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Document No. 303262SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 2/1/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS MEETING'
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BOSKIN
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
82 JAN31 P8:26
January 31, 1992
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
BETH HINCHLIFFE
Byant
SUBJECT:
GOVERNOR'S MEETING
I. SUMMARY
On Monday, February 3, 1992, at 11:10 a.m., you will deliver
remarks (15 minutes, on cards) to an audience of approximately 80
people -- including governors and cabinet members. You will be
introduced by Governor John Ashcroft.
II. DISCUSSION :.
The remarks highlight some of the initiatives put forth in
your economic growth plan -- specifically focusing on education,
unfunded federal mandates, and family issues.
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 31, 1991 6 p.m.
GOV4 Draft Four
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
East ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] [jokes]
I'm glad to talk with you about the growth agenda I launched
last Tuesday, in my State of the Union Address. From my point of
view, you couldn't have come at a better time.
It seems that everyone in America agrees on two things:
First, we need to get our economy moving; second, our people are
up to the challenge of remaining Number One in the world.
Last Tuesday, I challenged Congress to do the right thing:
pass a common-sense growth package by March 20, and pass a long-
"
term series of growth initiatives without delay.
This package relies on some common sense-objectives: It
encourages investment. It protects the value of basic
"
investments, like a home. It does not raise taxes. It does not
increase the federal deficit. And it does not employ short-term
"
gimmicks that create long-term trouble.
You know the political process, and you know that bipartisan
goodwill in an election year lasts about as long as
unrefrigerated milk. But we can't afford to play politics as
usual. We've got a chance to make real progress -- right now.
Today, inflation and long-term interest rates have fallen to
their lowest levels in two decades. And the American people are
ready for action.
John F. Kennedy once wrote, "Any system of government will
2
work when everything is going well. It's the system that
functions in the pinches that survives."
Well, it's pinch time, and I've proposed a way in which all
of us can rise to the occasion. In my State of the Union
Address, I outlined a short-term growth package that takes care
of the essentials: It strengthens the real-estate industry,
which historically pulls us out of recessions. And it rewards
success, primarily by cutting the tax on long-term capital gains.
It also reforms government. It slashes away at pork-
barrel projects. It holds the line on spending -- while moving
money out of unnecessary programs and into vital ones.
Here's what that means for you: A 13-percent increase in
money available for surface transportation; a 300 percent
increase in land and water Conservation Fund grants; record
amounts for education -- a 15-percent increase from last year; a
27-percent increase in Head Start. My budget puts the money
where it does the most good -- not where it best serves special
interests.
Some people complain that it doesn't do much. Well, I'm
.
proud of what it doesn't do. It doesn't violate the budget
agreement. It doesn't raise taxes. And let me ask you: Where
was the last plan you saw that did so much to get money in the
right places without new spending, without new taxes, without
counterproductive new regulations, without new red tape, and
without new burdens on states?
My program will work. You know it. I know it. The
3
American people know it. So while you're here in Washington,
visit your congressional delegation. Tell them: Put politics on
the shelf for six weeks. Help your country. Pass the
President's package.
When your Senators and Representatives return home next week
for a recess, visit them again. Repeat the message -- Tell them
to: Rise to the occasion. Pass the President's package. Pass
it by. March 20.
The pay off for you is simple: If the economy grows, you can
do your jobs better. If we can slash away regulation, you can do
your jobs better. If we can give you greater freedom to do what
works in your states, you can do your jobs better. And if we
don't do these things, you get stuck with the impossible choice:
cut services or raise taxes.
Frankly, you get an even larger payoff from the long-term
proposals announted in my State of the Union Address. If you
think of this moment in history -- after the Cold War, #ight in
the middle of the information revolution -- something becomes
crystal clear. We must retool America to meet the challenges of
a new age, an age of international competition. Cold War
policies just don't cut it.
Businesses have begun retooling for competition in the world
economy. State governments have adopted innovations that let
them provide better services for less money. I think it's time
the federal government became part of the solution, too.
Let's start with one long-term goal that will make a huge
4
difference in your lives. For years and years we in Washington
have talked about cutting the deficit. Well, talk time is over.
The federal government is too big and it spends too much.
We need real budget discipline. My long-term plan and my short-
term plan provide that discipline.
I want Congress to stop showering states with unfunded
mandates. For businesses, or for states, mandated programs and
benefits too often mean mandated deficits.
An unfunded federal mandate is about as helpful for you as
cement flippers are for a swimmer. If that's the kind of help
you get from Washington, I'm sure you'd rather do without. So
I've told Congress: If you pass mandates onto states, pay for
them -- and don't raise taxes. If you don't pay, expect a veto.
I want Congress to give me something you have, I don't, and
I want: the line-item veto. I understand the legislator's urge
to please a constituent by putting some item in the budget. I
also know that this practice enrages taxpayers -- as it 'should.
A line-item veto lets a President help Congress. A line-item
veto lets a President say something that legislators can't say:
No.
I want Congress to let States apply their own resources and
imaginations to important social problems. Too often you have to
use a one-size-fits-all blueprint that seems perfectly reasonable
in a Washington office, but looks like fiction in your home
states.
Thomas Jefferson called states laboratories for Democracy.
5
Well, it's time we let you do R and D.
I want to give state and local governments greater
flexibility in administering services. My budget proposes a
revised $14.6 billion Block Grant. The Block Grant will provide
states with needed flexibility to administer education, health
and social services, and drug control programs.
I want to focus federal policy on the crucial issue of
welfare reform. The key to welfare reform lies in one simple,
powerful word: Responsibility.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when
healthy adults receive government assistance, they have
responsibilities to the American taxpayers who fund them:
responsibilities to seek work, education, or job training. For
their sake, we have responsibilities too -- to ensure that'
welfare is a temporary safety net, not a guaranteed lifestyle,
because what Americans want is a hand up, not a handout!'' I know
that state welfare reform requires that certain federal
regulations be waived, and I will make that process easier and
quicker for every state that asks our help.
I want the federal government to redouble its efforts to
help the most fundamental building block of a home, a school, a
neighborhood, a city, our nation: the family.
Several weeks ago, a group of big-city mayors came to the
White House. Every one of them told me that they can't truly
solve any of their big problems until they restore the integrity
6
of the family.
So my plan looks at the fundamentals. It gives much-needed
support to those raising families by increasing the personal
exemption on the federal income tax by $500 per child. That's
not as high as I would like, but it's what we can afford now.
My plan also gives families a greater stake in the important
things: health care and education. It proposes IRA reforms and
tax changes that help people pay for these basics.
And in response to those big-city mayors, I have formed the
Commission on America's Urban Families. I asked a governor --
John Ashcroft -- to lead that commission, and to propose honest,
workable reforms.
A final issue: Education. The governors of this country
have helped unleash a long-overdue and much needed revolution in
education. I'd like to take this chance to commend the work of
Governors Campbe31 and Romer on the Report of the National
Council on Education Standards and Testing. The Senate has
"
indicated unanimous support for the recommendations, and my new
budget injects new funds for research, statistics, and assessment
funding that would be used to help implement those
recommendations.
We must now take the work we began together and take it
further -- we must revolutionize America's schools. Help me send
a message to Congress: Join the crusade to revolutionize American
education. Pass the America 2000 education strategy.
We must give every child in America a full and fair
7
opportunity to learn. There's only one way to do that:
educational choice. Choice serves as a cornerstone of America
2000. Thirty states across this nation have already embraced
America 2000. You can ensure that every state joins the march -
- that every community become an America 2000 community -- that
every kid -- even yours -- is prepared for the competitive world
of the 21st century.
Our education revolution -- the revolution you started in
Charlottesville more than two years ago -- shows what politicians
can do when they lay down their partisan swords in service to a
higher cause. I hope you will serve as an example and inspiration
for all of us in Washington during the next six weeks.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to Capitol Hill: "Lead, follow, or get out
of the way." Well, I've unrolled blueprints that will lead this
country forward.:- States, communities and individuals have also
begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging from becoming America
"
2000 communities to reaching out as Points of Light.
I don't want a partisan fight over my growth package. I
just want us to do what's right.
I'm counting on your help, because you see the problems up
close: You serve as chief executives, and you know the problems
that concern the people in your states.
So take out your calendars. Circle March 20. Urge Congress
to pass the initiatives by March 20 -- No politics; no delays; no
excuses.
8
Then, inch-by-inch, day-by-day, issue-by-issue, we will move
our economy, reform our schools, revive our neighborhoods, and
build the America of our dreams.
Thank you. May God bless you and the great nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
"
qu
"
303262SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
DATE:
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BOSKIN
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Major
AD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
32 JAN29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
the overspending,
productive
obscures our vision the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
because
will
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It" to work.
I know we're in this together. So I have taken the steps I can take on my own.
I'm doing what I can Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
P
gave the Cargress and road map. Inline is
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
on the table
some basic truths
plan around
It starts with the most basic of basies: You can't
So
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
to
can do it First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
then I told the Congress to
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and gavethem n other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
get the housing musket going again.
finally, third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
that doesn't gut defense, doesn't relax the discipline an
Congressional spending, and doesn't raise tax rates. I
believe mine is also the only plan on the table that will work.
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
This straightforwardplan stron sutforward plan
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense and I want Congress to
If Longuess put its mind to it, at can meet this deadline.
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: After all,
not the press,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
this plan to set our
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
immediate action planis in
Once our short term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
providing access,
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice, while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
This is not partison casue.
revolutionize America's schools. ^ Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march --- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
NYT
stop enacting
Second, We must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
I know you've had enoughof
mandates,
that
cripple
you.
that
Congress
can
telling
ins when
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
its time to pay the bill,
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
toenact.
taxes for you ^ Well, under my plan this will stop but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
tougher for leaders at the state level. I'm talking about mandates
I 've askedasain for
There's S much more that I could stop if only Congress would
giverme the same thing 43 of you have the line item veto.
The
part of my long. term plan addresses up
Third A we must refocus ourselves on family, John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
But often, the federal
government make life
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
the
its
role
to
imited as we
States communities and Road are action at the center we talk of The of federal & The keep
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
Jearl
add
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 Capitol men and women up on the Hill:
$
$500
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
communities
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
Profrom
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
roll up our sleeves
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses. we've got work to do.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individuál in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
BUSH 92 QUAYLE
STAFFING MEMORANDUM FOR PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS
DATE: January 30, 1992
East
EVENT: Governors Meeting, February 3, 1992, Roosevelt Room.
COMMENTS DUE: TODAY, by :00pm.
ACTION: TEETER
CARNEY
PINKERTON
Please initial, make comments, return to Mark Burstein,
Teeter's Office, Twelfth Floor. If you have no comments ]
please initial only, and return.
Thank you.
LIV
Welfare
wrong tone
doesn't have to program light
Paid For By Bush-Quayle '92 Primary Committee, Inc.
Printed On Recycled Paper
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday in my State of the Union
Try a
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
different
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
johe.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
will
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It got to work.
The I am rolling back
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed reformed the hands of
federal tax withholding tables to pump put $25 billion back into our and The into
economy
this
coming
next
year
I've ordered federal agencies to get
funds from the highway bill and other
immediately,
pro-growth spending into the economy and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan
around It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
for first-time homebayers
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
A
a farm, or an investment. They 11 be back on payrolls because
means more investment, and that means
jobs
the A capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
logic and lessons learned over the years. These proposals will work,
They involve plain old common sense and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
The government doesn't
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
that economic
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice, and fairness
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and-
emproving American competitiveness in order to biild a better future
RED, for our children, - the workers of the future We'll focus
expanding Trade and opening markets, - we'll focus on
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
More refs.
the
initiative
concrete ways, We'll through, devements HOPE housing your states and loward Enterprise welfare reform, Zone and we'll sak POWER
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs, in
Most
non have
A Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
control
back to the streets of America.
the spending live item
veto
LIV
welfare
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
Gurden your states.
simply infair
imposengnew
mandates that eripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
without worrying about who has to pay for Them,
requirements myour states and communities what to do Im and then taxes disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
without giving the means to This has meant higher for you.
well, this is wrong, and
it would
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
stet
give There's me the same much thing more that 43 of I you could have stop -- the if only line Congress item veto. would
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family. John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
this
movement
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
the
Congress to take
circle around March 20. That's Congress deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
for the salu of
our country, no
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
INSERT A
Fourth, my budget provides for a number of initiatives
which will help the States. We have increased the monies
available for highways by 13 percent. We have proposed tripling
the Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. We have extended
the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and Mortgage Revenue Bond
program. We have provided record amounts for education -- 15
percent more than 1992 in Department of Education outlays; $600
million, or 27 percent more, for Head Start.
Fifth, after consultation with States and localities, we are
proposing a revised $14.6 billion Block Grant. The Block Grant
will provide States with needed flexibility to administer
education, health and social service, and drug control programs.
Hodsoll
X6190
Anderson- -
subject Matter ok. -
could we change some of the rhdoric to
Capitalize on the "partnership w/ Govs. -
more were in this together rather than "I'm
doing this, ₹ im doing that." etc
Steve Hart
Page 2- Too early to be so caustic -strike section on
House bank will need bepart support for POTUS 'S
Growth Package - (And Republicans got caught
in Nouse Bank troubles) too.
