,
the plan's an outline -- rough talks still lie ahead. But our
accord is ahead of schedule, on target with Gramm-Rudman, and
with my 'no-new-taxes' pledge intact.
You know, in America nothing is impossible. Perhaps former
major-leaguer Craig Nettles put it best. "When I was a little
boy," he said, "I wanted to be a baseball player and join the
circus. With the Yankees I've accomplished both."
Well, deficit reduction can help achieve our goals. It will
lower interest rates, lift savings rates, and help business
invest. And SO will another step that we can take together. I
refer to restoring the capital gains differential.
Our plan supports reducing the capital gains differential to
15 per cent on long-held assets -- a step which, according to
Treasury estimates, will raise $4.8 billion in new revenue. This
revenue will create new jobs. And help reduce the deficit.
These steps must originate with the Federal government. But
there are other problems best solved at the local level -- with
support from Uncle Sam.
In child care, for instance, our Administration's new
initiative puts money in the hands of low-income families, limits
Federal intervention, and increases options. Here, we say: "Let
the parents decide."
3
Just this week, I've been talking about how States,
localities, and the Federal government can help stem drug abuse.
Here, we say: "Teamwork can help America get clean, and stay
clean."
And recently, we unveiled an education program which
parallels many of your suggestions. Like you, we want to reward
achievement, demand accountability, and spur flexibility and
choice. We support alternative certification. And awards for
the best teachers in every State. Here, we say: "The pursuit of
excellence is central to America."
I'm talking, here, about cooperation. About America as a
family, and our role as family members.
Yes, the Federal government will help, and lead. But we
will act as a partner. For America's genius doesn't lie solely,
or even mostly, in Washington, D.C. It resides in Wilmington and
Winnetka
...
in Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine
in
the people, and in you -- the people's trustees.
Will Rogers once said, "I love a dog. He does nothing for
political purposes." My friends, let us, too, rise above
politics to serve the public. And, together, let us build a
better, more decent, more prosperous land.
Thank you for coming here, God bless you all, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#1
14A
THESE BUDGET PROPOSALS -- LIKE THE NEW ADVISORY
COMMITTEE, OUR SUPPORT FOR THE HATE CRIMES BILL, AND
THE APPOINTMENT OF CAPABLE OFFICIALS LIKE LAURO
CAVAZOS, AND LOUIS SULLIVAN --ARE BUT ANOTHER PART OF
THIS ADMINISTRATION'S COMMITMENT TO SEE THAT THE
PROMISE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT -- A FAIR SOCIETY
FOR ALL AMERICANS -- BECOMES REAL.
14B
IN THAT REGARD, I KNOW THAT OUR ATTORNEY GENERAL, DICK
THORNBURGH, AND OUR NOMINEE TO HEAD THE CIVIL RIGHTS
DIVISION, BILL LUCAS, ARE UNSHAKABLE IN THEIR
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL RIGHTS AND TO THE VIGOROUS
ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS WHICH GUARANTEE THOSE RIGHTS TO
ALL AMERICANS.
April 26, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM;
DENISE SCHWARZ
OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS
SUBJECT;
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
LOG #030267
We have reviewed the attached and have incorporated our
comments.
Attachment
CC: Jim Cicconi
Document No. 030267
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 04/25/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 p.m. 04/26
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
(04/25 Draft One )
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
R
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
R
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
PINKERTON
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BENNETT
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston, (Rm. 122, x2930), with an info copy to my office, by
2:00 on Wednesday, 04/26. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(SMITH)
April 25 1989
Draft One
ALEC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
APRIL 28, 1989
Congressman Halbrook, Mr. Brunelli, ladies and gentlemen,
friends -- Democratic and Republican -- and I do mean friends.
I'm always delighted to meet with this nation's largest
membership organization of state legislators. And in particular,
Sam, let me congratulate you on this splendid turnout.
