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fer FT 99 budget PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS WIN ON THE BUDGET, BUT THERE Is STILL MORE WORK To Do TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Education and Training Budget Chart II. 3-Page Budget Overview III. Budget Victories for President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats (11 pages) IV. Despite All the Progress in this Year's Budget, There Is Still More Work Left to Do PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS WIN ON THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING BUDGET HOUSE DIFFERENCE PRESIDENT'S REPUBLICAN FINAL (BETWEEN REQUEST BUDGET BUDGET HOUSE & FINAL) Smaller Class Sizes $1.1 billion $0 $1.2 billion +$1.2 billion Child Literacy $260 million $0 $260 million +$260 million (America Reads) College Mentoring $140 million $0 $120 million +$120 million (GEAR-UP) Summer Jobs $871 million $0 $871 million +$871 million Youth Opportunities Area $250 million $0 $250 million +$250 million Teacher Preparation and $67 million $0 $75 million +$75 million Recruitment Title I $392 million $301 million (Basic Skills) increase $0 increase +$301 million ($7.767 billion) ($7.375 billion) ($7.676 million) Education Technology $721 million $541 million $698 million +$157 million After-School Programs $200 million $60 million $200 million +$140 million Goals 2000 $501 million $246 million $491 million +$245 million $313 million $153 million $313 million Head Start increase increase increase +$160 million ($4.66 billion) ($4.50 billion) ($4.66 billion) School $5 billion Modernization over five years $0 $0 Education Opportunity Zones $200 million $0 $0 PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS WIN ON THE BUDGET, BUT THERE Is STILL MORE WORK To Do October 15, 1998 The final FY99 budget represents a significant step forward for America, protecting the surplus until Social Security is reformed, forging a bipartisan agreement on funding the International Monetary Fund, and putting in place critical investments in education and training, from smaller class sizes to after-school care, and from summer jobs to college mentoring. While the final budget is clearly a win for President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats, there is still more work to do to prepare America for the 21st century. Unfortunately, Republicans blocked school modernization, Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, child care investments, and campaign finance reform. Budget Victories: Saving Social Security First. The President's commitment to Save Social Security First held the line against several Republican efforts to drain the surplus. Investing in Education and Training. While House Republican tried to slash their education budget by over $2 billion, President Clinton and Congressional Democrats delivered on their education agenda: More High-Quality Teachers With Smaller Class Sizes: $1.2 billion for the first year of the President's new initiative to hire 100,000 new teachers to reduce class size in the early grades to a national average of 18. Through smaller classes this initiative will help recruit high-quality teachers and will insure that students will receive more individual attention, a solid foundation in the basics, and greater discipline in the classroom. After School Programs: $200 million to expand programs and serve a quarter of a million children. Child Literacy: $260 million for a new literacy initiative, consistent with the President's America Reads proposal. College Mentoring for Middle School Children: $120 million for GEAR-UP, a new mentoring initiative to help up to 100,000 low income middle school children prepare for college. Education Technology: A $114 million increase over FY98 to ensure that every child has access to computers, the Internet, high-quality educational software, and teachers that can use techno/logy in the classroom. Child Care Quality: $182 million to improve the quality of child care for America's working families. Teacher Recruitment: $75 million for new teacher quality programs including to recruit and prepare thousands of teachers to teach in high-poverty areas. Head Start: A $313 million increase to fund President's request of up to an additional 36,000 slots for children and keeping on track towards one million children served by 2002. Charter Schools: A 25% increase in funding for Charter Schools to keep on track toward 3,000 quality charter schools early in next century. Hispanic Education Initiative: Increases of $524 million to enhance educational opportunities. Pell Grants: The largest maximum award ever for Pell grants -- $3,125 a year per eligible student. Investing in a Cleaner Environment. President Clinton won important new investments to combat water pollution, protect national parks, natural forests, and other public lands, restore salmon and other endangered species, and develop clean energy technologies and defeated many anti-environment riders: $1.7 billion for the President's Clean Water Action Plan. $325 million to preserve precious lands. A 23 percent increase to protect threatened endangered species. More than $1 billion, a 26-percent increase, to fight global warming. Responding to the Farm Crisis at Home. The final budget includes about $6 billion in emergency assistance to farmers, ranchers, and their families -- $1.7 billion over the vetoed agriculture bill. And to the Financial Turmoil Abroad. The final budget includes the President's full funding request of $17.9 billion for the IMF. Moving People from Welfare to Work and Empowering Communities. President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to tapping the potential of America's urban and rural communities. This budget moves forward on their vision to help revitalize America's communities. Welfare to Work Housing Vouchers: $283 million for 50,000 vouchers. Access to Jobs: $75 million to link people on welfare to jobs. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: A 20% expansion. Empowerment Zones: $60 million in flexible funding. A Strong Research and Development Agenda. The President's budget included an unprecedented commitment to key civilian research. The final budget includes many increases in priority areas: National Science Foundation: A7 percent increase in support for science and engineering research. National Institutes of Health: A 14 percent, $1.9 billion increase to support greater research on diabetes, cancer, genetic medicine, and the development of an AIDS vaccine. Next Generation Internet: More than $100 million for a Federal R&D initiative which will connect more than 100 universities at speeds that are up to 1,000 times faster than today's Internet. Advanced Technology Program: About $70 million for new awards for leading-edge civilian technology projects. Other Highlights: EEOC: A $37 million increase to reduce the average time it takes to resolve private sector complaints and reduce the backlog of cases. Fighting Abusive Child Labor: A 10-fold increase, from $3 million to $30 million, in our commitment to the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC). Police on the Street: Funding for 17,000 additional Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) Program police officers toward the President's goal of 100,000 additional officers by 2000. Food Safety Initiative: $79 million to expand food safety research, risk assessment capabilities, education, surveillance activities, and food import inspections HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment: An unprecedented over $350 million increase to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, with special efforts to address the needs of the minority community. Much Work Still Left to Do: In the waning days of the session, the President and Congressional Democrats prevailed in making critical investments to advance the President's comprehensive education agenda. Much work remains for the future because Republicans in Congress killed, at least for now, critical priorities, including: School Modernization. Beginning with his State of the Union address, the President fought all year to modernize our schools. His fully paid for tax credits would have leveraged nearly $22 billion in bonds to build and renovate schools. In the final days of the budget negotiations, Republicans in Congress refused to even meet on the critical issue of school construction. Patients Bill of Rights. President Clinton repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable patients' bill of rights that would assure Americans the quality health care they need. Congressional Republicans killed this year's effort to pass a Patients Bill of Rights. Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation. This year, President Clinton made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start through a significant price increase, measures to prevent tobacco companies from marketing to children, and critical public health prevention and education programs. Congressional Republicans opted to act as politicians instead of parents, and killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. Campaign Finance Reform. At the beginning of the year, the President made passage of bipartisan, comprehensive campaign finance reform a priority for his Administration. After months of delay, the House of Representatives overcame defenders of the status quo and passed the Shay-Meehan bill. However, the Senate Republicans killed this historic legislation. Child Care Initiative. In his State of the Union, the President proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for America's working families. The President's proposal included $7.5 billion over 5 years for child care subsidies for low-income working families and tax credits to help 3 million working families pay for child care. The Republicans refused to support these critical investments. Work Incentives Bill for People with Disabilities. At the commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act last July, the President endorsed the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy bill that enables people with disabilities to go back to work by providing an option to buy into Medicaid and Medicare, as well as other pro-work initiatives. This bill was on the list of top Administration priorities in the final budget negotiations, but rejected by Republicans. The President will continue to fight to give people with disabilities the opportunity to work --including the critical health insurance that makes work possible. Speeding Toxic Cleanups. President Clinton called for an additional $650 million -- a 40 percent increase -- to accelerate Superfund cleanups with a goal of completing a total of 900 cleanups by 2001. The Republican majority refused these funds, threatening to delay cleanup at up to 171 sites across the country. PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS WIN ON THE BUDGET October 15, 1998 Saving Social Security First In his State of the Union address, President Clinton asked a basic question -- "what should we do with this projected surplus?" -- and gave an historic four-word answer: "Save Social Security First." With our fiscal house in order, marked by the first budget surplus in a generation, President Clinton is determined to seize this unique opportunity to strengthen this most important program for generations to come. Protecting the surplus is a key step towards enacting Social Security reform. President Clinton defeated repeated efforts to squander the surplus and, at the end of this Congress, it remains intact. Invests in Education and Training In the face of House Republican efforts to slash their education budget by more than $2 billion, President Clinton and Vice President Gore delivered on their education agenda: NEW EDUCATION AND TRAINING INITIATIVES IN FINAL BUDGET AGREEMENT: More High-Quality Teachers With Smaller Class Sizes. In his State of the Union address, President Clinton said, "Tonight, I propose the first-ever national effort to reduce class size in the early grades. My balanced budget will help to hire 100,000 new teachers." Throughout the year, Republicans failed to consider this important initiative. The final budget provides $1.2 billion for the first year of the President's new initiative to hire 100,000 new, well- prepared teachers, to reduce class sizes in the early grades to a national average of 18. GEAR-UP: College Mentoring Initiative To Help Up to 100,000 Students Prepare for College. In his State of the Union address, President Clinton urged Congress "to support our efforts to enlist colleges and universities to reach out to disadvantaged children, starting in the 6th grade, so that they can get the guidance and hope they need so they can know that they, too, will be able to go on to college." The President proposed $140 million to get this effort started, but the House appropriations bill denied funding and the Senate provided only $75 million. The final budget provides $120 million for this new initiative which was authorized as part of the higher education legislation enacted on October 7th. GEAR-UP will expand mentoring efforts by States, and provide new grants to partnerships of middle schools, institutions of higher education, and community organizations, to provide intensive early intervention services to help prepare up to 100,000 students at high-poverty middle schools for college. Child Literacy Initiative to Help Children Read Well By the End of the Third Grade. In 1996, President Clinton proposed an America Reads Challenge to help three million children improve their reading skills. In 1997, he insisted that the new initiative be included as part of the Balanced Budget Agreement. With this budget, he has won the $260 million that he proposed to help ensure that all children can read well and independently by the end of third grade. The budget includes the legislation creating a program that is consistent with the President's America Reads proposal. The new program will provide competitive grants to States to (1) improve teachers' ability to teach reading effectively; (2) promote family literacy programs to help parents be their child's first teacher; and (3) improve the quality of tutoring programs by supporting tutor training. Youth Opportunity Areas To Help Increase Job Opportunities for 50,000 Youth in High- Poverty Communities. Authorized in the Workforce Investment Act, President Clinton's Youth Opportunity Grants to direct resources to high-poverty areas, including Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities, to provide comprehensive services designed to increase employment and school completion rates for disadvantaged youth. The President's FY99 budget included $250 million for this new innovative program. While the House Republican budget did not fund this critical initiative, the final agreement includes the full $250 million request, which will help provide job training and social services to 50,000 youth. New Learning Anytime, Anywhere Initiative. The President's FY99 budget included a new initiative to enhance and promote distance learning opportunities -- learning outside the usual classroom settings, via computers and other technology -- for all adult learners. The final budget includes $20 million for the Education and Labor Departments to implement this new initiative to demonstrate new high-quality uses of technology for distance learning in post- secondary education and training, and to help provide more accurate labor market information. Teacher Recruitment and Preparation -- $75 million. On October 7th, President Clinton signed legislation that had incorporated the President's Teacher Recruitment and Preparation proposal. While House Republicans did not fund this important initiative, the final budget provides $75 million, which will help recruit and prepare thousands of teachers to teach in high-poverty urban and rural communities and will strengthen teacher preparation programs across the country. Training New Teachers to Use Technology Effectively. President Clinton's FY99 budget requested $75 million to train new teachers in how to use technology to improve student achievement. The House and Senate Republicans denied the request. The final agreement includes the full $75 million the President requested. Hispanic Education Action Plan To Attack Unacceptably High Drop-Out Rate. Because the high-school drop-out rate of Hispanics is unacceptably high, President Clinton's FY99 budget included the first-ever Hispanic Education Action Plan. As part of this plan, the President proposed significant increases in Title I funding and a number of other programs that enhance educational opportunity for Hispanic Americans. The final budget includes increases of $524 million for these programs; for example, it provides a $301 million increase for Title I; $600 million for TRIO college preparation programs, an increase of $70 million over FY 1998, which will provide support services for over 700,000 students; and $50 million for Bilingual Education Professional Development -- double the FY 1998 level -- to begin to provide 20,000 teachers over five years with the training they need to teach Limited English Proficient students. EXPANDED KEY EDUCATION AND TRAINING INVESTMENTS: Expanded After-School Programs To Serve A Quarter of A Million Children. In his State of the Union address, President Clinton asked Congress to "dramatically expand our support for after-school programs." The President and Vice President proposed $200 million for after-school programs in their FY99 budget. While the House Republican budget did not fund $140 