303262SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
DATE:
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMARESI
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BOSKIN
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
major
AD
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
01
FROM 85:60 1
P.01
General Comment: Education section should focus on the legislation
currently being considered in the House.
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
GOVERNORS Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM EAST ROOM (Anderson)
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
the overspending, productive
obscures our vision the high taxes, the regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
(Treas.)
because
my program, which relies on a simple principle:
It's will 900 to work
clarify detete
I know we're in this together. So I have taken the stass I can take on my own
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
over the (Treas.)
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
do all Icanto keep (Treas.)
(CEASA
continue support monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
a
down, while providing adequate money and credit for healthy growth
A gave the Congress and road map. Mine is
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
on the talk
Same basic truths
plan around It starts with the most basic of basies: You can't
So
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, to change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
then I told the Congress to
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
finally, credit and gavethem n other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
gest the housive market going again.
create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
that doesn't gut defense, doesn't relax the discipline an
Congressional spending, and doesn raise tax rates. I
behive mine in also The mile slam in the table That ill mb
P.02
01
FROM 85:60 1
lastchange (Treas)
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
and others will (Treas.)
a farm, or an investment. They 11° 11 be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
This
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: After all(findlay
If Longuss put its rund to it, or can must this deadlying
not the press,
When faced
when confronted with its own bouncing checks it managed to close strike it
with national
52 or 53? COCA
held nearings
the House bank in one day In 53 days, it should be able to adopt drafted COM-
this plan to Get our
plek legislation
these basie solutions that encourage businesses to invest and and passed a
(Findlzz)Itca be done
bill ending the
(Findlay)
therefore bring people back to work.A If it doesn't act by then strike in just
This on the then.
implieside
18 hours,
in and EBC Ede battle will be on.
he's lines until
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best the people do.
immediate action planis in
Once our short term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
(Treas.)
free and fair
We will focus on marketplace competition, through/trade and
to help improve the standard of living for everyone including
R&D for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
providing access,
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice, while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
P.03
01
JAN-31-1992 09:59 FROM
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
Findlay Meny of,
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
This is motapaction name
revolutionize America's schools. ^ Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
educated and (Treas.)
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
NW
store enacting
Second, we must get rid the the unfinanced federal government
I know you've had enough of
mandates. that CELM Lewjon
that Congress can telling
(Findtay un conscimable
ins when
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
it> time to paythe bill
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its make higher
toenact.
taxes for you^ Well, under my plan this will stop m.m. but r need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
I v for
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
given the same thing 43 of you have the line item veto.
The Third we must refecus surselvos on family. John Ashcroft
part of my long. term plan addresses up
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
(Petersmeyer Strong families
But atten, the federal
government make life
Tougher for leaders
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's It
real
are the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
the
*
its role inited we
States and Barr are action at the certer we talk of The of federal do to keep
JAN-31-1992 09:59 FROM
01
P.04
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
(Findlay) Welfare
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
Hearly add
see insert(A)
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 Capitol men and women up on the Hill:
$
500
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
community
proposal
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
Great
Petersmeyer).
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
roll up. our sleeves
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses. we 've got work to do.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
P.05
01
JAN-31-1992 10:00 FROM
TO
94562223
P.02
JAN-30-1992 15:33 FROM
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
STATES
THE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
OF
January 30, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR PAUL KORFONTA
FROM:
LESLYE ARSHT
SUBJECT:
GOVERNOR'S SPEECH
There are several points that we would like to see added to the
President's remarks to the Governors:
1) The spirit of Charlottesville, (which was a SUMMIT and not a
conference) was bipartisan. The President should indicate that AND
that while we can all acknowledge that this is an election year,
that radically changing education has been a joint goal and that
the President will try very hard to keep it that way.
2) We made some important steps with the Senate (see Chamber of
Commerce remarks by the President) -- as Lamar says, it doesn't go
far enough, fast enough, but the Senate accepted the concept of New
American Schools, provided funds for them, and we pushed to give
you a controlling role in the designations. They resisted, but
ultimately, they gave the Secretary of Education the authority to
grant flexibility waivers in a limited number of cases. We'd like
your help to expand the number of states and waivers in the House.
You (the Governors) need this and I know it. The House bill and
the Conference offer us an opportunity to build on the strides
we've taken and, of course, my new budget seeks our original
requests once more. We're going to keep coming back until radical
reform is a reality.
3) Finally, the President should commend the work of Govs. Campbell
and Romer on the Report of the National Council on Education
Standards and Testing. This is a remarkable consensus of support
from people who have often disagreed in the past. The Senate has
indicated unanimous support for the recommendations and my new
budget injects new funds for research, statistics, and assessment
funding that would be used to help implement those recommendations.
We would delete the 2nd graph on page 3 which doesn't address the
real state of play and make these three points, instead.
400 MARYLAND AVE., S.W. WASHINGTON D.C. 20202
CAMP DAVID
February 2, 1992
To Dave Demarest
CC Samk Skinner
I thought the govs were concentrating on education. This is a
replay of our economic package.
I have made some changes here.
Please be sure all are in agreement on what we are trying to
achieve with the govs.
GB
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Asher
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 31, 1991 6 p.m.
GOV4 Draft Four
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
East ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] [jokes]
I'm glad to talk with you about the growth agenda I launched
last Tuesday, in my State of the Union Address. From my point of
view, you couldn't have come at a better time.
It seems that everyone in America agrees on two things:
First, we need to get our economy moving; second, our people are
up to the challenge of remaining Number One in the world.
Last Tuesday, I challenged Congress to do the right thing:
pass a common-sense growth package by March 20, and pass a long-
term series of growth initiatives without delay.
This package relies on some common sense-objectives: It
encourages investment. It protects the value of basic
investments, like a home. It does not raise taxes. It does not
increase the federal deficit. And it does not employ short-term
gimmicks that create long-term trouble.
You know the political process, and you know that bipartisan
goodwill in election 13ta comodity in shout supply
an year lasts about as Long as
unrefrigerated milk. But we can't afford to play politics as
usual. We've got a chance to make real progress -- right now.
Today, inflation and long-term interest rates have fallen to
begining
their lowest levels in two decades. ^ And the American people are
May propleted this sluggish economy
is
h
turn
ready for action.
John F. Kennedy once wrote, "Any system of government will
2
work when everything is going well. It's the system that
functions in the pinches that survives."
Well, it's pinch time, and I've proposed a way in which all
of us can rise to the occasion. In my State of the Union
Address, I outlined a short-term growth package that takes care
of the essentials: It strengthens the real-estate industry,
which historically pulls us out of recessions. And it encourapio rewards
rish today and investment
success, primarily by cutting the tax on long-term capital gains
and by other stimulated tax procedure.
It also reforms government. It slashes away at pork-
barrel projects. It holds the line on spending -- while moving
money out of unnecessary programs and into vital ones.
Here's what that means for you: A 13-percent increase in
money available for surface transportation; a 300 percent
increase in land and water Conservation Fund grants; record
amounts for education -- a 15-percent increase from last year; a
27-percent increase in Head Start. My budget puts the money
where it does the most good -- not where it best serves special
interests.
I disagnee but
Some people complain that it doesn't do muchA Welk, I'm
saw thys .
proud of what it doesn't do. It doesn't violate the budget
agreement. It doesn't raise taxes. And let me ask you: Where
was the last plan you saw that did so much to get money in the
right places without new spending, without new taxes, without
counterpreductive new regulations, without new red tape, and
without new burdens on states?
It really will
My program will work. You know it. I know it. The
3
American people know it. So while you're here in Washington,
and pleas
visit your congressional delegation, Tell them: But pelities on
the shelf for six weeks. Help your country. Pass the's
President package by March 20 the We mat not the deadline
When your Senators and Representatives return home next week
for a recess, visit them again. Repeat the message -- Tell them
to: Rise to the occasion. Pass the President's package. Pass
it by March 20.
The pay off for you is simple: If the economy grows, you can
do your jobs better. If we can slash away regulation, you can do
your jobs better. If we can give you greater freedom to dò what
works in your states, you can do your jobs better. And if we
don't do these things, you get stuck with the impossible choice:
cut services or raise taxes.
Just a word about
Frankly, you get an even larger payoff from the long term
proposals announced in my State of the Union Address. If you
think of this moment in history -- after the Cold War, right in
the middle of the information revolution -- something becomes
crystal clear. We must retool America to meet the challenges of
a new age, an age of international competition. Cold War
policies just don't cut it.
Businesses have begun retooling for competition in the world
economy. State governments have adopted innovations that let
them provide better services for less money. I think it's time
the federal government became part of the solution, too.
Let's start with one long-term goal that will make a huge
4
difference in your lives. For years and years we in Washington
have talked about cutting the deficit. Well, talk we must time is get over. the defect
under control.
The federal government is too big and it spends too much.
We need real budget discipline. My long-term plan and my short-
term plan provide that discipline.
I want Congress to stop showering states with unfunded
mandates. For businesses, or for states, mandated programs and
benefits too often mean mandated deficits.
An unfunded federal mandate is about as helpful for you as
cement flippers are for a swimmer. If that's the kind of help
you get from Washington, I'm sure you'd rather do without. Sep
I've told Congress: If you pass mandates onto states, pay for
them -- and don't raise taxes. If you don't pay, expect a veto.
I want Congress to give me something you have, I don't, and
I want: the line-item veto. I understand the legislator's urge
to please a constituent by putting some item in the budget. I
also know that this practice enrages taxpayers -- as it should.
A line-item veto lets a President help Congress. A line-item
Cor a Governm
veto lets a President A say something that legislators can't say:
No.
I want Congress to let States apply their own resources and
imaginations to important social problems. Too often you have to
use a one-size-fits-all blueprint that seems perfectly reasonable
in a Washington office, but looks like fiction in your home
states.
Thomas Jefferson called states laboratories for Democracy.
5
Well, it's time we let you do R and D.
I want to give state and local governments greater
flexibility in administering services. My budget proposes a
revised $14.6 billion Block Grant. The Block Grant will provide
states with needed flexibility to administer education, health
and social services, and drug control programs.
I want to focus federal policy on the crucial issue of
welfare reform. The key to welfare reform lies in one simple,
powerful word: Responsibility.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when
healthy adults receive government assistance, they have
responsibilities to the American taxpayers who fund them:
responsibilities to seek work, education, or job training. For
their sake, we have responsibilities too -- to ensure that
welfare is a temporary safety net, not a guaranteed lifestyle,
because what Americans want is a hand up, not a handout I know
that state welfare reform requires that certain federal
regulations be waived, and I will make that process easier and
quicker for every state that asks our help.
I want the federal government to redouble its efforts to
help the most fundamental building block of a home, a school, a
neighborhood, a city, our nation: the family.
from League of Cities
Several weeks ago, a group of big city mayors Л came to the
White House. Every one of them told me that they can't truly
solve any of their big problems until they restore the integrity
6
of the family.
So my plan looks at the fundamentals. It gives much-needed
support to those raising families by increasing the personal
exemption on the federal income tax by $500 per child. That's
not as high as I would like, but it's what we can afford now.
My plan also gives families a greater stake in the important
things: health care and education. It proposes IRA reforms and
tax changes that help people pay for these basics.
And in response to those big-city mayors, I have formed the
Commission on America's Urban Families. I asked a governor --
and form Mayon of Dallas Amith Strensz
John Ashcroft to lead that commission, and to propose honest,
workable reforms.
A final issue: Education. The governors of this country
have helped unleash a long-overdue and much needed revolution in
education. I'd like to take this chance to commend the work of
Governors Campbell and Romer on the Report of the National
Council on Education Standards and Testing. The Senate has
indicated unanimous support for the recommendations, and my new
budget injects new funds for research, statistics, and assessment
funding that would be used to help implement those
recommendations.
We must now take the work we began together and take it
further -- we must revolutionize America's schools. Help me send
a message to Congress: Join the crusade to revolutionize American
education. Pass the America 2000 education strategy.
We must give every child in America a full and fair
7
opportunity to learn. There's only one way to do that:
educational choice. Choice serves as a cornerstone of America
2000. Thirty states across this nation have already embraced
America 2000. You can ensure that every state joins the march -
- that every community become an America 2000 community -- that
every kid -- even yours -- is prepared for the competitive world
of the 21st century.
Our education revolution -- the revolution you started in
Charlottesville more than two years ago -- shows what politicians
can do when they lay down their partisan swords in service to a
higher cause. I hope you will serve as an example and inspiration
for all of us in Washington during the next six weeks.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to Capitol Hill: "Lead, follow, or get out
of the way.' Well, I've unrolled blueprints that will lead this
country forward. States, communities and individuals have also
begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging from becoming America
2000 communities to reaching out as Points of Light.
I don't want a partisan fight over my growth package. I
just want us to do what's right.
I'm counting on your help, because you see the problems up
close: You serve as chief executives, and you know the problems
that concern the people in your states.
So take out your calondars. Circle March 20. Urge Congress
to pass the initiatives by March 20 -- No politics; no delays; no
excuses.
8
Then, inch-by-inch, day-by-day, issue-by-issue, we will move
our economy, reform our schools, revive our neighborhoods, and
build the America of our dreams.
Thank you. May God bless you and the great nation we share.