You know, a politician once reminded me of the saying,
"Problems are really opportunities in disguise." But then he
added, laughing, "There are times I feel there are more
opportunities running around in disguise than I really deserve!"
It's true: Problems can get the upper hand. Our
task is to confront them, and turn them into opportunities that
are real.
That means realizing that in terms of problem-solving,
Washington -- unlike Robert Young -- does not automatically Know
Best.
Above all, it means cooperation -- between the public and
private sectors; between the Executive branch, Congress, and the
States. For our problems are too severe for bickering.
We see that kind of cooperation in our bipartisan budget
agreement with Congress to reduce the deficit. This accord will
2
narrow it to $99.4 billion in the Fiscal Year that begins October
1. That's far below the $163 billion estimated for the current
fiscal year.
I have said I like what works. This agreement works. Yes,
the plan's an outline -- rough talks still lie ahead. But our
accord is ahead of schedule, on target with Gramm-Rudman, and
with my 'no-new-taxes' pledge intact.
You know, in America nothing is impossible. Perhaps former
major-leaguer Craig Nettles put it best. "When I was a little
boy," he said, "I wanted to be a baseball player and join the
circus. With the Yankees I've accomplished both."
Well, deficit reduction can help achieve our goals. It will
lower interest rates, lift savings rates, and help business
invest. And so will another step that we can take together. I
refer to restoring the capital gains differential.
Our plan supports reducing the capital gains differential to
15 per cent on long-held assets -- a step which, according to
Treasury estimates, will raise $4.8 billion in new revenue. This
revenue will create new jobs. And help reduce the deficit.
These steps must originate with the Federal government. But
there are other problems best solved at the local level -- with
support from Uncle Sam.
In child care, for instance, our Administration's new
initiative puts money in the hands of low-income families, limits
Federal intervention, and increases options. Here, we say: "Let
the parents decide."
3
Just this week, I've been talking about how States,
localities, and the Federal government can help stem drug abuse.
Here, we say: "Teamwork can help America get clean, and stay
clean. "
And recently, we unveiled an education program which
parallels many of your suggestions. Like you, we want to reward
achievement, demand accountability, and spur flexibility and
choice. We support alternative certification. And awards for
the best teachers in every State. Here, we say: "The pursuit of
excellence is central to America."
I'm talking, here, about cooperation. About America as a
family, and our role as family members.
Yes, the Federal government will help, and lead. But we
will act as a partner. For America's genius doesn't lie solely,
or even mostly, in Washington, D.C. It resides in Wilmington and
this is a
wrat
Winnetka
in Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine
in
the people, and in you -- the people's trustees.
Will Rogers once said, "I love a dog. He does nothing for
charged Changed
political purposes." My friends, let us, too, rise above
politics to serve the public. And, together, let us build a
better, more decent, more prosperous land.
3
Thank you for coming here, God bless you all, and God bless
America.
#
#
#
#1
(SMITH)
April 25, 1989
Draft One
ALEC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AL EXCHANGE COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
APRIL 28, 1989
Representative Halbrook, Mr. Brunelli, ladies and gentlemen,
friends -- Democratic and Republican -- and I do mean friends.
I'm always delighted to meet with one of this nation's
largest membership organizations of state legislators. And in
particular, Sam, let me congratulate you on this splendid
turnout.
You know, a politician once reminded me of the saying,
"Problems are really opportunities in disguise." But then he
added, laughing, "There are times I feel there are more
opportunities running around in disguise than I really deserve!"
It's true: Problems can get the upper hand. Our
task is to confront them, and turn them into opportunities that
are real.
Well, that's where you come in -- because you're turning
them daily. By supporting limited government, and limits on
spending. Or spurring the investments which make economic
development possible. Or advancing other issues which form the
conservative, free-enterprise agenda.
For that, I thank you -- and yet I challenge you, too. For
your -- our -- work isn't done: It is only beginning. Together,
2
let us use your agenda to serve the people. For only then can
government at every level keep America No. 1.