million of the President's and Vice President's request, which would have denied services to about 175,000 children, the final budget includes full funding for the President's and Vice President's initiative, which will serve a quarter of a million children each year. 2 Expanded Head Start. President Clinton proposed a $313 million increase for Head Start to add 30,000 to 36,000 new slots for children, continuing on the path to serving one million children by 2002. The House Republican budget did not provide the President's increase and would have denied up to 25,000 children Head Start slots if enacted. The final budget includes the President's full increase for Head Start, which is funded at $4.660 billion. Summer Jobs Protected for Half a Million Youth. While House Republicans attempted to eliminate the successful Summer Jobs program, President Clinton prevailed with his request for $871 million in funding, which will finance up to 530,000 summer jobs for disadvantaged youth. Expanded Educational Technology -- Connecting Our Children to the Future. President Clinton's and Vice President Gore's budget requested $721 million -- a $137 million increase -- for educational technology to ensure that every child has access to computers, the Internet, high-quality educational software, and teachers that can use technology effectively in the classroom. The House Republican denied the President's and Vice President's request for a funding increase, cutting funding $43 million below last year. The final agreement includes $698 million -- a 20-percent increase over the $584 million funding level in FY98, including the new $75 million initiative for training new teachers and $10 million for new grants to public-private partnerships in low-income communities to provide residents access to computer facilities for educational and employment purposes. Education technology has always been a top priority for the President and Vice President; since 1993, they have created the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund and increased overall investments in educational technology by thirty-fold, from $23 million to $698 million this year. Protected Goals 2000 to Promote High Academic Standards. President Clinton created Goals 2000 in 1993 to promote high academic standards for all students and proposed a modest expansion in this year's budget. While the House Republican budget tried to cut the program in half, the final budget includes $491 million which will help all 50 States continue raise academic standards and help at least 12,000 schools implement innovative and effective education reforms. Improved Child Care Quality. In his State of the Union, the President proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for America's working families. While the budget does not include critical investments in subsidies and tax credits to help working families pay for child care, it does include the President's request of $182 million to improve the quality of child care. Expanded Work Study To Help Nearly One Million Students Work Their Way Through College. President Clinton's FY99 budget included a significant expansion of the Federal Work Study program. The final budget agreement provides $870 million -- a $40 million increase over the FY 1998 level of $830 million -- which will allow nearly one million students to work their way through college and keeps us on track to the President's goal of one million students in work study by the year 2000. Expanded Job Training To Help 666,000 Dislocated Workers. President Clinton's FY99 budget included a significant expansion in the dislocated worker program. While the House froze job training funds for dislocated workers, the final agreement includes $1.4 billion 3 which will help some 666,000 dislocated workers get the training and reemployment services they need to return to work as quickly as possible. This represents an increase of $55 million -- to help 27,000 dislocated workers -- compared to FY98. Since 1993, dislocated worker funding has been expanded by 171 percent -- helping to well more than double the number of workers served. Expanded Charter Schools to Promote Creation High-Quality Public Schools. President Clinton's FY99 budget included $100 million for Charter Schools to keep us on track toward the President's goal of creating 3,000 high-quality public charter schools that will educate more than half a million students by early in the next century. Charter schools are public schools started by teachers, parents and communities, that are given flexibility in decision-making, in exchange for high levels of accountability for results. The final budget provides $100 million -- the President's 25-percent increase -- for Charter Schools and will give parents and students more choice, better schools, and greater accountability for results in public education. Assistance to Help Over 400,000 More Students in Distressed Communities Learn Basic Skills. President Clinton proposed a $392 million increase in Title I funding to help students in high poverty communities receive the extra help they need to master the basics to reach high academic standards. The House Republican budget proposed a freeze in Title I funding. The final budget provides a $301 million increase, from $7.375 billion in FY98 to $7.676 billion in FY99. This funding will support educational services for nearly 11 million students, over 400,000 more than last year. Largest Maximum Pell Grant Award Ever. Last year, President Clinton signed into law the largest one-year increase in Pell Grant scholarships in 20 years. This year, the final budget provides $7.7 billion for Pell Grants, an increase of $359 million over FY98, increasing the maximum Pell Grant award from $3,000 to $3,125 -- that's the largest maximum award ever, 36-percent higher than it was in 1994. This year, approximately 4 million students will receive Pell Grant awards. Extends Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). President Clinton proposed extending TAA and NAFTA-TAA in his FY99 budget in order to provide training and income support to workers adversely impacted by trade. The final budget extends these important programs through June 30, 1999. Moves Forward On The Environment In the final budget, President Clinton won important increases to combat water pollution, protect national parks and other precious lands, restore salmon and other endangered species, and develop clean energy technologies. At the same time, President Clinton forced Congress to drop special- interest riders that would have cut roads through wilderness, forced overcutting on our national forests, crippled wildlife protections, and blocked common-sense actions to address global warming. Clean, Safe Water for America. The final budget provides $1.7 billion -- an additional $230 million or 16-percent increase from last year -- for the President's Clean Water Action Plan, a five-year initiative to help communities and farmers clean up the almost 40 percent of America's surveyed waterways still too polluted for fishing and swimming. In addition, the budget provides states $2.15 billion in financing for clean water construction projects. 4 Preserving Precious Lands. An additional $325 million for FY99 -- a $55 million increase from last year -- through the Land and Water Conservation Fund will be used to acquire dozens of natural and historic sites around the country, including critical winter range for Yellowstone bison, New Mexico's Baca Ranch and the last remaining private stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Protecting Endangered Species. The final budget provides an additional $32 million in FY99 -- a 23-percent increase from last year -- providing funds for protection and recovery of endangered and threatened species, as well as enhancements for important habitats. Leading the Fight Against Global Warming. The final budget provides over $1 billion -- a 26-percent increase from last year -- to support research investments that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, oil consumption, and energy costs for consumers and businesses by promoting increased energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. Defending Our Environment Against Stealth Attacks. President Clinton forced Congress to drop special-interest riders that would have rolled back hard-won environmental protections. Anti-environmental language in the budget bills would have: - Forced overcutting of timber on national forests and accelerated logging of Alaskan rain forest. - Allowed intrusive helicopter landings in Alaska wilderness and the first road ever carved through a designated wilderness area. - Hindered salmon restoration in the Pacific Northwest, and allowed harmful commercial fishing in wilderness waters of Glacier Bay National Park. - Blocked common-sense actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and barred the Administration from informing the public about the threat of global warming. - Placed restrictions on the use of brownfields funds that would have denied municipalities the funds they need to undertake clean-up at brownfield sites. Responds to the Farm Crisis at Home. Emergency Farm Assistance. President Clinton vetoed the Agriculture Appropriations bill on October 8th "because it fails to address adequately the crisis now gripping our Nation's farm community." The final budget includes a significant increase in total emergency assistance to farmers and ranchers compared to the bill the President vetoed -- about $6 billion in the final budget versus $4.2 billion in the vetoed bill, that's 40 percent more assistance than the bill the President vetoed. The final bill increased the amount for crop loss compensation by $228 million, and increased the amount for economic loss compensation by $1.4 billion, bringing the amounts for these to $2.6 billion and about $3 billion, respectively. 