###.#
GOVERNORS' MEETING \ EAST ROOM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992 \ 11 A.M.
THANK YOU, GOVERNOR ASHCROFT. AND THANKS, ALSO, To
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN, GOVERNOR ROMER. BoB MARTINEZ, THANK
YOU FOR GIVING THE UPDATE ON OUR WAR AGAINST DRUGS.
I'M GLAD TO SEE ALL OF YOU IN THE EAST ROOM THIS
MORNING, BEGINNING WITH MEMBERS OF OUR CABINET.
- 2 -
[[ IN PARTICULAR, I WELCOME OUR NATION'S
DISTINGUISHED GOVERNORS TO THE WHITE HOUSE. IT'S A
PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU HERE, ALTHOUGH I HOPE THIS IS AS
CLOSE TO THE OVAL OFFICE AS ANY GOVERNOR GETS FOR AT
LEAST FOUR YEARS. ]]
- 3 -
[[ You KNOW, I SPENT SOME TIME WITH BORIS YELTSIN
THIS WEEKEND. I REALLY FEEL FOR THE GUY. HIS
POPULARITY HAS TUMBLED IN JUST A COUPLE OF MONTHS. HIS
ECONOMY'S STRUGGLING. HE'S CATCHING FLAK FROM CRITICS
ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT ABOUT EVERYTHING FROM TAXES TO
DEFENSE SPENDING. Boy, I'D HATE TO BE IN HIS SHOES. ]]
III
- 4 -
TODAY, I'D LIKE To TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THE GROWTH
AGENDA I LAUNCHED LAST TUESDAY, IN MY STATE OF THE
UNION ADDRESS. FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, YOU COULDN'T
HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME.
IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE IN AMERICA AGREES ON TWO
THINGS: FIRST, WE NEED TO GET OUR ECONOMY MOVING;
SECOND, OUR PEOPLE ARE UP To THE CHALLENGE OF REMAINING
NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD. III
- 5 -
LAST TUESDAY, I CHALLENGED CONGRESS TO DO THE RIGHT
THING: PASS A COMMON-SENSE GROWTH PACKAGE BY MARCH 20,
AND PASS A LONG-TERM SERIES OF GROWTH INITIATIVES
WITHOUT DELAY.
THIS PACKAGE RELIES ON SOME COMMON SENSE-
OBJECTIVES: IT ENCOURAGES INVESTMENT. IT PROTECTS THE
VALUE OF BASIC INVESTMENTS, LIKE A HOME.
- 6 -
IT DOES NOT RAISE TAXES. IT DOES NOT INCREASE THE
FEDERAL DEFICIT. AND IT DOES NOT EMPLOY SHORT-TERM
GIMMICKS THAT CREATE LONG-TERM TROUBLE.
You KNOW THE POLITICAL PROCESS, AND YOU KNOW THAT
BIPARTISAN GOODWILL IN AN ELECTION YEAR IS IN SHORT
SUPPLY. BUT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PLAY POLITICS AS USUAL.
WE'VE GOT A CHANCE TO MAKE REAL PROGRESS -- RIGHT NOW.
= 7 -
TODAY, INFLATION AND LONG-TERM INTEREST RATES HAVE
FALLEN TO THEIR LOWEST LEVELS IN TWO DECADES. MANY
PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS SLUGGISH ECONOMY IS BEGINNING TO
TURN. AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE READY FOR ACTION. 11
JOHN F. KENNEDY ONCE WROTE, "ANY SYSTEM OF
GOVERNMENT WILL WORK WHEN EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL.
IT'S THE SYSTEM THAT FUNCTIONS IN THE PINCHES THAT
SURVIVES."
- 8 -
WELL, IT'S PINCH TIME, AND I'VE PROPOSED A WAY IN
WHICH ALL OF US CAN RISE TO THE OCCASION. IN MY STATE
OF THE UNION ADDRESS, I OUTLINED A SHORT-TERM GROWTH
PACKAGE THAT TÄKES CARE OF THE ESSENTIALS: II
ENCOURAGES INVESTMENT - -- WHICH ALLOWS US TO EXPAND
BUSINESSES AND CREATE NEW ONES.
- 9 -
IT STRENGTHENS THE REAL-ESTATE INDUSTRY, WHICH
HISTORICALLY PULLS US OUT OF RECESSIONS. AND II
ENCOURAGES RISK-TAKING AND INVESTMENT BY CUTTING THE
TAX ON LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAINS AND BY OTHER STIMULATIVE
PROCEDURES.
IT ALSO REFORMS GOVERNMENT. IT SLASHES AWAY AT
PORK-BARREL PROJECTS. IT HOLDS THE LINE ON SPENDING
-- WHILE MOVING MONEY OUT OF UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS AND
INTO VITAL ONES.
- 10 -
HERE'S WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU: A 13-PERCENT
INCREASE IN MONEY AVAILABLE FOR HIGHWAY FUNDING; 11
A
158 PERCENT INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR IN LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION FUND GRANTS; 11 RECORD AMOUNTS FOR
EDUCATION -- A 15-PERCENT INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR; 11
A
27-PERCENT INCREASE IN HEAD START.
- 11 -
MY BUDGET PUTS THE MONEY WHERE IT DOES THE MOST
GOOD -- NOT WHERE IT BEST SERVES SPECIAL INTERESTS.
SOME PEOPLE COMPLAIN THAT IT DOESN'T DO MUCH.
FRANKLY, I'M PROUD OF WHAT IT DOES -- IT LAYS OUT A
BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH -- AND FOR SOME OF THE THINGS IT
DOESN'T DO. IT DOESN'T VIOLATE THE BUDGET AGREEMENT.
IT DOESN'T RAISE TAXES. 11
- 12 -
MY PROGRAM WILL WORK. So WHILE YOU'RE HERE IN
WASHINGTON, VISIT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.
PLEASE TELL THEM: PASS THE PACKAGE BY MARCH 20. WE
MUST MEET THIS DEADLINE. III
JUST A WORD ABOUT THE LONG-TERM PROPOSALS ANNOUNCED
IN MY STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS. IF YOU THINK OF THIS
MOMENT IN HISTORY -- AFTER THE COLD WAR, RIGHT IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE INFORMATION REVOLUTION -- SOMETHING
BECOMES CRYSTAL CLEAR.
- 13 -
WE MUST RETOOL AMERICA TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF A NEW
AGE, AN AGE OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. COLD WAR
POLICIES JUST DON'T CUT IT.
BUSINESSES HAVE BEGUN RETOOLING FOR COMPETITION IN
THE WORLD ECONOMY. STATE GOVERNMENTS HAVE ADOPTED
INNOVATIONS THAT LET THEM PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES FOR
LESS MONEY. I THINK IT'S TIME THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
BECAME PART OF THE SOLUTION, TOO.
- 14 -
LET'S START WITH ONE LONG-TERM GOAL THAT WILL MAKE
A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIVES. FOR YEARS AND YEARS
WE IN WASHINGTON HAVE TALKED ABOUT CUTTING THE DEFICIT.
WE MUST GET THE DEFICIT UNDER CONTROL.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS TOO BIG AND IT SPENDS TOO
MUCH. WE NEED REAL BUDGET DISCIPLINE. MY LONG-TERM
PLAN AND MY SHORT-TERM PLAN PROVIDE THAT DISCIPLINE.
- 15 -
I WANT CONGRESS TO STOP SHOWERING STATES WITH
UNFUNDED MANDATES. FOR BUSINESSES, OR FOR STATES,
MANDATED PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS TOO OFTEN MEAN MANDATED
DEFICITS. I'VE TOLD CONGRESS: IF YOU PASS MANDATES
ONTO STATES, PAY FOR THEM -- AND DON'T RAISE TAXES.
- 16 -
I WANT CONGRESS TO GIVE ME SOMETHING YOU HAVE, I
DON'T, AND I WANT: THE LINE-ITEM VETO. I UNDERSTAND
THE LEGISLATOR'S URGE TO PLEASE A CONSTITUENT BY
PUTTING SOME ITEM IN THE BUDGET. I ALSO KNOW THAT THIS
PRACTICE ENRAGES TAXPAYERS -- AS IT SHOULD. A., LINE-
ITEM VETO LETS A PRESIDENT (or A GOVERNOR) SAY
SOMETHING THAT LEGISLATORS FIND HARD TO SAY: No. I'll
- 17 -
I WANT CONGRESS TO LET STATES APPLY THEIR OWN
RESOURCES AND IMAGINATIONS TO IMPORTANT SOCIAL
PROBLEMS. Too OFTEN YOU HAVE TO USE A ONE-SIZE-FITS-
ALL BLUEPRINT THAT JUST DOESN'T FIT OUTSIDE THE
BELTWAY. THOMAS JEFFERSON CALLED STATES LABORATORIES
FOR DEMOCRACY. WELL, IT'S TIME WE LET YOU DO R AND D.
- 18 -
I WANT TO GIVE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS GREATER
FLEXIBILITY IN ADMINISTERING SERVICES. MY BUDGET
PROPOSES A REVISED $14.6 BILLION BLOCK GRANT. THE
BLOCK GRANT WILL PROVIDE STATES WITH NEEDED FLEXIBILITY
TO ADMINISTER EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES,
AND DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS.
- 19 -
I WANT TO FOCUS FEDERAL POLICY ON THE CRUCIAL ISSUE
OF WELFARE REFORM. THE KEY TO WELFARE REFORM LIES IN
ONE SIMPLE, POWERFUL WORD: RESPONSIBILITY.
MANY STATES HAVE BEGUN TO REFORM WELFARE WITH
RESPONSIBILITY IN MIND. THEY BELIEVE THAT WHEN HEALTHY
ADULTS RECEIVE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, THEY HAVE
RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE AMERICAN TAXPAYERS WHO FUND
THEM: RESPONSIBILITIES TO SEEK WORK, EDUCATION, OR JOB
TRAINING.
- 20 -
WE ALSO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TO THOSE IN THE
SOCIAL SAFETY NET. WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE
THAT WELFARE IS A TEMPORARY SAFETY NET, NOT A
GUARANTEED LIFESTYLE. 11
So MY ADMINISTRATION WILL DO WHATEVER IT CAN TO
HELP YOU REFORM YOUR SYSTEMS. IF YOU NEED A WAIVER OF
FEDERAL REGULATIONS TO REFORM YOUR SYSTEM, WE'LL GET
YOU A WAIVER AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN. 111
- 21 -
I WANT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO REDOUBLE ITS
EFFORTS TO HELP THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL BUILDING BLOCK OF
A HOME, A SCHOOL, A NEIGHBORHOOD, A CITY, OUR NATION:
THE FAMILY.
SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, A GROUP OF MAYORS FROM THE
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CAME TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
EVERY ONE OF THEM TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T SOLVE ANY OF
THEIR BIG PROBLEMS UNTIL THEY RESTORE THE INTEGRITY OF
THE FAMILY.
- 22 -
So MY PLAN LOOKS AT THE FUNDAMENTALS. IT GIVES
MUCH-NEEDED SUPPORT TO THOSE RAISING FAMILIES BY
INCREASING THE PERSONAL EXEMPTION ON THE FEDERAL INCOME
TAX BY $500 PER CHILD. THAT'S NOT AS HIGH AS I WOULD
LIKE, BUT IT'S WHAT WE CAN AFFORD NOW.
- 23 -
MY PLAN ALSO GIVES FAMILIES A GREATER STAKE IN THE
IMPORTANT THINGS: HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION. IT
PROPOSES IRA REFORMS AND TAX CHANGES THAT HELP PEOPLE
PAY FOR THESE BASICS.
- 24 -
AND IN RESPONSE TO THOSE BIG-CITY MAYORS, I HAVE
FORMED THE COMMISSION ON AMERICA'S URBAN FAMILIES.
I'VE ASKED MISSOURI GOVERNOR JOHN ASHCROFT AND FORMER
DALLAS MAYOR ANNETTE STRAUSS TO LEAD THAT COMMISSION,
AND TO PROPOSE HONEST, WORKABLE REFORMS.
A FINAL ISSUE: EDUCATION. THE GOVERNORS OF THIS
COUNTRY HAVE HELPED UNLEASH A LONG-OVERDUE AND MUCH
NEEDED REVOLUTION IN EDUCATION.
- 25 -
I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS CHANCE TO COMMEND THE WORK OF
GOVERNORS CAMPBELL AND ROMER ON THE REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON EDUCATION STANDARDS AND TESTING.
THE SENATE HAS INDICATED UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR THE
RECOMMENDATIONS, AND MY NEW BUDGET INJECTS NEW FUNDS
FOR RESEARCH, STATISTICS, AND ASSESSMENT FUNDING THAT
WOULD BE USED TO HELP IMPLEMENT THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS.
- 26 -
WE MUST NOW TAKE THE WORK WE BEGAN TOGETHER AND
TAKE IT FURTHER -- WE MUST REVOLUTIONIZE AMERICA'S
SCHOOLS. HELP ME SEND A MESSAGE To CONGRESS: JOIN THE
CRUSADE To REVOLUTIONIZE AMERICAN EDUCATION. PASS THE
AMERICA 2000 EDUCATION STRATEGY.