That means realizing that in terms of problem-solving,
Washington -- unlike Robert Young -- does not automatically Know
Best.
Above all, it means cooperation -- between the public and
private sectors; between the Executive branch, Congress, and the
States. For our problems are too severe for bickering.
We see that kind of cooperation in our bipartisan budget
agreement with Congress to reduce the deficit. This accord will
narrow it to $99.4 billion in the Fiscal Year that begins October
1. That's far below the $163 billion estimated for the current
fiscal year.
I have said I like what works. This agreement works. Yes,
the plan's an outline -- rough talks still lie ahead. But our
accord is ahead of schedule, on target with Gramm-Rudman, and
with my 'no-new-taxes' pledge intact.
You know, in America nothing is impossible. Perhaps former
major-leaguer Craig Nettles put it best. "When I was a little
boy," he said, "I wanted to be a baseball player and join the
circus. With the Yankees I've accomplished both."
Well, deficit reduction can help achieve our goals. It will
lower interest rates, lift savings rates, and help business
invest. And so will a second step that we can take together. I
refer to restoring the capital gains differential.
3
Now, I've heard, as you have, those people who criticize
cutting the capital gains tax as somehow a "tax break" for the
rich. My friends, they couldn't be more wrong.
Our plan supports reducing the capital gains differential to
15 per cent on long-held assets -- a step which, according to
in FY 1990
Shawering the capital gains differential will encaurage the 5wmgs and investment needed
Treasury estimates, will raise $4.8 billion in new revenue. This
revenue will create new jobsx And help reduce the deficit.
Ours is a struggle for a more prosperous America. We can
win it, and we will. But there is another struggle that we must
I've just returned from
wage, and win. It is America's war on drugs. a four-day trip where
Two months ago, before a joint session of Congress, I asked (over)
for an increase of $1 billion in budget outlays -- to nearly $6
billion in 1990 -- to escalate our war.
Some money will be used to expand treatment to the poor, and
to addicted young mothers. And some money will be used to cut
the waiting time for treatment.
About $1.1 billion of my request will go for education. And
because over 23 million Americans used illegal drugs last year,
illegal
we must stop those who produce, buy, and traffic drugs.
That means an all-ought fight in enforcement and
interdiction. You know, I've talked a lot about "Zero
Tolerance." Well, "Zero Tolerance" is not a catchword. It
means, quite simply: If you do crime, you do time.
We want to significantly increase funding for Federal
prisons. We want judges who strictly apply the law to convicted
drug offenders. And I want increased prison sentences for drug-
from L.A. to mioni
I spoke to and involved in the
fight against daugs. I told them I well
till you what I told them: the scourge
of drugs must and will stop.
4
related crimes. And the death penalty for drug kingpins and
those who commit drug-related murders.
My friends, these actions will make America a safer place to
live. But we need your help -- the Federal government can't do
it alone. That is why this week, I've been talking about how
States and localities can join our crusade. Together, we can
help America get clean, and stay clean.
I'm talking, here, about cooperation. About America as a
family, and our role as family members.
That cooperation exists, for instance, in our
Administration's new child care initiative. It puts money in the
words (duterproductive)
stet
hands of low-income families, limits Federal intervention, and
increases options. Here, we say: "Let the parents decide."
And recently, we unveiled an education program which
parallels many of your suggestions. Like you, we want to reward
achievement, demand accountability, and spur flexibility and
choice. We support alternative certification. And awards for
the best teachers in every State. Here, we say: "The pursuit of
excellence is central to America."
Yes, the Federal government will help, and lead. But we
will act as a partner. For America's genius doesn't lie solely,
or even mostly, in Washington, D.C. It resides in Wilmington and
Winnetka
in Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine
...
in
the people, and in you -- the people's trustees.
Will Rogers once said, "I love a dog. He does nothing for
political purposes." My friends, let us, too, rise above
5
politics to serve the public. And, together, let us build a
better, more decent, more prosperous land.