5 And to Financial Turmoil Abroad Full IMF Funding To Help Address International Financial Crisis. With America's fiscal house in order, the United States is now the bulwark of economic stability in the world. Some other nations around the world, however, are experiencing major economic upheaval, hurting our exports, farmers, and ranchers. A strong International Monetary Fund is a stabilizing force in the world economy and is a critical piece of President Clinton's strategy to protect the international financial system and therefore the U.S. economy -- against the risk of new, escalating, or spreading crises. President Clinton fought for and won full funding of $17.9 billion for the IMF -- a critical part of his strategy to help address the global financial crisis and to keep our economy strong. A stronger IMF will give the U.S. and its allies new flexibility in developing responses to protect the world from the spread of the financial crisis. Fully Funds President Clinton's Child Labor Initiative. In his State of the Union address, the President pledged to send legislation to Congress to fight abusive child labor and proposed making the United States the world leader in supporting programs to reduce abusive child labor, with a 10-fold increase in our commitment to the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC), from $3 million to $30 million a year. While the Senate, with the strong leadership of Senator Harkin, fully funded the President's request, the House failed to do so, providing only $6 million. In the final budget, Congress agreed to the President's full request of $30 million for IPEC. The budget also fully funds the President's $9 million request for domestic enforcement and a migrant youth job-training demonstration. Moves People from Welfare to Work and Empowers Communities President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to tapping the potential of America's urban and rural communities. This budget moves forward on their vision to help revitalize America's communities: 50,000 Welfare-to-Work Housing Vouchers. President Clinton's FY 1999 Budget included $283 million for 50,000 new vouchers exclusively for people who need housing assistance to make the transition from welfare to work. The original House bill included $100 million, while the Senate provided only $40 million. The final budget includes President Clinton's full request of $283 million for 50,000 welfare-to-work housing vouchers. Flexible Funding for Empowerment Zones. President Clinton and Vice President Gore requested mandatory funding for second-round urban and rural Empowerment Zones. The final budget includes $60 million in this flexible discretionary funding for the next round of Empowerment Zones and 20 new rural Enterprise Communities. Extended Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit. This tax credit encourages employers to hire, invest in training, and retain long-term welfare recipients. The credit is for 35 percent of the first $10,000 in wages in the first year of employment and 50 percent of the first $10,000 in the second year. President Clinton proposed to extend the credit in his FY99 budget and the final budget includes an extension through June 30, 1999. Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Expansion. The Administration requested a major expansion of the CDFI program to continue building a national network of 6 community development banks. The original House bill froze CDFI funding at $80 million, while the Senate cut funding to $55 million. The final budget increases CDFI funding from $80 million in FY98 to $95 million in FY99 -- a 19-percent increase. Public Housing Reform. This legislation makes the President's landmark housing reform a reality. This bipartisan bill will allow more economic integration and deconcentration in our Nation's public housing, encourage and reward work, provide protections for those most in need, and put the Nation back into the housing business with the first new housing vouchers in five years. FHA Loan Limit Increased. President Clinton's FY99 budget included an increase in the FHA loan limit to expand homeownership opportunities to more Americans. The final budget includes an increase in the FHA loan limit, raising the limit from $86,317 to $109,032 in the lowest cost areas and from $170,300 to $197,621 in the highest cost areas. Extended Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit encourages employers to hire individuals who have traditionally had a hard time securing employment. Targeted groups include disadvantaged youth, including those living in empowerment zones and enterprise communities, welfare recipients, and qualified veterans. The maximum credit paid to the employer is as much as 40 percent of an individual's first $6,000 in wages. The President proposed to extend this credit in his FY99 budget and the final budget includes an extension through June 30, 1999. "Play-by-the-Rules" Homeownership Initiative. President Clinton's FY99 budget included $25 million for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to start the "Play-by- the-Rules" homeownership initiative, which would make homeownership more accessible to 10,000 families who have good rental histories, but are not adequately served in the housing market. The final budget includes $25 million for this new initiative. Increased Funding for Homeless Assistance. The President proposed a major expansion of HUD's continuum of care program, designed to help homeless persons obtain health care, jobs, and permanent housing. The final budget includes $975 million in funds for the homeless -- a $152 million, or 18 percent, increase over last year. HUD Fair Housing. The President proposed a major expansion of HUD's Fair Housing programs, as part of his "One America" initiative. The final budget expands HUD's Fair Housing programs from $30 million in FY98 to $40 million in FY99. That 33-percent increase includes $7.5 million for a new audit-based enforcement initiative proposed by the Administration. Regional Opportunity Counseling. The Administration requested funds to help counsel Section 8 certificate and voucher holders on their full range of housing options. While the Senate did not include any funding for this initiative, the final budget includes $10 million for this voluntary effort to expand the housing and employment opportunities available to low-income families. Expansion of HUD's Youthbuild Program. The Administration proposed expanding funds for Youthbuild by more than a quarter. While the original House bill provided $35 7 million and the Senate provided $40 million, the final budget includes $42.5 million -- an increase of over 20 percent. Cleaning Up Brownfields. The Administration proposed $91 million for EPA's brownfield activities, such as grants for site assessment and community planning. The final budget includes the President's request of $91 million. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Expansion. President Clinton's FY99 budget included an expansion of CDBG. The final budget increases funding for CDBG from $4.675 billion in FY98 to $4.750 billion in FY99 -- that's a $75 million expansion this year. Increased Help For Communities Suffering From Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation. President Clinton's FY99 budget included a 10-percent increase in funds for EDA so that they can better respond to sudden and severe economic dislocation. The final budget increases funding for EDA from $361 million to $393 million -- that's a 9-percent expansion this year. Expansion of NADBank. The Administration proposed providing the North American Development Bank's (NADBank) Community Adjustment and Investment Program $37 million of paid-in capital, which would allow the Bank to leverage private capital markets to provide additional financing to trade-affected communities. The final budget includes $10 million of paid-in capital for the NADBank. $75 Million for Welfare-to-Work Transportation Funds. While the House and Senate provided $50 million -- the minimum amount "guaranteed" in the transportation bill -- the final budget includes $75 million for this competitive grant program. These funds will assist states and localities in developing flexible transportation alternatives, such as van services, to help former welfare recipients and other low income workers get to work. Individual Development Accounts. Since 1992, President Clinton has supported the creation of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to empower individuals to save for a first home, post-secondary education, or to start a new business. Congress recently passed legislation authorizing IDAs, and the final budget includes $10 million to get this program off the ground. Heating and Cooling Assistance for Low-Income Families Protected. More than five million low-income families receive help to pay for home heating costs through this program, yet the House Republicans tried to eliminate it. The final budget includes the President's full request for funding to help low-income families pay for home heating and cooling assistance. Advances a Strong Health and Technology Research Agenda For six years in a row, President Clinton and Vice President Gore have proposed substantial increases in the Federal government's research and development portfolio to build a healthier, more prosperous, and productive future. In FY 1999, the President proposed, within the first balanced budget in a generation, the largest commitment to key civilian research in the history of our country as part of the "Research Fund for America." Congress agreed to support significant increases in 8 R&D, including: Expansion of National Science Foundation. President Clinton proposed a major expansion of research and development funds for the National Science Foundation (NSF). The final budget includes a 7-percent increase -- from $3.4 billion in FY98 to $3.7 billion in FY99 -- in the NSF research budget to support science and engineering research across all fields and disciplines. NSF supports nearly half of the non-medical basic research conducted at universities. Expansion of National Institutes of Health for Biomedical Research. President Clinton's FY99 budget included the largest-ever dollar increase in funds for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The final budget includes almost $2 billion expansion of NIH research funding -- a 14-percent increase. Scientists are on the cusp of important new breakthroughs in biomedical research, which could revolutionize the way medical experts understand, treat, and prevent some of our most devastating diseases. This increase will enable scientists to pursue a wide range of cutting edge research from Alzheimers to AIDS to genetic discoveries. Research and Experimentation Tax Credit. President Clinton proposed to extend the research tax credit because it provides incentives for private sector investment in research and innovation that can help increase America's economic competitiveness and enhance U.S. productivity. The final budget extends this research tax credit until June 30, 1999. Expansion of Energy Department Science Budget. President Clinton's FY99 included an 8 percent increase in the Department of Energy's science budget, including support for the National Spallation Neutron Source. The final budget fully funds the President's request. Funds Next Generation Internet. In his State of the Union address, President Clinton said, "I ask Congress to step up support for building the next generation Internet And the next generation Internet will operate at speeds up to a thousand times faster than today." The final budget includes more than $100 million funding for the Next Generation Internet, a Federal R&D initiative which will connect more than 100 universities at speeds that are up to 1,000 times faster than today's Internet, and establish the foundation for the networks and applications (e.g. telemedicine, distance learning) of the 21st century. Expansion in Advanced Technology Program (ATP). President Clinton's FY99 budget proposed an expansion of ATP to promote cutting-edge high-technology projects. While the Senate froze funding at the FY98 level and the House cut funding by $13 million, the final budget increases ATP funding to $204 million -- an $11 million increase over last year which will allow for about $70 million in new awards to develop high-risk technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread economic benefits. Improving the Public Health of America For six years, President Clinton and Vice President Gore have been working hard to expand our Nation's health care investments, including research, prevention, and quality care for more Americans. New Efforts to Prevent and Treat HIV/AIDS. The Congress has responded to the 9 President's and Vice President's request to substantially increase efforts to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. Congress has provided $1.4 billion for Ryan White Care Act activities. This funding level includes a 61-percent increase for the AIDS drug assistance program, which provides funds to States to help uninsured and underinsured people with life-saving treatments for HIV/AIDS. In addition, Congress provided about $630 million for HIV prevention activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Historic $130 Million Effort to Address HIV/AIDS in Minority Community. Minority communities make up the fastest growing portion of the HIV/AIDS caseload (44 percent of all new HIV cases). In FY99, there will be an unprecedented $130 million investment, including that will improve prevention efforts in high-risk communities, and expand access to cutting edge HIV therapies and other treatment needed for HIV/AIDS. Critical New Investments to Protect Public Health at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Congress has responded to President Clinton's request for a $2.4 billion investment -- a $222 million increase -- in public health at the CDC. This critical investment will address a host of public health challenges, including fighting emerging infectious diseases, combating new resistance to anti-biotics, and improving prevention for some of our nation's leading killers, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and heart disease. New Efforts to Improve the Quality of Health Care. Congress has responded to the President's request for a $25 million investment in new research at the Agency of Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) to research on the quality, costs, and outcomes of the health care delivery system. Identifying critical health care problems and educating health plans, medical professionals, patients, and advocates about solutions can lead to important improvements in the quality of health care. Increasing Funding to Provide Health Insurance to Low-Income Children in Puerto Rico and the Territories. Thousands of uninsured children in both Puerto Rico and the other territories will now be eligible for meaningful health care coverage for the first time under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The territories were currently on schedule to receive an inadequate and inequitable $10.7 million in FY99. Today, the Congress responded to the President's request and provided the territories with an additional $32 million in FY99 for their new CHIP programs that will meet the needs of their uninsured children. Funding the President's Commitment to Eliminate Racial Health Disparities. Minorities suffer from higher rates for a number of critical diseases. For example, African Americans under the age of 65 have twice the rate of heart disease as whites, and Native Americans suffer from diabetes at nearly three times the average rate. The Congress has taken a critical first step in investing in the President's multi-year proposal to eliminate racial health disparities in six health areas, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and immunizations. The Congress has given the Administration authority to fund grants for communities to develop new strategies to address these disparities and has granted the President's request for increases in other critical public health programs, such as heart disease and diabetes prevention at CDC, that have proven effective in attacking these disparities. 