- 27 -
WE MUST GIVE EVERY CHILD IN AMERICA A FULL AND FAIR
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN. THERE'S ONLY ONE WAY TO DO THAT:
EDUCATIONAL CHOICE. CHOICE SERVES AS A CORNERSTONE OF
AMERICA 2000. THIRTY STATES ACROSS THIS NATION HAVE
ALREADY EMBRACED AMERICA 2000. You CAN ENSURE THAT
EVERY STATE JOINS THE MARCH -- THAT EVERY COMMUNITY
BECOMES AN AMERICA 2000 COMMUNITY -- THAT EVERY KID IS
PREPARED FOR THE COMPETITIVE WORLD OF THE 21st CENTURY.
- 28 -
OUR EDUCATION REVOLUTION -- THE REVOLUTION YOU
STARTED IN CHARLOTTESVILLE MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO --
SHOWS WHAT POLITICIANS CAN DO WHEN THEY LAY DOWN THEIR
PARTISAN SWORDS IN SERVICE TO A HIGHER CAUSE. I HOPE
YOU WILL SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE AND INSPIRATION FOR ALL OF
US IN WASHINGTON DURING THE NEXT SIX WEEKS.
- 29 -
I DON'T WANT A PARTISAN FIGHT OVER MY GROWTH
PACKAGE. I JUST WANT US TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT.
I'M COUNTING ON YOUR HELP, BECAUSE YOU SEE THE
PROBLEMS UP CLOSE: You SERVE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVES, AND
YOU KNOW THE PROBLEMS THAT CONCERN THE PEOPLE IN YOUR
STATES.
- 30 -
URGE CONGRESS TO PASS THE INITIATIVES BY MARCH 20.
THEN, INCH-BY-INCH, DAY-BY-DAY, ISSUE-BY-ISSUE, WE WILL
MOVE OUR ECONOMY, REFORM OUR SCHOOLS, REVIVE OUR
NEIGHBORHOODS, AND BUILD THE AMERICA OF OUR DREAMS.
THANK YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND THE GREAT NATION
WE SHARE.
# # # # #
Revised reasion is
GOVERNOR. ST
(all com ments taken
except #2 ontheeducation
memo, last page
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 31, 1991 2 p.m.
GOVERNOR. ST Draft Three
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
East Room
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the overspending, the counterproductive
regulations, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass my
program because It will work.
I know we're in this together. So I have taken the steps I
can take on my own. Specifically: I've set a moratorium on
federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy over the next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to do all
I can to keep interest rates and inflation down while providing
adequate money and credit for healthy growth.
I also gave the Congress a road map. Mine is the only
comprehensive economic recovery plan on the table that doesn't
gut defense, doesn't relax the discipline on Congressional
spending, and doesn't raise tax rates. I believe mine is also
the only plan on the table that will work.
It starts with some basic truths. You can't create jobs
2
without investment, so I told Congress to change the alternative
minimum tax and pass a 15% investment tax allowance. Then, I
told Congress to implement a first home tax credit, and gave them
other ideas to get the housing market going again. Finally, I
told them to create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4
percent. You know who this last change will help -- everyone who
owns a home, a business, a farm, or an investment. In an
international economy, we need to do everything we can to stay
competitive -- and none of our major competitors taxes capital
gains nearly has much as we do.
We're in this together. We have in front of us a small
window in which we can get Congressional action on a this
comprehensive short-term growth package. Everything points to
quick action. Look, if we get going within the next few weeks,
we can build upon sound fundamentals in the economy like rising
exports; falling inflation; and interest rates. You know first-
hand the importance of growth. When your economies grow, you can
do your jobs. When your economies flatten out, you have to face
the toughest choice -- cutting services or raising taxes.
This straightforward plan can help our economy get moving.
I want Congress to pass it by March 20. The legislation went to
the Hill the day after my State of the Union address, so there
are no excuses for inaction. If we could win the Gulf War in 45
days, and the land war in four days, Congress can pass my growth
package by March 20. In fact, when Congress was confronted by
the prospect of a national rail strike, it held hearings, drafted
3
complex legislation, and passed a law -- all within 18 hours.
So: let's get moving by March 20.
You are the ones out there on the front-lines every day.
You need to press Congress to get this short-term package moving
-- and to get our economy growing. You can take advantage of
being in Washington and head over to the Hill to visit your
delegations. And when Congress goes home on its break next week
-- get together with them then.
I know you're also looking beyond the short-term -- and, of
course, so am I. This is a place where we can really benefit
from seeing states as the laboratories for American democracy.
We need to take a new, long, hard look at our country and
our long-term future. Look around us. The rest of the world is
retooling itself to cope with the end of the Cold War.
Businesses and state governments are adopting innovations to deal
with the emerging new world. So it only makes sense that the
federal government must join them -- must tackle the challenge of
making America competitive, and keeping America Number One.
So, once our short-term action plan is in place, we have to
move ahead to ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I
proposed last week is rooted in opportunity and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through free and
fair trade and R&D, to help improve the standard of living for
everyone, including our children -- the workers of the future.
We'll focus on health care reform, providing access, preserving
quality and choice, while controlling costs. We'll focus on
4
empowering the poor in concrete ways, through HOPE housing and
Enterprise Zone legislation. And we will, of course, focus on
crime and drugs -- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill
to bring freedom back to the streets of America.
But there are five specific parts of my long-range plan that
I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential parts
of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something close
to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
Many of you were there at the creation of this extraordinary
reform. The Governors' Summit in Charlottesville was an historic
example of nonpartisan, forward-looking cooperation. Changing
education has been a joint goal for all of us, regardless of
party, and it must remain SO. I'd like to take this chance to
commend the work of Governors Campbell and Romer on the Report of
the National Council on Education Standards and Testing. This is
a remarkable consensus of support. The Senate has indicated
unanimous support for the recommendations, and my new budget
injects new funds for research, statistics, and assessment
funding that would be used to help implement those
recommendations.
We must now take the work we began together and take it
further -- we must revolutionize America's schools. Thirty
states across this nation have already embraced America 2000.
You can ensure that your state joins the march -- that your
communities become America 2000 communities -- that your kids are
prepared for the competitive world of the 21st century.
5
States and communities are at the center of the action when
we talk of education. The federal government needs to keep its
role limited as we revolutionize America's education system. But
often, the federal government makes life tougher for leaders like
you at the state level. I'm talking about mandates.
We must get the federal deficit under control, and stop
enacting unfinanced federal government mandates. I know you've
had enough of Congress telling your states and communities what
to do -- and then disappearing from the scene when it's time to
pay the bill, leaving higher taxes for you to enact. I've made
it clear: If Congress passes a mandate, it should come up with
the money -- without raising taxes. If it tries the old mandate
trick, I'll send it a veto.
The third part of my long-term plan addresses the family. I
believe that my plan to increase the personal tax exemption by
$500 for each child will help families across this land.
In addition, John Ashcroft will lead a new task force -- the
Commission on America's Urban Families. We must become warriors
to keep families strong. Strong families are the only real way
we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have
responsibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary
6
safety net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans
want is a hand up, not a handout. I know that state welfare
reform requires that certain federal regulations be waived, and I
will make that process easier and quicker for every state that
asks our help.
Fourth, my budget provides for a number of initiatives which
will help the states. We have increased the monies available for
highways by 13%. We have proposed tripling the Land and Water
Conservation Fund grants. We have extended the Low-Income
Housing Tax Credit and Mortgage Revenue Bond program. We have
provided record amounts for education -- 15% more than 1992 in
the Department of Education outlays; $600 million, or 27% more,
for Head Start.
And fifth, after consultation with states and localities, we
are proposing a revised $14.6 billion Block Grant. The Block
Grant will provide states with needed flexibility to administer
education, health and social services, and drug control
programs.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to Capitol Hill: "Lead, follow, or get out
of the way. " Well, I've unrolled the blueprints that will lead
this country forward. States, communities and individuals have
also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging from becoming
America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points of Light.
I've made it clear that I don't want a partisan fight over
my growth package, and I hope Congress will cooperate in doing
7
what we all know is right. The nation's governors certainly have
shown that you can tackle tough problems if you agree to put
partisanship aside. Our national education strategy would not
exist if you hadn't decided to do the right thing, and resist the
temptation to get involved in partisan combat.
You know the challenges of providing services, meeting
budgets, and working together with people of all parties, all
beliefs. You can show the nation the way to work together on the
economy. Take out your calendars. Put a circle around March 20.
That's the day we will begin. When you leave Washington and
spread across this nation, take with you the urgency of our
nation's need for action -- promote this growth plan, call for
this growth plan, demand this growth plan. Tell your
Congressional delegations, regardless of party to pass my
initiatives by March 20 -- No politics; no delays; no excuses.
Then, inch-by-inch, day-by-day, issue-by-issue, we will move
our economy, reform our schools, revive our neighborhoods, and
build the America of our dreams.
Thank you. May God bless you and the great nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
8
TO:
TONY
FROM:
BETH
Okay, here's the latest version -- obviously it's long, but
this one contains all the rewrites suggested in your memo, along
with the new sections, etc. suggested in staffing. (N.B. The
fourth and fifth points that were added in staffing to the long-
range discussion add a lot of length.)
I'll run off to my appointment while you're looking this
over -- I'll be back about 4:30 to pick up with the next stage.
Thanks.
303262SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
DATE:
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
senty
DARMAN
PORTER
on ther
way
BRADY
ROGICH
N/C
BROMLEY
SMITH
V/V
CARD
FINDLAY
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
GRAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
/ comment (OCA) Pg 4
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family, John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
OCA)
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
upper
saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
Donte
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing
Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
303262SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
92 JAN 30 A/O: 16
1/30/92
DATE:
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
FINDLAY
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
GRAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
To
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
92 JAN29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
when faced
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
with a
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
na tional
rai
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
strike,
it held
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
It can be dove.
therefore bring people back to work.
If it doesn't act by then
hearings, drafted
this
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
implies
complaint passed edidad c
he's on
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
bill
sidelines
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
the ending strive
until
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
then
in just
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
18 hours.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
unconscionable
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tells
s
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear/ from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family, John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what welfare Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing
Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 1-30-92 : 16:05 : LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218;# 9
303262SS
Document No.
92 JAN 30 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
DATE:
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
FINDLAY
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
GRAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Pg z - Too early to Be so CAUSTIC - strike section
FOR Potus's Growth PACKAge - (AND - Republicans
on House bank. - we'll NeeD Dipart support
got too. caught iN House BANK troubles)
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
1/20/92
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 1-30-92 ; 16:06 ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218;#10
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
GOVERNORS Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 1-30-92 ; 16:06 ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218;#11
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do its after all,
Delate
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to elese
the House bank in one day In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem ----
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness. equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
SENT BY:The TICKET CENTER
; 1-30-92 ; 16:07 ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218;#12
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further - we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
compatitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family. John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
SENI BY:ine PICKET CENTER
; 1-30-92 ; 16:07 ; LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS-
6218;#13
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put at
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing ... Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
1
CEO
(CEA?)
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
92 JAN 30 P3. 03
GOVERNORS Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt Room
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
support, a
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down, while provid ung adequate money credit for healthy growth
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family. John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way. Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 :12:46PM ;
4562983-
6218;# 1
303262SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
GRAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Subject we matter change o.K. some - of the rhetoric to Capitalize
on could the "partnership "with your - more PHILLIP we're D. BRADY in
this to sither rather than "I'm
Assistant to the President
doine this I'm Saine to do that" etc. Ext. 2702
and Staff Secretary
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 :12:47PM ;
4562983-
6218;# 2
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
East Room
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 :12:47PM ;
4562983-
6218;# 3
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem ---
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 :12:48PM ;
4562983-
6218;# 4
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march - that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop - but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family. John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 :12:48PM ;
4562983-
6218;# 5
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing ... Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
SENT BY:Xerox lelecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 ; 8:50AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 1
303262SS
Document No.
92 JAN 30 P5: 07
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BOSKIN
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See changes and attachment from Education. Thanks.
Paul Korfonta PK
01/30/92
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 ; 8:51AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 2
(OCA). Comment section sistion
should Eocus House being on the sidered
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
Currently the
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt Room
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS) I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
(Treas.)
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
clarity
It's got to work.
delete
my program, which relies on a simple principles
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
overle Treasure)
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
(Treasury) pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
V
do all I can to keep (Treasury)
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 ; 8:51AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 3
last change
2
(Treasury)
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
and others will
a farm, or an investment. They I be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America. (Findlay)
When faced
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
with a national
railstrike, it
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
drafted heldhearings completed
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all, legislation, and
passed a billending the
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close 18
strike injust hours.
is it 52
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
or
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
53
(Findlay)
It can be done. (Findlay)
This implies therefore bring people back to work. / If it doesn't act by then
he's on sidelines
until then I'll step in9 and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
(Treasur)
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality. opportunity, and choice. free and
help
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
fair
to through for they R&D
the our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
living 5 yone
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
including
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 ; 8:52AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 4
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
1/30
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities reducated become and (Treasury)
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. (Findlay)unconscionable It's absurd that Congress can (Findlay) tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family, John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-30-92 : 8:52AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 5
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
(Findlay) welfare
hand up, not a handout. I know that state /reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing ... Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
303262SS
Document No.