Thank you for coming here, God bless you all, and God bless
America.
# # # #1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
COPY
APRIL 26, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
CURT SMITH
as
SUBJECT: APRIL 28 AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE EXCHANGE COUNCIL SPEECH
1.
SUMMARY
At 11:20 A.M., Friday, April 28, you will address about 220 State
legislators in Room 450. They are members of the American Legislative
Exchange Council.
2.
DISCUSSION
The enclosed remarks praise the ALEC's conservative agenda. Moreover,
they discuss how cooperation between all levels of government can serve
the public, and cite deficit reduction, lower capital gains taxes, and
the fight against drugs as examples.
(SMITH)
April 25, 1989
Draft One
ALEC
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE EXCHANGE COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
APRIL 28, 1989
Representative Halbrook, Mr. Brunelli, ladies and gentlemen,
friends -- Democratic and Republican -- and I do mean friends.
I'm always delighted to meet with one of this nation's
largest organizations of state legislators. And, Sam, let me
congratulate you on this splendid turnout.
In particular, I want to thank all of you for your past
support. And for your adherence to traditional values -- both
here and abroad.
My friends, your conservative, free-enterprise agenda is
helping us return power to the people. And on issues like
Federalism, tax policy, education and the environment, you're
helping keep America No. 1.
You know, a politician once reminded me of the saying,
"Problems are really opportunities in disguise." But then he
added, laughing, "There are times I feel there are more
opportunities running around in disguise than I really deserve!"
It's true: Problems can get the upper hand. Our
task is to confront them -- as you do, daily -- and turn them
into opportunities that are real.
2
That means realizing that in terms of problem-solving,
Washington -- unlike Robert Young -- does not automatically Know
Best.
Above all, it means cooperation -- between the public and
private sectors; between the Executive branch, Congress, and the
States. For our problems are too severe for bickering.
We see that kind of cooperation in our bipartisan budget
agreement with Congress to reduce the deficit. This accord will
narrow it to $99.4 billion in the Fiscal Year that begins October
1. That's far below the $163 billion estimated for the current
fiscal year.
I have said I like what works. This agreement works. Yes,
the plan's an outline -- rough talks still lie ahead. But our
accord is ahead of schedule, on target with Gramm-Rudman, and
with my 'no-new-taxes' pledge intact.
You know, in America nothing is impossible. Perhaps former
major-leaguer Craig Nettles put it best. "When I was a little
boy," he said, "I wanted to be a baseball player and join the
circus. With the Yankees I've accomplished both."
Well, deficit reduction can help achieve our goals. It will
lower interest rates, lift savings rates, and help business
invest. And so will a second step that we can take together. I
refer to restoring the capital gains differential.
Now, I've heard, as you have, those people who criticize
cutting the capital gains tax as somehow a "tax break" for the
rich. You know what? They couldn't be more wrong.
3
Our plan supports reducing the capital gains differential to
15 per cent on long-held assets -- a step which, according to
Treasury estimates, will raise $4.8 billion in new revenue in FY
1990. Lowering the capital gains differential will encourage the
savings and investment needed to create new jobs and help reduce
the deficit.
Ours is a struggle for a more prosperous America. We can
win it, and we will. But there is another struggle that we must
wage, and win. It is America's war on drugs.
My friends, I've just returned from a four-day trip where I
spoke, from Los Angeles to Miami, to Americans deeply involved in
the fight against drugs. I will tell you what I told them: The
scourge of drugs must, and will, stop.
Two months ago, before a joint session of Congress, I asked
for an increase of $1 billion in budget outlays -- to nearly $6
billion in 1990 -- to escalate our war.
Some money will be used to expand treatment to the poor, and
to addicted young mothers. And some money will be used to cut
the waiting time for treatment.
About $1.1 billion of my request will go for education. And
because over 23 million Americans used illegal drugs last year,
we must stop those who produce, buy, and traffic illegal drugs.
That means an all-ought fight in enforcement and
interdiction. You know, I've talked a lot about "Zero
Tolerance." Well, "Zero Tolerance" is not a catchword. It
means, quite simply: If you do crime, you do time.
4
We want to significantly increase funding for Federal
prisons. We want judges who strictly apply the law to convicted
drug offenders. And I want increased prison sentences for drug-
related crimes. And the death penalty for drug kingpins and
those who commit drug-related murders.
My friends, these actions will make America a safer place to
live. But we need your help -- the Federal government can't do
it alone. That is why this week, I've been talking about how
States and localities can join our crusade. Together, we can
help America get clean, and stay clean.
I'm talking, here, about cooperation. About America as a
family, and our role as family members.
That kind of cooperation exists, for instance, in our
Administration's new child care initiative. Our proposal urges a
new tax credit to make child care more affordable. And it puts
money in the hands of low-income families, limits counter-
productive Federal intervention, and increases options. Here, we
say: "Let the parents decide."
And recently, we unveiled an education program which
parallels many of your suggestions. Like you, we want to reward
achievement, demand accountability, and spur flexibility and
choice. We support alternative certification. And awards for
the best teachers in every State. Here, we say: "The pursuit of
excellence is central to America."
Yes, the Federal government will help, and lead. But we
will act as a partner. For America's genius doesn't lie solely,
or even mostly, in Washington, D.C. It resides in Wilmington and
5
Wichita
...
in Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine
in
the people, and in you -- the people's trustees.
Will Rogers once said, "I love a dog. He does nothing for
political purposes." My friends, let us, too, rise above
politics to serve the public. And, together, let us build a
better, more decent, more prosperous land.
Thank you for coming here, God bless you all, and God bless
America.
# # # #1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
2nd baby year from
April 26, 1989
ase
MEMORANDUM TO CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER PORTER
JIM PINKERTON BRB
BILL ROPER
SUBJECT:
AL Exchange Council Draft Speech
The theme of cooperation which the President first broached
in his Inaugural is well-laid out here. The original sense of
that theme was cooperation between the Executive and Congress.
To the extent we can broaden that to mean cooperation between
Federal, State and local governments, we should do so, and this
speech ably sets out to do just that.
We would suggest making that new sense of the "offered hand"
stronger and more explicit by using the image itself [see 1,6,2,
below] and by noting the principle that problems are most
effectively handled by the people closest to the problem, i.e.,
the states and localities.
1,6,2
This might be a good place to insert the "offered
hand" image. Thus: "In my Inaugural Address, I offered my hand
to Congress in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation. I am
offering the same hand to state and local officials. Because
none of us were elected to bicker." The next graf, giving the
example of the budget agreement, acts to vindicate that early
gesture of the President.
2,2,1
We suggest including "I am not much for the abstract"
when using the "I like what works" line because it makes the
thought more incisive and less apt to be seen as a platitude.
2,5,4
Revenue won't create the jobs. Jobs will create the
revenue!
3,2,3
"We support alternative certification to broaden the
pool of talented Americans who want to teach." [emphasis added]
(more)
2-2-2
3,3,2
"America as a family" is too identifiable as a Cuomo-
ism and, while apparently benign, is code for a paternalistic
liberal welfare state. In a speech about cooperation, we must do
everything to avoid the inference that cooperation is another
word for Uncle Sam always telling the states, localities -- and
citizens -- what to do.
3,4,2
To this group we do not want or need to overemphasize
the Federal role. Therefore, we would say here "We will act as a
partner, but always in the knowledge that a problem is more
effectively solved by those closest to the source of the
problem.
3,5,4
Why not the trademark "kinder, gentler," instead of
"better
decent?"
#531
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 28, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE
EXCHANGE COUNCIL
Room 450
Old Executive Office Building
11:28 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for that welcome. And thank all
of you for being here today. And, Representative Halbrook, Mr.