92
JAN
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
DATE:
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
CARD
FINDLAY
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
GRAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comments
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
92 JAN29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
2
know who this will help everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family. John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong. It's
the only way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
see insert next page
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing ... Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
303262SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
JAN 30 P4: 46
1/30/92
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BOSKIN
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Please
page see 3 Thank you gives
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
January 29, 1991 5 p.m.
GOVERNORS Draft Two
32 JAN 29 P6: 45
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GOVERNORS' MEETING
Monday, February 3, 1992
Roosevelt ROOM
[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] I'm glad to talk with you about the
growth agenda I launched last Tuesday, in my State of the Union
Address. You know, the only State of the Union I look forward to
more than this one is the one I'll deliver this time next year.
I issued a challenge for Congress to do the right thing.
Cut through the obstacles to growth, eliminate the clutter that
obscures our vision -- the high taxes, the tight regulations, the
government deficits, and the red tape. Use common sense. Pass
my program, which relies on a simple principle: It's got to work.
I'm doing what I can. Specifically: I've set a moratorium
on federal regulations that could hinder growth; I've changed
federal tax withholding tables, to pump $25 billion back into our
economy this next year; I've ordered federal agencies to get
pro-growth spending into the economy, and I've pledged to
continue monetary policy that keeps interest rates and inflation
down.
I also laid out the only comprehensive economic recovery
plan around. It starts with the most basic of basics: You can't
create jobs without investment. I told Congress three ways we
can do it. First, change the alternative minimum tax and pass a
15% investment tax allowance; second, implement a first home tax
credit and other ideas to encourage the real estate market;
third, create a maximum longterm capital gains tax of 15.4%. You
2
know who this will help -- everyone who owns a home, a business,
a farm, or an investment. They'll be back on payrolls because
the capital gains cut favors growth and jobs for working America.
These simple proposals can help our economy get moving.
They involve plain old common sense -- and I want Congress to
pass them by March 20. We know Congress can do it: after all,
when confronted with its own bouncing checks, it managed to close
the House bank in one day. In 53 days, it should be able to adopt
these basic solutions that encourage businesses to invest and
therefore bring people back to work. If it doesn't act by then
I'll step in, and the battle will be on.
Americans want Congress to act and then get out of the way.
When it comes to the important things -- building a business,
supporting a family, creating a future, solving a problem --
Washington does not know best -- the people do.
Once our short-term ideas are in place, we can move ahead to
ensure our growth endures. The long-term plan I proposed last
week is rooted in fairness, equality, opportunity, and choice.
We will focus on marketplace competition, through trade and
R&D, for our children -- the workers of the future. We'll focus
on health care reform, preserving quality and choice while
controlling costs. We'll focus on empowering the poor in
concrete ways, through HOPE housing and Enterprise Zone
legislation. And we will, of course, focus on crime and drugs -
- Congress must pass my comprehensive crime bill to bring freedom
back to the streets of America.
3
But there are three specific parts of my long-range plan
that I want to discuss with you today, because they're essential
parts of your own states' futures. I want to begin with something
close to all of us here: education, specifically America 2000.
You were there at the creation of this extraordinary reform.
The Governors' Conference in Charlottesville was an historic
example of bipartisan, forward-looking cooperation. We must take
the work we began together there and take it further -- we must
revolutionize America's schools. Thirty states across this
nation have already embraced America 2000. You can ensure that
your state joins the march -- that your communities become
America 2000 communities -- that your kids are trained for the
competitive world of the 21st century.
Second, we must get rid of the unfinanced federal government
mandates that cripple you. It's absurd that Congress can tell
your states and communities what to do -- and then disappear from
the scene without giving you a cent, leaving in its wake higher
taxes for you. Well, under my plan this will stop -- but I need
your help in telling Congress that it must take action.
There's much more that I could stop if only Congress would
give me the same thing 43 of you have -- the line item veto.
Third, we must refocus ourselves on family, John Ashcroft
will lead a new task force -- the Commission on America's Urban
Strong families
Families. We must become warriors to keep families strong.
are
real
the only A way we can keep strong our cities, states, and country.
As part of this, many states are beginning to operate with
4
new assumptions regarding welfare. They believe that when healthy
adults receive government assistance, they have responsibilities
to the American taxpayers who fund them: responsibilities to seek
work, education, or job training. For their sake, we have respon-
sibilities too -- to ensure that welfare is a temporary safety
net, not a guaranteed lifestyle, because what Americans want is a
hand up, not a handout. I know that state reform requires that
certain federal regulations be waived, and I will make that
process easier and quicker for every state that asks our help.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that expresses the
message we must send to those 535 men and women up on the Hill:
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Well, I've unrolled the
blueprints that will lead this country forward. States and
individuals have also begun -- they've joined up in ways ranging
breat
from becoming America 2000 communities to reaching out as Points
of Light. Now I need your help. Take out your calendars. Put a
circle around March 20. That's Congress' deadline for action on
my plan. Let's all work together -- and do the right thing: No
politics; no delays; no excuses.
Walt Whitman, the great poet of the American spirit, once
wrote: "I hear America singing
Each singing what belongs to
him or her and to none else." When we take these steps to
liberate America's genius, the great choir will sing again, each
individual in this country adding his or her voice to our
stirring chorus of greatness. May God bless this nation we share.
#
#
#
#
#
303262SS
Document No.
92 JAN 31 P5: 25
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/30/92
4:00PM, TODAY, JAN. 30
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GOVERNORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992
SUBJECT:
ROOSEVELT ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCCLURE
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
ROGICH
BROMLEY
SMITH
FINDLAY
CARD
SNOW
DEMAREST
ANDERSON
FITZWATER
BOSKIN
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly to
Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 30. Thank ýou.
RESPONSE:
focus Mone on education
of health care
of appointm
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Feb. 3
195
is each time a step
President Bush. That's the last question.
Now, we all know the political process,
that the Common-
I'm awful sorry; Marlin is really looking nerv-
old. This is still a
particularly people sitting around this table.
ous. [Laughter] Thank you very much.
And you know that in an election year of this
got to take care of
magnitude, bipartisan good will is in basic
it carefully so you
Note: The President's 120th news conference
short supply. But we really cannot afford pol-
y we're trying to-
began at 1:37 p.m. at Camp David, MD.
itics as usual. I think we have a realistic win-
and have a dialog.
President Yeltsin spoke in Russian, and his
with all the heads
dow here of opportunity, a chance to make
remarks were translated by an interpreter.
tries; we do. I be-
real progress and to do it now. And maybe
I'm a little optimistic on this one, but I do
alth will be strong-
sense that Members on both sides of the aisle
on Capitol Hill want action now. I've
1 tells me we've got
Remarks and a Question-and-Answer
watched it and listened to the debate in the
question because
Session With the National
last few days, and that's my feeling.
appointment with
Governors' Association
ess at the Russian
Inflation and long-term interest rates are
February 3, 1992
at their lowest level in two decades. That's
lly do have to go.
good in terms of the recovery that inevitably
lent Yeltsin
The President. I hate to interrupt your
former colleague and now mine, Bob Mar-
is going to ensue. And I think more and more
if you gentlemen
tinez. I heard a little of that, and I think there
we're beginning to hear people say this slug-
ersonal relationship
is some room for optimism. But I also think,
gish economy is turning around. And cer-
u've worked close-
as John said, "Well, we've got a long way
tainly the American people are ready for ac-
bachev.
tion.
to go."
it's well-known that
I want to just make some opening com-
John Kennedy once wrote, "Any system of
tionship with Mr.
ments about the overall policies I spoke
government will work when everything is
on respect. It be-
about the other night. And then I understand
going well. It's the system that functions in
can only speak for
we'll have a Q&A session which I hope will
the pinches that survives." Well, it's pinch
ation, but the visits
be statements and positions from you as well
time. And I have proposed a way in which
dent Yeltsin before
as inquiry of me. I've learned from these ses-
all of us can rise to the occasion.
y pleasant. I think
sions. But let me just make some remarks
In the State of the Union Address, I out-
lerstanding. I have
on where we are in our overall economy.
lined a short-term growth package that does
y heart about what
I salute the members of the Cabinet that
take care of the essentials. And it encourages
to do. And I con-
are here, but especially our visiting Gov-
investment which allows us to expand busi-
ernors. It seems that everyone in this country
nesses and create new ones. And I'm talking
onsider that I was
agrees on two things: First, that we need to
here mainly about creation of new small busi-
; a political person
get the economy moving, and second, that
ness. It strengthens the real estate industry
met George Bush.
our people are up to the challenge of remain-
which historically has led us out of recessions
other, have been
ing number one in the world. I do not believe
in troubled times. And it encourages
ut 2 years at least.
for a minute this is a country in decline. If
risktaking and investment by cutting the tax
1 I was in the oppo-
you doubt it, go talk to any single world lead-
on long-term capital gains and by some other
d then, even then,
er.
stimulative procedures. It also reforms Gov-
ranging talent, his
Last Tuesday, I really made a challenge
ernment. We're going after a bunch of pork-
a person. I'm just
to the Congress to pass what I feel is a com-
barrel projects. It holds the line on spending
by his wisdom. I
monsense growth package and do it by
while moving money out of unnecessary pro-
ualities not only as
March 20th, and pass a long-term series of
grams and into vital ones.
growth initiatives without delay. So, we had
And here's what I think it means for you:
, as a person, as a
are of the United
it divided short term and long term. The
A 13-percent increase in money available for
package relies on some commonsense objec-
highway funding; a 158-percent increase
e now been formed
tives. It encourages investment. It protects
from last year in land and water conservation
k quite frequently
the value of basic investments, like a home.
fund grants; record amounts for education,
And it does not raise Federal taxes. It does
.1 other on the tele-
a 15-percent increase from last year; and a
not increase the Federal deficit. And it
say "George"; and
27-percent increase in Head Start. These
doesn't employ short-term gimmicks that
proposals will make every 4-year-old eligible
create long-term trouble.
for Head Start, every one.
196
Feb. 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
I believe the budget puts the money where
stand the Legislature's urge to please a con-
it does the most good. Now, some complain,
stituent by putting something in the budget.
clearly, that it doesn't do much. I am proud
I was there. I was a Member of a Congress.
of what it does. It lays out a blueprint for
And I also know that that practice of bending
growth. And for some of the things it doesn't
to the constituents' will on every project en-
do, deserve some credit. It does not violate
rages taxpayers across the country, as well
the budget agreement which is the only con-
it should. So, I will keep repeating that a line-
straint in existence on discretionary Federal
item veto lets a President or a Governor say
spending. And it doesn't raise taxes. And I
something that's very hard to say, and that
think the program will work. And so while
is, no.
you're here, my pitch would be to visit the
I want the Congress to let the States sup-
congressional delegations and urge them to
ply their own resources to important social
move by March 20th. I really believe that
programs, apply their imaginations. And too
deadline should be met.
often we have this one-size-fits-all blueprint
Just a word about the long-term proposals.
that just doesn't fit outside of here, outside
If you think of this moment in history, after
of this beltway.
the cold war, right in the middle of the infor-
Jefferson called the States laboratories. We
mation revolution where we are, something
referred to that at the summit, educational
becomes crystal clear: We've got to retool
summit. Well, it's time we let the States do
America to meet the challenges of a new age,
this R&D, get going on innovation. And I
and that's an age of international com-
want to give State and local governments
petition. Cold-war policies just simply are not
greater flexibility in administering services.
going to get the job done.
And that's why we propose a revised $14.6
Now, businesses have begun retooling for
billion block grant. And that grant will pro-
competition in the world economy. State gov-
vide the States with needed flexibility to ad-
ernments have adopted innovations that let
minister education and health and social
them provide better services for less money.
services and the drug program, some of
And I believe that it's time the Federal Gov-
which I guess Bob Martinez was talking
ernment becomes part of that solution, too.
about.
So, let's start with one long-term goal that
I want to focus the Federal policy on cru-
will make a huge difference in your lives. For
cial issues like welfare reform. And the key
years and years we in Washington have talked
to that lies in one real simple word, and that
about cutting the deficit. And I really believe
is responsibility. Now, many States are in the
we must get that deficit under control. The
innovation business, beginning to reform
Federal Government is too big, and it spends
welfare with that responsibility. And they be-
too much. And what that leads you to then
lieve that when healthy adults receive Gov-
is real budget discipline, and the long-term
ernment assistance, they have responsibilities
plan and the short-term plan provide that dis-
to the American taxpayers who fund them,
cipline. And I simply cannot let the Congress
seeking work, education, job training. I see
bust the spending caps that now exist.