Brunelli, and ladies and gentlemen, friends, Secretary Dole, who is
doing an outstanding job for this administration. Here she is.
(Applause.) And, of course, sitting over my left shoulder, Deb
Anderson, the former Speaker out there in South Dakota. So you'll
have some kindred spirits here to talk to in the White House. And
some of you may recognize Andy Card, who's our Deputy Chief of Staff
from Massachusettes -- and also, everybody performing so well.
But I'm delighted to once again meet with this group --
one of our nation's largest organizations of state legislatures and,
in my view, one of the most sensible -- (laughter) -- but I'm
entitled to my opinion on that. (Applause.) And congratulations on
this marvelous turnout. And I also want to thank all you for your
past support and really for kind of keeping us together -- everybody
across the country -- as best you can -- the matrix, if you will, for
traditional values.
You're conservative in free enterprise agenda is helping
us return power to the people. And on issues like federalism, tax
policy, education and, yes, the environment, you're helping keep our
country number one. And, you know, a politician once reminded me of
the saying, "Problems are really opportunities in disguise." But
then he added, laughing, "There are times I feel there are more
opportunities running around in disguise than I really deserve."
(Laughter.)
It's true -- problems can get the upper hand, and our
task is to confront them, as you do daily, and turn them into
opportunities that are real. And that means realizing that in terms
of problem solving, Washington -- unlike Robert Young -- does not
automatically know best.
And I have just back from a swing that took me to the
Texas --- appearing before a joint session of the Texas Legislature
and then a marvelous, uplifting day in North Dakota, and then several
other events in California and Illinois and Florida. And it is a
very important thing for a President to get outside the White House
and move around this country. And some of the friends that were
traveling with us didn't seem to understand that. But I can tell
you, I learned a lot from it -- (laughter) -- and it was a good thing
to do and I'm going to keep doing that. But I learned from the
legislators who are on the front line. (Applause.)
But cooperation between the public and private sectors,
between the Executive Branch, Congress and the states, is vital. The
one line -- I readily confess I'm not the world's greatest orator --
but the line in the Inauguration Address, Inaugural Address, that
seemed to evoke an instant response from the American people was that
the people didn't send us here to bicker, they sent us here to get
things done. And our problems are too severe for bickering.
MORE
- 2 -
And we are seeing that kind of cooperation with the Hill.
It's not going exactly the way I want it, but we're -- started off
with some cooperation from the Congress. That bipartisan budget
agreement you've read about is a good agreement. It reduces the
deficit. It's going to narrow the deficit to $99.4 billion in the
fiscal year. And that's below coming down from $163 billion
estimated for the current fiscal year. And I've said I like what
works. This agreement works. And it's a very important step.
And I looked over my shoulder the other day to read
whether how widespread the confidence was that we could reach this
agreement two months ago and I didn't find many voices thinking that
this agreement could be achieved. So it has been. And all of you
know that at times you have to work with those that differ with you
on issues to get something done.
And so I like what works. But let's be clear -- and I
know all of you are interested in this -- rough times lie ahead.
Rough go lies out there. Because the though ahead of schedule --
we did meet the Gramm-Rudman taxes and I kept that "no new taxes"
pledge. But we still have a ways to go because we've got to go move
dramatically down in the next fiscal year to meet the Gramm-Rudman
targets, which I'm determined to do. And that does mean we have to
have fiscal restraint in a lot of areas where, very candidly, I wish
we could do more. But we have set certain priorities in this budget
agreement and I'm happy with it.
You know, in America, nothing I'm one who still
believes and I get kidded a little bit about it in the press -- but I
still am very optimistic about our country. And I believe that
nothing is impossible. Graig Nettles, member of the formal major
leaguer, put it best. He says, "When I was a little boy, I wanted to
be a baseball player and join the circus. With the Yankees, I've
accomplished both." (Laughter.)