Tommy Thompson; I had a long talk with
I want the Congress to do what I believe
him not just about the experience in Wiscon-
you want, transcending party lines, and that
sin but about what other States are doing in
is to stop showering the States with these
these areas. And we support that innovation.
mandates, unfunded mandates. For busi-
Clearly, we have responsibility to those in the
nesses or for States, mandated programs and
social safety net. And we have a responsibility
benefits too often mean mandated deficits.
to ensure that welfare is a temporary net,
And I've told Congress if you pass mandates
not a guaranteed lifestyle. So, we're going
onto the States, pay for them and don't do
to do what we can to help reform the sys-
it by raising taxes on all the Americans, on
tems. That leads us to waivers. If you need
the American people.
a waiver of Federal regulations to reform,
I want Congress to give me something that
we'll get you a waiver as quickly as we can.
you have. I'm not naive about this, but I'd
And I want the Federal Government at
like to have that line-item veto. And I under-
another point to redouble our efforts for the
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Feb. 3
197
George Bush, 1992
ge to please a con-
most fundamental building block of a home,
every child full and fair opportunity to learn.
hing in the budget.
a school, a neighborhood, a city, our Nation,
We believe educational choice is the way, the
aber of a Congress.
and I'm talking about the family. Several
clear way to help do that. Choice serves as
practice of bending
weeks ago-I mentioned this in making the
a cornerstone in our America 2000 program.
n every project en-
State of the Union-a group came in from
Thirty States have already embraced America
le country, as well
the National League of Cities, Democrats,
2000. And we can ensure just around this
epeating that a line-
Republicans, large cities, small cities, urging
table that every State joins the march, that
or a Governor say
me to appoint this Commission on the Urban
every community becomes an America 2000
d to say, and that
Family. The decline and disintegration of the
community, that every kid is prepared for the
family was at the very heart of the problems
competitive world of the 21st century.
let the States sup-
that they spelled out. And it was without ex-
So, our education revolution, and I use the
"O important social
ception; they agreed on this unanimously.
term "our" advisedly. Governor Nelson chid-
ginations. And too
And of course, I'm very grateful to Governor
ed me last night because I said "my" edu-
ze-fits-all blueprint
Ashcroft and the former mayor of Dallas, An-
cational program. I was taking that up to
le of here, outside
nette Strauss, who agreed to lead this Com-
Congress because, very candidly, they have
mission.
a different approach there. But I accept that
es laboratories. We
I believe our plan looks at the fun-
because it is "our" educational program. And
immit, educational
damentals. It gives much-needed support to
that revolution is ours. It started in Char-
3 let the States do
those raising families by increasing that per-
lottesville more than 2 years ago. It shows
innovation. And I
sonal exemption on the Federal income tax
what can be done when we lay down our
local governments
by $500 per child. I wish it could be more,
partisan swords in service to a higher cause.
inistering services.
but that's all that can fit into this budget that
And I hope that you all will serve as an exam-
se a revised $14.6
will not bust the ceilings. That's all we can
ple, an inspiration for all of us in Washington
hat grant will pro-
afford right now. We give families a greater
during the next 6 weeks.
ed flexibility to ad-
stake in health care and education. And it
In sum, I don't want a partisan fight over
health and social
proposes IRA reforms and tax changes that
our education program or, indeed, over this
program, some of
help people pay for these basics.
growth package. And I really want us to do
rtinez was talking
A final issue, and one where you all have
what's right. And my eyes are open in terms
literally starred in an exemplary bipartisan
of the partisan political year. But again, we
leral policy on cru-
manner, and that's education. The Governors
have this timeframe now in which we can
form. And the key
have helped unleash a long-overdue and
lay aside our partisan ambitions and get
ple word, and that
much-needed revolution in education. And
something done for this country, both in the
ay States are in the
I want to commend the works of Governor
educational field and in terms of growth.
inning to reform
Romer and Governor Campbell on that re-
So I guess the bottom line is, I need your
bility. And they be-
port of the National Council on the Stand-
help. I'd like to ask for your help to talk to
dults receive Gov-
ards and Testing.
the Congress about these initiatives. And cer-
ave responsibilities
The Senate has indicated unanimous sup-
tainly I would solicit, earnestly solicit your
S who fund them,
port for the recommendations, and our new
help to see us move this country forward to
job training. I see
budget injects new funds for research, statis-
try to revolutionize education for the genera-
d a long talk with
tics, and assessment funding that would be
tions coming.
erience in Wiscon-
used to help implement these rec-
Thank you all very much. In just a second
States are doing in
ommendations. So now, we must take the
we will be alone and able to hear a few sug-
>rt that innovation.
work that we began together and take it fur-
gestions or answer a few questions. Who's
ility to those in the
ther. And we must revolutionize these Amer-
next?
ave a responsibility
ican schools. I don't know if Lamar has had
Governor Romer. Mr. President, let me
a temporary net,
a chance to bring you up to date, but clearly,
just begin by thanking you for your firm and
:. So, we're going
I hope you will ask him where it stands if
steadfast leadership in the world during this
'p reform the sys-
he hasn't.
time of rapid change. We're grateful for your
livers. If you need
I'd like to urge you to help me send this
budget initiatives to stimulate economic
lations to reform,
message to Congress to literally join in this
growth. And your partnership with Gov-
quickly as we can.
revolutionary crusade for American edu-
ernors is a significant one in Federal-State
al Government at
cation and to pass the strategy, pass the
relations. Especially in a city that is covetous
our efforts for the
American 2000 strategy. We have got to give
of power, we appreciate the fact that you
198
Feb. 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
think of us as partners. Especially we appre-
and convince them that your approach alone
ciate the opportunity of working with you on
is the only approach. I think there are other
national education goals, child care legisla-
approaches, and we ought to, as Governors,
tion, on increased funding for Head Start.
recognize that and to say together that we
Could I ask the press not to leave yet?
need to take these differences and work at
For clean air legislation, the U.S.-Canada
them.
trade treaty, and national transportation leg-
Positively, I just hope that whatever solu-
islation, all of those things. We're here today
tion we come by, that we do not, in the short-
to say to you that we appreciate your co-
term solutions, dig ourselves holes where we
operation and pledge our cooperation with
do not have long-term economic growth
you as we share this opportunity to bring
available to us. And I just wanted to lay out
America into the 21st century.
that issue because it was an honest issue
Excuse me, we need a new format here.
among some Democratic Governors that we
I come as a part of a nonpartisan organiza-
want to communicate to you that we're con-
tion, NGA. I'm the incoming chairman, and
cerned about the budget that you've laid out.
I think there are a lot of things that we need
We're concerned that it does not provide the
to discuss with the administration. And un-
revenue to do what is anticipated there, and
fortunately, this format is not a good one;
we're concerned that some of those may end
it's kind of structured. They're assigned ques-
up on our backs, particularly the $12 billion
tions.
undesignated source.
The President. Ask me anything you
The President. But if it doesn't provide
want.
the revenue, are you all suggesting a tax in-
crease now at the Federal level?
Budget Proposals
Governor Romer. But I think that there
Defense Budget
are things that we do have a bipartisan pro-
Governor Romer. Well, I think that the
gram on, and there are some things that we
approach that many Democratic Governors
honestly differ, Mr. President. And I, before
are taking is the following: That we ought
the press left, wanted to say that on the main
to take the peace dividend, whatever size it
issue that is on your mind, and that is the
is, $50 billion to $100 billion over 5 years,
economic recovery program and the budget,
and have it directed toward economic stimu-
I think that there are some very strong feel-
lation of the country. Secondly, that we ought
ings about that issue from Governors. And
to take the issue of tax fairness and adjust
I think that we, hopefully, can arrive at a
it between the middle class and those in the
bipartisan answer to it.
upper brackets as Congress and you may
However, there are a couple of points that
jointly decide. But I think that-I'm worried
you made that I think have partisan implica-
about trying to take the peace dividend and
tions. And I just, frankly, want to answer
to make the economic tax adjustments that
them before the press leaves the room, and
you suggested with figures in the budget that
it is in reference to your budget proposal.
I do not yet believe balance.
I also want to get gimmicks out of that budg-
The President. Well, let me get to the
et. I don't think they're out yet. I think
defense budget. Is the Democratic Gov-
there's a $12 billion gimmick, which is an
ernors taken a position that it ought to be
asterisk which is not yet identified as to
a $100 billion defense cut? I have said to
where the money is going to come from. And
the Nation I think it ought to be $50 billion,
I think there is a $28 billion gimmick in there
and the Joint Chiefs of Staff think it ought
in terms of accrual accounting of anticipating
to be $50 billion. And I have a responsibility
things in the future.
for the national security and the foreign pol-
Now, I want this to be settled, if we can,
icy. And in my view, $50 billion, based on
by honestly working through the options. But
recommendations from the Joint Chiefs and
I honestly believe that we ought not pose
from the Secretary of Defense, is right.
this meeting with the Governors of how can
Now, are we saying-we're getting to spe-
we as Governors help you go to Congress
cifics here. Do you want it to be $100 billion,
tion of George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Feb. 3
199
that your approach alone
1. I think there are other
and if so, what bases do you want to close?
some Democratic Governors, as to what
What areas do you want to shut down? What
ought to, as Governors,
that's going to mean in terms of how we settle
weapon systems do you want to knock off
to say together that we
on the economic recovery package.
differences and work at
right now? Where do you want to lay off the
Now, Mr. President, I'll frankly try not to
people? We've got a program. We're testify-
make this any more partisan. I'm just saying
ing on it every day. Now, I'd like to know
hope that whatever solu-
that I want to have an opportunity that we
it we do not, in the short-
what your suggestion is specifically, while we
can come to the table, we as Governors on
have the press here.
ourselves holes where we
both parties, have this discussion in detail so
Governor Romer. Let me answer it. The
term economic growth
that whatever this economic package is, it's
I just wanted to lay out
reason I got into this is that I recognized in
going to fit with the States when we get it
it was an honest issue
your presentation-and before the press was
passed.
to leave-was an identification of these Gov-
cratic Governors that we
The President. I think, you will recall, at
te to you that we're con-
ernors to go to Congress and argue for the
the opening of my remarks, I invited that
dget that you've laid out.
budget message that you made. And I simply
kind of suggestion. Now, inasmuch as you
at it does not provide the
am trying to say there is an alternative point
raised a couple of specifics, I think you're
is anticipated there, and
of view that ought to be put on the table.
entitled to an answer. And I'd like Dick
some of those may end
And that alternate point of view is, first of
Darman who has testified to respond to those
rticularly the $12 billion
all, in the size of the military peace
two points.
dividend
Director Darman. Thank you, Mr. Presi-
But if it doesn't provide
The President. Right.
dent.
Governor Romer. is a debate
1 all suggesting a tax in-
The accrual accounting point is really quite
deral level?
whether it's $50 billion or $100 billion. And
arcane. But for those who are aware of the
I don't know the answer to that because I
issue to which the Governor referred, let me
don't sit in the Halls of Congress. But I think
clarify a couple of things. First of all, the
Well, I think that the
that debate ought to go forward. Secondly,
budget numbers that we published and the
Democratic Governors
there is a debate as to whether or not the
deficit numbers we published do not, do not
llowing: That we ought
tax structure is fair, and that debate ought
include the effect of the accrual reforms. In
vidend, whatever size it
to go forward. And I think that the Governors
other words, the number that is an unattrac-
00 billion over 5 years,
ought to be able to participate in both parties
tive number for fiscal year '92, which we pub-
toward economic stimu-
in that debate and-
lished, $399.4 billion estimated deficit with
Secondly, that we ought
The President. Well, let's discuss it. What
our program, does not include the effect of
tax fairness and adjust
do you think we ought to do? What level do
the accrual accounting reform we rec-
e class and those in the
we have of defense spending? We're testify-
ommend, point one. In other words, the
Congress and you may
ing every single day for the details of this
premise is wrong.
think that-I'm worried
program. But if you've met and you want to
Second, the accrual reforms which we pro-
the peace dividend and
say something in front of the press about-
posed, we proposed in June of last year be-
ic tax adjustments that
I ask you to be specific with me. I think that's
fore the growth package. They are independ-
igures in the budget that
the way we ought to approach it.
ently desirable. We were asked by the Con-
alance.
Specific Budget Issues
gress to make a recommendation. We made
Vell, let me get to the
that recommendation. The Congressional
the Democratic Gov-
Governor Romer. Well, the specifics that
Budget Office was also asked. They made the
on that it ought to be
I'm really concerned about, about the budg-
same recommendation, that insurance pro-
se cut? I have said to
et, and I'll be detailed about it, is there's a
grams should be subject to accrual account-
ought to be $50 billion,
$12 billion asterisk that I think hangs over
ing. The two different independent account-
of Staff think it ought
the head of Governors because it may be
ing organizations, outside CPA's, made the
11 have a responsibility
State programs that are cut. There is ac-
identical recommendations. And in fact,
ity and the foreign pol-
counting, accrual accounting in future re-
many States followed the same approach and
$50 billion, based on
ceipts that concern me. There are implica-
are ahead of the Federal Government. Some
m the Joint Chiefs and
tions of tax revenue loss in the IRA treatment
have argued that had we had accrual ac-
Defense, is right.
in years ahead that may produce additional
counting in the past, we would have seen the
-we're getting to spe-
deficit. And in the course of the 2 days that
adverse effect of the S&L crisis in advance,
int it to be $100 billion,
I have been in town, I find that there is a
and it would have taken the appropriate pre-
considerable point of view, at least among
ventive action in advance.
200
Feb. 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
So, I think that that point is not quite apt
Timing of Congressional Action
as a criticism. In fact, it's a useful reform
The President. While the press is here,
we're recommending, but it is not used in
did the Democratic Governors meet, and is
the deficit numbers that we published at the
there any feeling that we shouldn't press to
lead of the budget.
try to get something done by March 20th?