Well, deficit reduction can help achieve our goals. It's
going to lower interest rates, I'm confident, lift savings rates and
help business invest. And so will this second step I'm talking about
that we must and can take together. And I really believe in this one
-- that an additional aspect of not just another budget agreement,
but a key to all of this, an additional step is restoring the capital
gains differential. And I've heard, as you have, a lot of people
criticizing cutting the capital gains tax as -- and jumping on
everybody as a tax for the rich. It is not a tax for the rich when
you separate that differential. They just are wrong on the facts.
Our plan -- and I'm going to keep pushing it -- supports
reducing the capital gains differential to 15 percent on long-held
assets -- a step which, according to the Treasury, the estimators
over there, will raise $4.8 billion in new revenue in Fiscal Year
1990. And lowering the capital gains differential capital gains
rate and restoring the differential will encourage the savings and
investment needed to create new jobs and reduce this budget deficit.
It brings in revenue. And this is something that the critics simply
are not willing to recognize.
Ours is a struggle for a more prosperous America. We can
win it and I am determined that we will.
There's another struggle and, of course, that's the one
that I have been spending a fair amount of time on lately, feel
strongly about, and that is one that everyone in this room is
concerned about -- and that's this war on drugs. And I've just
returned from this four-day trip, and in Los Angeles and Miami
particularly, I had experiences there and saw things there that just
renewed my commitment to win this battle.
I told them that the scourge of drugs must stop, and it
has got to. Two months ago, before a joint session of the Congress,
I asked for an increase of $1 billion in budget outlays, bringing it
MORE
- 3 -
up to nearly $6 billion in 1990. And that would be earmarked for
escalating this war on drugs. Some money is going to be used to
expand treatment to the poor, to addicted young mothers, and some
money is going to be used to cut the waiting time for treatment.
About $1.1 billion of this request is going for
education. I still remain firmly convinced that we are going to win
this fight on the demand side, on the education side. And because
over 23 million Americans used illegal drugs last year, we've got to
stop those who produce, buy and traffic illegal drugs. And so that
means an all-out fight in enforcement, in law enforcement, and
backing up our local people as best we can in this. And, of course,
it means a renewed concentration on the interdiction side as well.
I've talked a lot about zero tolerance. Well, zero
tolerance, I hope you all realize, is much more than just a catch
word. It means quite simply, if you do crime, you do time. And I
think our law enforcement people really are out in front with that
very much in their mind. But they need to be backed up by some
changes in the law; they need to be backed up in other areas --
certain sentencing provisions in the law -- and certainly, they need
to be backed up by increasing the funding for federal prisons.
We want judges who strictly apply the law to the
convicted offenders. And I want increased prison sentences for
drug-related crimes. And I still am convinced that the death penalty
for drug kingpins and those who commit drug-related murders will be
an inhibition to future criminals. (Applause.)
My friends, I do believe that these actions will make
America a safer place. But again, as in everything, we need your
help. The federal government cannot do it alone. And that's why
this week I've been talking about how the states and the localities
can join in the crusade, because I am convinced that we can help
America get clean and stay clean when it comes to these deadly
narcotics. And I'm talking here really about cooperation, about
America as one family and our role as family members.
The kind of cooperation exists in a lot of areas.
Incidentally, nobody -- I think most people now know what I mean by
the concept of a thousand points of light. And when you get into
this -- they used to say, the wags around here, what he really means
is a thousand pints of light. But that's not what it is. It's a
thousand points of light. And you don't have to explain it anymore
because people understand that we are going to win this fight on
drugs through a lot of local programs, a lot of community programs
that I've been witnessing in the last few days -- and local law
enforcement, and state efforts. And it isn't all going to be done in
Washington, D.C.
But the kind of cooperation exists, I believe, for
another area, and that is our administration's new child care
initiative. And again, I salute Elizabeth Dole not only for this,
but for the sound position she has taken on many issues, including
the minimum wage.