On the IRA scoring issue, again I'm afraid
Is there a spokesman on that point? Because
there's a little bit of confusion. We actually
what I would like to suggest, not that you
scored the IRA proposal as losing money. But
have to sign every "t" and "i" but that we
we nonetheless propose it because we think
all urge Congress to move by that date. If
it has a favorable long-term effect on growth.
that date isn't good, what date? Is there feel-
There are some in Congress who have pro-
ing on that one?
posed IRA reforms which they score posi-
Governor Richards. I don't believe, Mr.
tively. We did not adopt those. We adopted
President, that there was any question that
and explicitly over 5 years showed revenue
the Democratic Governors as well as the Re-
losses, small gain in the first 2 years, substan-
publican Governors are anxious to have Con-
tial decline in the 3d, 4th, and 5th year, with
gress move expeditiously. There was no dis-
the declines increasing in exactly the manner
cussion of a magic date, but I suspect that
you suggested, Governor Romer. But we did
the Congress is going to move very quickly,
it above board, and we financed it.
not only because we're going to urge them
On the point about the asterisk-sorry for
to do that because it's the right thing to do,
going on so long, Mr. President, this is all
but because we are very cognizant that it is
rather arcane. This one is extremely tech-
an election year. It is time for Congress to
nical. I believe what you're referring to shows
get its budget proposals out there.
up in fiscal year '94 and '95. And it's the only
The President. That's good because I
thing that I can think of that would qualify
think most agree, people in the country agree
as related to the number you've mentioned.
that it can move. It moved very fast on, and
What we have done is we have proposed
properly so, on these extended benefits, and
a budget authority freeze, fiscal year '93 rel-
I think it can. And I just hope that that's
ative to '92, with every single program cut
an area that we can have common, make
fully identified above board, with every pro-
common ground here because it's important.
gram termination fully identified, and with
While the press are here, are there any
all the increases identified. That's what the
other-Jim, yes.
law asks us to do. That's all we have to do
in the Federal appropriations process, one
Medicaid and Welfare Waivers
year.
Governor Florio. Mr. President, I'm au-
For the outyears, we extended the budget
thorized to ask a question that I think is on
authority three forward, '94, '5, '6, 7. The
the minds of many of the Governors. As we
outlays that are associated with that you can't
try to put together our budget problems,
know at this stage; you don't know until the
there are two areas that sort of jump out that
Congress has made the decisions on fiscal
are extremely difficult for us to deal with:
year '93. And you have to assume an outlay
One is health care in general, Medicaid in
ratio. We did, but they've hit the cap. So,
particular, and the other is the welfare situa-
we made an allowance adjustment to make
tion that you've talked about.
it consistent with the law on the outyears at
We are all trying to, in the best federalistic
the same time as we proposed to amend the
tradition, frame our own packages to be able
caps to make it conform correctly.
to be cost-effective. And we are doing it, at
But none of that has effect on the actual
least some of us are doing it, in ways that
appropriations process. For the appropria-
are not, policy-wise, universally applauded.
tions process for this year every single line,
It is tough. I was pleased to hear in your
every project, every proposal is specified in
State of the Union Message the discussion
detail. There is no magic asterisk.
about waivers, and today again I was very
Thank you, Mr. President.
pleased.
1 of George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Feb. 3
201
nal Action
I guess what I would urge, and I think
to go into the provider payment in which the
ile the press is here,
I urge it on behalf of everyone, is that the
OMB had a contrary position that was more
departments, particularly Health and Human
limiting on States just several months ago and
overnors meet, and is
Services and of course OMB, which gray em-
that was worked out, a temporary com-
we shouldn't press to
inence always plays a particular role here,
promise, I believe, with the Congress? Can
done by March 20th?
look at these waiver requests with the-I'm
we interpret, then, that with that type of phi-
in that point? Because
hesitant to use the word-the most liberal
losophy that we will be able to utilize that
suggest, not that you
interpretation capable in order to let us put
in the future? And that's something that af-
and "i" but that we
these programs into play in the way that we
fects our budget of potentially $25 million;
move by that date. If
think our localities will be able to deal with
some other States, a couple of hundred mil-
at date? Is there feel-
them.
lion. And that's the type of interpretation, I
And then, and most importantly, expedi-
think, that has caused us some concern.
3. I don't believe, Mr.
tious. There has to be some review of these
Director Darman. Are you referring to
was any question that
things quickly as opposed to-and I was talk-
the Medicaid agreements we reached-ex-
hors as well as the Re-
ing with the Governor of Massachusetts who
cuse me, Mr. President, may I?
3 anxious to have Con-
was lamenting the fact that it took a year for
The President. No, please.
sly. There was no dis-
something that he has an interest in. So that
Director Darman. The Medicaid agree-
:e, but I suspect that
if there's a way that you can, in accordance
ment we reached at the tail end of the Con-
to move very quickly,
with what you've expressed already, commu-
gress and then legislated? We propose to
e going to urge them
nicate directly with some of your folks that
honor that 100 percent, notwithstanding the
the right thing to do,
this is a high priority, it would help us. I sus-
interest in reforming the health system. And
ry cognizant that it is
pect it would help the Nation. And I just
some have advocated going back at dis-
time for Congress to
want to lay that out as a very important ini-
proportionate share and other things and re-
out there.
tiative that the administration can take.
opening that agreement. We propose to stick
at's good because I
The President. I think we've got agree-
with that agreement, honor it, and live within
le in the country agree
ment on that one. And I can assure you that's
it. It, I think, is a stable and mutually agree-
oved very fast on, and
what we will be trying to do. I hope it doesn't
able place to move forward, isn't it?
xtended benefits, and
require-we were just talking about this
Trade Initiatives
just hope that that's
when I was talking to the Director before
have common, make
coming over here, as to whether legislative
The President. Any others? Tommy.
because it's important.
changes are essential in any of this waiving
Governor Thompson. Mr. President, let
here, are there any
of authority and control. And I gather we can
me compliment you on your leadership as
do a lot without that.
trying to get through GATT and the NAFTA.
But Dick, do you want to address yourself
If we're going to get our economy moving,
e Waivers
to that one? Some of it, again, is technical.
it's got to be done with a lot of exports. I
Mr. President, I'm au-
Director Darman. Only to say, Mr. Presi-
was wondering if you could give us an update
tion that I think is on
dent, that this is one where I do think we
as to how the GATT is proceeding as well
the Governors. As we
are in complete agreement and are anxious
as NAFTA, which is very important to States
our budget problems,
to make sure that the waiver process moves
like Wisconsin and Texas. And I want to com-
.t sort of jump out that
more quickly and also that in applying it
pliment you on your leadership in that re-
for us to deal with:
we're more flexible than we have been in the
gard.
general, Medicaid in
past, both of which I think have been sub-
The President. Well, NAFTA, as you
er is the welfare situa-
jects of legitimate complaint by the Gov-
know, is getting a little caught up in politics.
about.
ernors. That is, that we've been too slow and
We are not going to take a bad agreement
in the best federalistic
that we've been too, if you'll pardon the
to the Congress. We are going to push for
/n packages to be able
word, illiberal. So, I would think under the
a North American free trade agreement. I
d we are doing it, at
President's direction you'll see a visible and
talked to the Prime Minister of Canada yes-
doing it, in ways that
discernible and prompt change on this sub-
terday on it. I've been in touch with Salinas
universally applauded.
ject.
of Mexico, who's doing a superb job down
ased to hear in your
Governor Miller. I'd just like to ask a
there. And I told them we are not going to
essage the discussion
more particular followup question, after the
pull back one inch, politics or no politics.
day again I was very
President, of the Office of Management and
This expands job opportunity for Ameri-
Budget, and that is: Can that be interpreted
cans. And the argument that it takes Amer-
202
Feb. 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
ican jobs away is just not true. Just in recent
isn't easy right now because I think it's much
history, the exports to Mexico have dramati-
more European politics than it is U.S. at this
cally gone up, and that's very, very good for
time. Because the common agricultural pol-
American jobs. So on that one, we're pressing
icy there is one of high subsidization.
forward. I'm going to try to set aside any po-
And the last thing I'd say, for those who
litical timetable on it but move it to comple-
are doubtful about it or unclear, the best way
tion.
to help countries that need help the most
We are being fought by the unions, strong.
is through a successful conclusion of the
They are wrong. And those of us who believe
GATT round. The Third World countries
in expanding markets and a more prosperous
would benefit there more than any others.
Mexico is good for the United States, wheth-
But Ed, do you want to add a word to
er it's their ability to do something about
that? Because I know a lot of people around
their environment, or whether it's their abil-
this table are vitally interested in the agricul-
ity to buy more American goods, that's sen-
tural component of this.
sible trade policy. So, we're going to press
Secretary Madigan. Mr. President, the
for it. Whether we'll get it, Governor Thomp-
Director General of GATT, Arthur Dunkel,
son, in time or not, I don't know.
has made a proposal for the solution to the
The GATT, which in a sense is broader
round, and that proposal is regarded by the
because it gives us problems in Europe, is
United States as being a very acceptable
extraordinarily difficult. The major stumbling
framework for bringing the negotiations to
block is still agriculture. It is not the only
a close. And as you point out, the Europeans
stumbling block. I had a chance to visit with
will not accept it. So, Mr. Dunkel has begun
President Mitterrand up at the United Na-
meeting unilaterally with the Europeans this
tions on Friday. We've agreed to talk again
week to see if he can work out something
in a bilateral meeting on this subject. The
with them that he would then propose to the
Germans are involved, and they tell me
rest of us. We don't know the status of those
they're trying to be helpful. But I don't want
talks at this point.
to misrepresent it to the Governors; we still
The President. Pete, Governor Wilson.
have some big problems on bringing this one
to conclusion.
Congressional Mandates and State
And it is essential that it get done because
Priorities
if it doesn't get done, what we're going to
Governor Wilson. This is coming back on
do is see the world start dividing up into trad-
Jim Florio's point. I think that there should
ing blocs. There's one out in Asia that makes
not have been a Governor listening to your
some sense, the ASEAN bloc. But if you add
State of the Union who didn't cheer when
to that Japan and try to make a Pacific trading
you made the point that you did and that
bloc, that would not be good for free trade
you repeated this morning about waivers. If
worldwide. I similarly went to great ends to
there should be bipartisanship on anything,
tell them that the NAFTA, the free trade
at least among the Governors, it's on that
agreement, was not an effort on the part of
point. I can't think of a Governor here who
this hemisphere to divide into a trading bloc.
has not at some point or another given voice
And I think I've made that point, I hope con-
to the complaint that we are being compelled
vincingly, to the EC and to Europe.
to spend State tax money in accordance not
But it is important we get that deal done,
with our own priorities but really with the
and get it done so the Congress can approve
agenda of the congressional committee chair.
it. We're not going to take a bad deal up
And it does distort priorities. It does distort
there. It isn't simply agriculture: We've got
our spending, not just at the State level, but
intellectual property rights; we have market
I would suggest that most of the distortion
access; we have some other ingredients. But
is linked to Federal spending.
we've got good people working this problem.
And so, I would say that we have reason
There's Ed Madigan here today. He's han-
to be not only grateful but also, as we seek
dling the agriculture end and can expand on
the waivers, I think we're all well aware that
that. But Carla Hills, doing a superb job. It
the waiver is temporary relief. God knows
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Feb. 3
203
se I think it's much
we're grateful for it, and we are very grateful
you endorse it-[laughter]. I've known you
an it is U.S. at this
for the speedy action that you're bringing
too long.
on agricultural pol-
about. The real answer is that Congress
Who's next? Terry.
sidization.
passed these laws, and Congress should re-
say, for those who
peal them. And I think we ought to help one
Agricultural Trade
clear, the best way
another. I think, frankly, that those of us who
Governor Branstad. Mr. President, first
ed help the most
have complained so loud and long have an
of all, I want to thank you for your assistance
obligation to ourselves as well as to you, not
in trying to open some markets for us. Some-
conclusion of the
only to Federal taxpayers but to those com-
thing that was done a few years ago, opening
1 World countries
en than any others.
mon constituents who are State taxpayers as
the market for beef in Japan, is really making
to add a word to
well, to go up there and really start changing
a difference in my State. And I heard David
t of people around
the laws. Now, that's going to be hard to do
Gergen say recently that 80 percent of the
because committee chairmen enjoy the
new jobs created last year were as a result
sted in the agricul-
power of the purse. They love that general-
of exports. We can't afford to go into protec-
ized prescription.
tionism. We have to continue to fight for ac-
Mr. President, the
T, Arthur Dunkel,
But this may not be the perfect season in
cess to those markets. And I just want to en-
which to do it. But after your reelection, to
courage you to continue to lead that effort
the solution to the
for access.
is regarded by the
venture a partisan comment, we ought to go
a very acceptable
up there, bipartisan, and say to these com-
We're being discriminated against in the
he negotiations to
mittee chairmen, "We've had enough. You
European Community because of the hor-
are distorting the whole process."
mone issue, which is a false issue, doesn't
out, the Europeans
The President. Would it be possible to
have anything to do with health. And we
Dunkel has begun
need to continue that. And I know that's a
the Europeans this
get agreement amongst Democrat and Re-
ork out something
publican Governors as what legislative
stickler; that's an issue in the GATT negotia-
hen propose to the
changes would be enacted, whether we could
tions. But I just want to encourage you to
the status of those
get together on that, whether the Governors'
continue to take a strong stand on that. It's
Association might get together and suggest
very important to us, especially in agri-
overnor Wilson.
legislative changes? Because if that came up
culture. Given an opportunity to compete in
there in a bipartisan way I believe it would
a fair playing field, we can compete in the
world.
and State
make a tremendous impact on Congress, far
The President. You want to respond, Ed?
better than, say, the administration taking it
Secretary Madigan. I think, Mr. Presi-
is coming back on
up with the backing of some Governors.
dent, in the Dunkel text, the standards on
: that there should
Governor Romer. I think that there is the
sanitary and biosanitary issues have been
r listening to your
possibility for us to do some bipartisan work
well-regarded by the wheat producers in the
didn't cheer when
in that area, and I think it would be very
United States because they would deal with
you did and that
helpful for us to sort that out. And Mr. Presi-
that hormone issue in Europe. That's one of
U4 about waivers. If
dent, I appreciate this conversation. This is
the things that all of our producers seem to
nship on anything,
what I was hoping that we could do, is to
like about the Dunkel text.
ernors, it's on that
identify those things where we bipartisanly
The President. Governor Sinner had his
Governor here who
really can go together, but also to identify
hand up.
nother given voice
that there are some times and some places
e being compelled
in an election year that we do have dif-
Energy Policy
in accordance not
ferences. And I appreciate your giving us the
Governor Sinner. In this whole area of
ut really with the
opportunity to raise these differences this
trade I get very nervous about us putting our-
il committee chair.
morning. And the reason I did it in an abrupt
selves in a continual vulnerable position on
ies. It does distort
way, I just did not want us to be in the pos-
energy. I can see why other countries have
he State level, but
ture of endorsing only the one economic ap-
the same feeling about food. You and I had
t of the distortion
proach which was in your State of the Union
a long talk about energy when you were Vice
ng.