Let me just tell you on that one -- we had a conference.
I took her advice, and it was sound advice, that we do something that
most of you all don't do. You fire your best -- we fired our best
shot and only shot first. And we made it very clear to the Congress
that I had made a commitment to raise the minimum wage, but we
selected a prudent level, one that will not have deleterious
inflationary effects. We -- on the advice of my Secretary of Labor,
we put in a six-month training wage, which I strongly support -- this
minimum wage differential we used to call it. And it is a good,
sound package.
And now you see speculation on the Hill, well, the
President's going to cave in. He can't argue over a dime or 15 cents
on this. And they are just as wrong as they can be. And I am going
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- 4 -
to do it (applause) the way this Secretary told me.
(Applause.) Both of us like our jobs and want to stick around --
(laughter) -- and so we're going to do what we said we're going to
do. And this may be a first -- going up there with your best and
only shot first. But it's going to set a tone that I think will be
important for the rest of our administration.
So anyway, that exists -- cooperation -- maybe not on
that one, but there does exist in child care initiative. I feel
strongly about that. We had a chance to talk with some of you all in
the campaign about that one. Our proposal urges a new tax credit to
make child care more affordable, starting for those who need it the
most. And it puts money in the hands then of the low-income
families. It limits the counterproductive federal intervention with
this long list of federally mandated regulations. And it increases
options, it increases choice. And here we say, let the parents
decide.
And I know Elizabeth agrees with me on this one, and Deb,
too, and Andy and everybody. But the more you're in this area here
of responsibility and all the areas that we have of federal
responsibility, the more important you realize is the underpinning of
society that comes from the family. And I do not want to see one
piece of legislation passed that diminishes the family choice or that
weakens the family in any way, whether it's welfare legislation,
child care legislation, or whatever legislation.
The federal role has got to be when legislation is
passed, to look at it to see that not only it doesn't weaken the
family, but if it can strengthen the family as our child care
proposal does by providing for alternate -- groups getting together
so a grandmother can maybe take care of one grandkid and then some
other kids in the community -- that's good. And we want to find ways
to have it strengthen the family unit and we want to leave the choice
with the parent. (Applause.)
So any help you can give us on this concept, we really
would appreciate it.
We unveiled an education program, incidentally, which
does parallel many of your suggestions that we've gotten in. We want
to reward achievement, demand accountability, and spur again
flexibility and choice. And we support also alternative
certification. This is a concept that really is in your hands more
than mine as President of the United States. But somehow, it seems
to me, a little antiquated, a little out-of-date that a physicist who
wants to take a sabbatical leave and help in some elementary physics.
class in a school, public school, would be denied the ability to help
out because of some antiquated certification rules.
So I would urge you who are on the cutting edge of local
legislation and state legislation to back us as best you can in
providing in working towards this alternative certification.
We've also put forward a program to award the best
teachers in every state. And again, the emphasis being the pursuit
of excellence is central to America.
And the federal government's going to help. We're going
to lead in terms of setting objectives. But we are a partner in this
question of education and in all these other issues. For America's
genius -- and I feel this one very strongly at the end of, or maybe
it's 99 days, as opposed to 100 -- but America's genius doesn't lie
solely or even mostly in Washington. It is out across the country.
And so I wanted to come over here and wish you all well.
Thank you for what you do. You know, Will Rodgers once said, "I love
a dog. He does nothing for political purposes." (Laughter.) Well,
let's, too, rise above politics as we go to serve the public and
build a better, more decent, more prosperous land. I am very excited
MORE
- 5 -
about that prospect. I think things are going reasonably well.
There are plenty of problems out there, but so what's new? If I
start telling you mine, you'll tell me yours, and yours are going to
be closer to the people you represent just by the nature of your
jobs. So let's just agree that we live in the greatest country in
the world and we can make things happen.
And thank you all very much for being here today.
(Applause.)
END
11:48 A.M.
EDT