Message. There is more than one, and I ap-
President, and you had been over to the Mid-
at we have reason
preciate you giving us the opportunity to ex-
dle East. And I remember then that you
it also, as we seek
pound that this morning.
shared my concerns that we sit here totally
all well aware that
The President. All I was doing was ap-
vulnerable to a Middle East tyranny. And I
relief. God knows
pealing for an endorsement, not suggesting
want the free trade. But I think when you
204
Feb. 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
get into the area of energy and food, we have
And what I'm getting at, though, is I don't
to understand that the people of Europe
think that there's anything in these free trade
have been hungry, and they aren't going to
agreements that is going to adversely affect
forget that. And we have been through a hor-
development of domestic energy. I just don't
rible war, $100 billion we spent, a couple
believe that there's anything, if we've got a
hundred thousand people dead to protect
good NAFTA or we've got a good GATT
our energy resources. I want to say that I
agreement, that either one of those would
think we have to be extremely careful and
make us more dependent on foreign oil at
not euphemize free trade as though there
all. I don't see the connection on that one;
weren't some other considerations because
maybe I've missed it. But I certainly don't
it is not magic. It's not in the Constitution.
want to see us become more dependent on
What we are bound to do here is protect
it, and I don't think we have to.
the people's needs.
Governor Sinner. -[inaudible]-that
The second thing, you asked a while ago
free trade will somehow or other obliterate
if any of us were for tax increases. And I
the dangers that befall society if we became
don't speak for anybody but myself. But my
totally dependent on something called free
children and your children and the children
trade in energy. That's the point I wanted
of all the people around here are going to
to make.
face one hell of a debt. And I, for one, say
The President. Yes, unfortunately we're
my answer to your question: Yes, I would
becoming, because of failure to move for-
favor that. I think it's time we go back and
ward with safe nuclear power, which I think
tax some of the wealthy people. I'm not
we can do-we'll get a lively debate on that
super-wealthy, but what I pay in income
one around this table, I'm sure-or getting
taxes isn't very much, really, compared to
more technology going. I think we've got a
what people in low-income brackets pay. I
problem on energy dependence, and I'd like
to see it reverse. And that's what we've tried
think you could tax the wealthy a lot more.
And the fact is if we continue into this
to do in our national energy strategy which
sewer of debt, our children and the families
we have not gotten through the Congress.
that are suffering today, that's nothing com-
Again, I'd make an appeal for you people that
pared to what the families of tomorrow will
are interested in the energy side of things
suffer. So, I just want you to know that I,
to take a look at it and support it where you
can. I see Jim over there, who's done a su-
for one, would stand up and suggest I do
think we should raise them.
perb job on our overall energy requirements,
trying to make us less dependent.
The President. My problem on that is that
I cannot certify that our program-and,
the percentage of the GDP, GNP taken by
Jim, correct me-will make us independent
taxes is inching up, and it's too high. But any-
of foreign sources of all energy. It won't. But
way, we have a difference on that one.
it will move us in the right direction. Is that
I don't think we've got a difference on en-
about right?
ergy. One, you and I do agree, I think, that
Secretary Watkins. Yes, that's right. The
there is a risk in becoming ever more de-
bill stripped down will come to the floor this
pendent on foreign oil in this country. And
afternoon at 2 p.m. It will then go through
one of the reasons I strongly support the
a debating period and come up for a motion
ANWR is because, one, I think it's environ-
to proceed. Whether there's going to be a
mentally compatible, and secondly, most im-
filibuster, I don't know. That should happen
portantly, I think that offers us a chance to
on Wednesday, and we should be underway
at least turn around this increasing depend-
on debate. Unfortunately, it does take out
ence on foreign oil. And I think it's about
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; it takes
time that we make that case, For those of
out the CAFE standards which we were
us, Democrat or Republican, who believes
going to get all the way along. Nevertheless,
in our national energy strategy as outlined,
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as you
we ought to fight for it. So, I don't think
mentioned properly, is part of the growth
we have a difference.
package. It is worth about 500,000 jobs over
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Feb. 3
205
it, though, is I don't
the next 10 years. It's worth about $200 bil-
cipally used in the northern States to help
gn in these free trade
lion in reduction of our trade deficit. Those
people get through the winter with fuel as-
to adversely affect
monies always go offshore.
sistance. We had to put some State money
energy. I just don't
The movement of that particular refuge
up. Of course, we had to level-fund our State
ning, if we've got a
will not only be worth that 8.5 billion barrels
budget this year, so that meant we had to
got a good GATT
but will also carry along, with the residue of
take the money from somewhere else.
ne of those would
the Prudhoe Bay will add another billion bar-
In your budget this year, Mr. President,
at on foreign oil at
rels. Now, that's good for the economy of
it's recommended that you cut the program
ection on that one;
the United States. And so that's why you in-
again by 33 percent. And we could barely
at I certainly don't
clude it as part of your growth package and
handle last year's cuts. I would ask that you
nore dependent on
encourage them to pass this bill, which is
might reconsider and possibly levelly fund
ve to.
filled with natural gas expedition movements
that, which I think would be consistent with
-[inaudible]-that
to the private sector, to industry, to business.
your own budget goals. It would mean a great
or other obliterate
It's good; it's clean. You've got a very bal-
deal particularly to those over 65 and living
ciety if we became
anced program there, and I'm hopeful that
alone and who really depend on this program
nething called free
the 14 titles that remain, that we will see
in the northern States for keeping themselves
the point I wanted
an expeditious address by the Congress.
warm throughout the winter.
And I hope that we can continue the fight
The President. Does anybody got avail-
infortunately we're
for bringing back the Arctic National Wildlife
able the figures on home heating oil price,
ilure to move for-
Refuge as part of your growth package, if
say, 2 years ago compared to what it is now?
ower, which I think
nothing else. You can't get it in the energy
Governor Dean. Well, this year, Mr.
vely debate on that
bill; keep it in the growth package. It is real
President, you're correct. This year we were
n sure-or getting
growth.
able to
think we've got a
We need revenues to find the alternatives
The President. It's less, isn't it now?
idence, and I'd like
to oil which is the very thing we're trying
Governor Dean. It's much less now, and
t's what we've tried
to do in getting alternative fuels. You have
that's one of the reasons we were not hurt
ergy strategy which
the most powerful alternative fuel package
ugh the Congress.
as badly by the cuts this year. But I don't
that's ever been put together in this country,
for you people that
expect the home heating oil price to go down
to go in all directions. It will help many Gov-
ergy side of things
another 33 percent next year. And also, of
ernors around this table with the ethanols;
pport it where you
course, there are a great many, at least in
the methanols; the electric car, the oppor-
who's done a su-
Vermont, that heat with other fuels such as
tunity to drive those electric cars with the
ergy requirements,
wood or natural gas, and the price has not
off-peak loads in our industrial plant today.
endent.
We have plenty of electrical power for 120
dropped commensurately.
our program-and,
million of those vehicles. We can get off this
I'm not so much complaining about last
ke us independent
oil in our transportation sector.
year's cut, which we did deal with, but if we
hergy. It won't. But
And we still need the oil, our own oil. And
were to lose 33 percent of that program,
it direction. Is that
so, we can move in the direction that sta-
small program though it is, we would be dev-
astated.
bilizes that increase in imports. And I think
es, that's right. The
your bill not only does that, but your bill is
The President. Dick, do you want to com-
me to the floor this
ment on it? I can't remember the exact num-
a very powerful growth package for both jobs
11 then go through
and revenue for the country.
bers, but I-go ahead.
ne up for a motion
Director Darman. The Governors will
re's going to be a
Low Income Home Energy Assistance
perhaps remember, Mr. President-it's all a
hat should happen
Program
question of perspective, I suppose. The
ould be underway
The President. Governor Dean.
standard proposal for this program, which is
, it does take out
Governor Dean. We've been tossing
known colloquially as LIHEAP, the standard
fe Refuge; it takes
around huge numbers. I want to talk about
proposal has been zero in the past from the
S which we were
a much smaller number, just about $500 mil-
administration. And this year, we're at a bil-
ong. Nevertheless,
lion. In your budget last year, you rec-
lion. So, we look at it as a billion more than
ife Refuge, as you
ommended the cutting of the low-income
some might have recommended and pro-
art of the growth
human assistance program. It's a small pro-
posed, and you look at it as half a billion
500,000 jobs over
gram. It's $1.5 billion this year. It's prin-
less.
206
Feb. 3 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
The way the appropriations process works,
grateful to him and Dick also. But it required
as you know, these things are still subject to
some skill up on the Hill, too, which he dem-
adjustment within the caps. And so if this
onstrated.
goes up 500, something else has to go down
500. This is not one that we would, I think
But in any event, thank you all very much.
it's fair to say, fight and die over. We thought
And I appreciate the spirit of this visit, and
a billion was a lot more than zero. I can un-
look forward to doing this again. Thank you
derstand why you think it's less than 1.5 bil-
very much.
lion.
Note: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m. in
Medicaid Waivers
the East Room at the White House.
Governor Romer. I want to thank the
President for his willingness to exchange
these views with us on such a candid level.
And I appreciate his welcome to the White
Exchange With Reporters Prior to a
House that he has consistently extended to
Meeting With President Ronald
us as Governors.
Venetiaan of Suriname
And even more importantly, I appreciate
February 3, 1992
the fact that we've been able to work to-
gether in a true federalism partnership which
Q. Any defense of American workers in
has made it possible for us to be more pro-
response to what Mr. Miyazawa said?
ductive.
The President. Just go by what Marlin
Some of the questions today even reflected
Fitzwater told you guys when you asked the
the way in which we've been able to work
same question about 6 hours ago. [Laughter]
out differences. The one about the Medicaid
Q. Have you seen the
settlement was a very serious problem to a
The President. Strong support. I just
number of us. We worked together through
heard what Marlin said, and I back it 100
the months of October and November in a
percent. I also saw the correction by Mr.
fashion which included they-said-it-couldn't-
Miyazawa, I'm pleased to say. So, that was
be-done type activity. And the Congress, be-
fine.
cause the President had worked so arduously
with us toward reconciling those differences,
Q. Do you accept that, sir, as an apology?
agreed. And we were able to stabilize the
The President. I accept it for what it was,
situation which was highly volatile for our
a very clear statement from a good man. A
own budgets and for the Federal budgeting
man who has said, clearly, that they'r going
process as well.
to live up to their commitments, and I sup-
So, Mr. President, thank you very much
port him for that. And we had a very good
for your special welcome to us, and your
visit. So, you know, he's gone out of his way
kindness to us, your cooperation with us, and
to make clear that he was not denouncing
your willingness to exchange these views with
all American workers, and I strongly support
us. We're deeply grateful to you.
them and continue to say so. We can com-
The President. Listen, I enjoyed having
pete with anybody in the world if we're given
you. I see John Sununu. I think those of you,
access. Marlin summed up our position very
well.
as we tried to get through that Medicaid
problem, you had an inside voice here.
[Laughter] And I really think he deserves
Note: The exchange began at 4:31 p.m. in
credit for the fact we were able to reach
the Oval Office. In his remarks, the President
agreement that brought some relief and, I
referred to Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa
wouldn't say joy, but at least less concern to
of Japan. A tape was not available for ver-
the Governors around the table. I'm very
ification of the content of this exchange.