10 Lead Poisoning Prevention. The President requested a $25 million increase in funding for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control, in order to reduce the threat posed by childhood lead poisoning and other housing-related environmental health hazards. While the Senate did not provide any additional funding, the final budget includes a $20 million increase for lead poisoning prevention. Other Highlights Reduces Backlog and Expands Alternative Dispute Resolution at Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The President's FY99 budget included $279 million -- a $37 million increase over the previous year -- to significantly expand EEOC's alternative dispute resolution program and reduce the backlog of private sector discrimination complaints. The final budget fully funds the President's request -- providing the first real increase for EEOC in several years. President Clinton's Food Safety Initiative. The final budget provided approximately $79 million in new funds for the President's Food Safety Initiative to help implement a far- ranging plan to improve surveillance of food borne illnesses, education about proper food handling, research, and inspection of imported and domestic foods. The new funds are part of an Administration-wide effort, led by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, to create a seamless, science-based food safety system. More Police on the Streets. In 1994, President Clinton fought for and won a commitment to put 100,000 police officers on the street. The final budget includes funds for 17,000 additional Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) Program police officers toward the President's goal of 100,000 cops on the beat by 2000. Increasing Law Enforcement in Indian Country. The final bill includes $20 million in FY99 for more police officers and public safety initiatives in the approximately 56 million acres of Indian lands serving more than 1.4 million residents. Brings Financial Stability to Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The final budget includes $50 million that will allow TVA to better provide for the citizens of the seven states - Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia -- that it serves. The agreement will let TVA refinance part of its debt to compensate for the loss of Federal funds for its non-power programs. The final budget also prevents TVA from losing the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area. 11 DESPITE ALL THE PROGRESS IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET, THERE Is STILL MORE WORK LEFT TO Do In the waning days of the session, the President and Congressional Democrats prevailed in making critical investments in advancing the President's agenda. However, much work remains for the future because Republicans in Congress killed, at least for now, critical priorities, including: School Modernization Tax Credits. Beginning with his State of the Union address, the President fought all year to modernize our schools. His fully paid for tax credits would have leveraged nearly $22 billion in bonds to build and renovate schools. In the final days of the budget negotiations, Republicans in Congress refused to even meet on the critical issue of school construction. Patients Bill of Rights. President Clinton repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable patients' bill of rights that would assure Americans the quality health care they need. Congressional Republicans killed this year's effort to pass a Patients Bill of Rights. Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation. This year, President Clinton made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start through a significant price increase, measures to prevent tobacco companies from marketing to children, and critical public health prevention and education programs. Congressional Republicans opted to act as politicians instead of parents, and killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. Campaign Finance Reform. At the beginning of the year, the President made passage of bipartisan, comprehensive campaign finance reform a priority for his Administration. After months of delay, the House of Representatives overcame defenders of the status quo and passed the Shays-Meehan bill. However, the Senate Republicans killed this historic legislation. Child Care Initiative. In his State of the Union, the President proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for America's working families. The President's proposal included $7.5 billion over 5 years for child care subsidies for low-income working families and tax credits to help 3 million working families pay for child care. The Republicans refused to support these critical investments. Speeding Toxic Cleanups. President Clinton called for an additional $650 million -- a 40 percent increase -- to accelerate Superfund cleanups with a goal of completing a total of 900 cleanups by 2001. The Republican majority refused these funds, threatening to delay cleanup at up to 171 sites across the country. Work Incentives Bill for People with Disabilities. At the commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act last July, the President endorsed the bipartisan Jeffords-Kennedy bill that enables people with disabilities to go back to work by providing an option to buy into Medicaid and Medicare, as well as other pro-work initiatives. This bill was on the list of top Administration priorities in the final budget negotiations, but rejected by Republicans. The President will continue to fight to give people with disabilities the opportunity to work --including the critical health insurance that makes work possible. Education Opportunity Zones. President Clinton, in his budget, called for Education Opportunity Zones to help high-poverty urban and rural communities increase student achievement by raising standards, improving teaching, ending social promotions, and turning around failing schools. The Republican majority refused to provide the requested $200 million in funds, which would have helped about 50 high-poverty, low-achieving, urban and rural school districts. X Minimum Wage. President Clinton and Congressional Democrats called for a $1 increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers. For someone who works full-time, this minimum wage increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, 95 percent of Senate Republicans voted to kill the President's minimum wage increase. Medicare Buy-In. President Clinton proposed providing new options for Americans ages 55 to 65 to obtain health insurance, including buying into Medicare. This policy would not have hurt the Medicare Trust Fund. The Republican majority killed this new initiative that would have helped provide health care to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans. PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" State-by-State Information On: President Clinton's School Modernization Initiative The Patients Bill of Rights Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation Minimum Wage Increase President Clinton's Child Care Initiative OCTOBER 21, 1998 ALABAMA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Alabama, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Alabama, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $285.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Alabama Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Alabama, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $285.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 88 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,050,000 People -- Including 1,040,000 Women -- in Alabama. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,050,000 people -- including 1,040,000 women -- in Alabama are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Alabama has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Alabama. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 17,000 Young People in Alabama from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Alabama, this legislation would have stopped 50,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 17,000 young people in Alabama from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 252,000 Workers in Alabama. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Alabama, this increase would have raised the wages of 252,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Alabama. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Alabama. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Alabama making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Alabama would have received $17.2 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] ALASKA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Alaska, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Alaska, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $36.9 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Alaska Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Alaska, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $36.9 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 11 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 210,000 People -- Including 100,000 Women -- in Alaska. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 210,000 people -- including 100,000 women -- in Alaska are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Alaska has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Alaska. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 3,000 Young People in Alaska from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Alaska, this legislation would have stopped 9,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 3,000 young people in Alaska from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 7,000 Workers in Alaska. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. Because Alaska has a minimum wage higher than the Federal minimum wage, only 7,000 workers in Alaska would benefit from this increase. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Alaska. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Alaska. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Alaska making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Alaska would have received $3.0 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] ARIZONA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Arizona, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Arizona, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $258.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Arizona Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Arizona, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $258.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 80 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,720,000 People -- Including 830,000 Women -- in Arizona. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,720,000 people -- including 830,000 women -- in Arizona are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Arizona has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Arizona. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 16,000 Young People in Arizona from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Arizona, this legislation would have stopped 49,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 16,000 young people in Arizona from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury) Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 214,000 Workers in Arizona. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Arizona, this increase would have raised the wages of 214,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Arizona. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Arizona. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Arizona making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Arizona would have received $19.1 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] ARKANSAS: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Arkansas, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Arkansas, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $145.9 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Arkansas Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Arkansas, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $145.9 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 45 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,000,000 People -- Including 500,000 Women -- in Arkansas. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,000,000 people -- including 500,000 women -- in Arkansas are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Arkansas has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Arkansas. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 9,000 Young People in Arkansas from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Arkansas, this legislation would have stopped 28,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 9,000 young people in Arkansas from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 145,000 Workers in Arkansas. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Arkansas, this increase would have raised the wages of 145,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] X Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Arkansas. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Arkansas. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Arkansas making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Arkansas would have received $10.5 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] CALIFORNIA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in California, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of California, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $2,281.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize California Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In California, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $2,281.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 705 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 13,090,000 People -- Including 6,230,000 Women -- in California. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 13,090,000 people including 6,230,000 women -- in California are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if California has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in California. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 83,000 Young People in California from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in California, this legislation would have stopped 248,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 83,000 young people in California from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 1,612,000 Workers in California. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. Even though California has a minimum wage higher than the Federal minimum wage, this increase would have raised the wages of 1,612,000 California workers. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in California. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in California. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in California making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And California would have received $150.7 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] COLORADO: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Colorado, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Colorado, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. X School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $165.8 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Colorado Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Colorado, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $165.8 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 51 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,810,000 People -- Including 890,000 Women -- in Colorado. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,810,000 people -- including 890,000 women in Colorado are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Colorado has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Colorado. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 17,000 Young People in Colorado from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Colorado, this legislation would have stopped 51,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 17,000 young people in Colorado from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 121,000 Workers in Colorado. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Colorado, this increase would have raised the wages of 121,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Colorado. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Colorado. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Colorado making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Colorado would have received $16.2 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] CONNECTICUT: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Connecticut, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Connecticut, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $205.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Connecticut Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Connecticut, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $205.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 63 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,740,000 People -- Including 910,000 Women -- in Connecticut. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,740,000 people -- including 910,000 women -- in Connecticut are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Connecticut has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Connecticut. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 10,000 Young People in Connecticut from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Connecticut, this legislation would have stopped 29,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 10,000 young people in Connecticut from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 12 Million Workers Nationally. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase for America's workers. Connecticut's state minimum wage is scheduled to rise to the level proposed by President Clinton, so Connecticut's workers will soon benefit from a higher minimum wage. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Connecticut. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Connecticut. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Connecticut making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Connecticut would have received $13.3 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.} DELAWARE: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Delaware, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Delaware, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $36.9 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Delaware Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Delaware, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $36.9 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 11 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 370,000 People -- Including 190,000 Women -- in Delaware. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 370,000 people -- including 190,000 women in Delaware are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Delaware has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Delaware. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 3,000 Young People in Delaware from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Delaware, this legislation would have stopped 10,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 3,000 young people in Delaware from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 26,000 Workers in Delaware. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Delaware, this increase would have raised the wages of 26,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Delaware. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Delaware. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Delaware making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Delaware would have received $2.9 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in District of Columbia, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of District of Columbia, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $75.4 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize District of Columbia Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In District of Columbia, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $75.4 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 23 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 160,000 People -- Including 80,000 Women -- in District of Columbia. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 160,000 people -- including 80,000 women -- in District of Columbia are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if District of Columbia has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in District of Columbia. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 1,000 Young People in District of Columbia from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in District of Columbia, this legislation would have stopped 2,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 1,000 young people in District of Columbia from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Treasury Department] X Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 12 Million Workers Nationwide. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. The District of Columbia's minimum wage is automatically set at one dollar above the Federal minimum wage, so workers in the District already benefit from a higher minimum wage. [Source: Based on data from the BLS.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in District of Columbia. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in District of Columbia. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in District of Columbia making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And District of Columbia would have received $1.9 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of HHS.] FLORIDA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Florida, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Florida, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $1,047.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Florida Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Florida, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $1,047.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 324 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 5,470,000 People -- Including 2,710,000 Women -- in Florida. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 5,470,000 people -- including 2,710,000 women -- in Florida are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Florida has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Florida. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 56,000 Young People in Florida from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Florida, this legislation would have stopped 168,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 56,000 young people in Florida from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 586,000 Workers in Florida. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Florida, this increase would have raised the wages of 586,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Florida. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Florida. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Florida making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Florida would have received $56.6 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] GEORGIA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Georgia, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Georgia, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $476.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Georgia-Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Georgia, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $476.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 147 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 3,440,000 People -- Including 1,700,000 Women -- in Georgia. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 3,440,000 people -- including 1,700,000 women -- in Georgia are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Georgia has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Georgia. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 27,000 Young People in Georgia from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Georgia, this legislation would have stopped 81,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 27,000 young people in Georgia from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 309,000 Workers in Georgia. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Georgia, this increase would have raised the wages of 309,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Georgia. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Georgia. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Georgia making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Georgia would have received $31.9 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] HAWAII: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Hawaii, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Hawaii, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $41.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Hawaii Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Hawaii, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $41.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 13 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 500,000 People -- Including 250,000 Women -- in Hawaii. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 500,000 people -- including 250,000 women in Hawaii are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Hawaii has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Hawaii. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 3,000 Young People in Hawaii from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Hawaii, this legislation would have stopped 10,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 3,000 young people in Hawaii from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 71,000 Workers in Hawaii. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. Even though Hawaii has a minimum wage higher than the Federal minimum wage, this increase would have raised the wages of 71,000 Hawaii workers. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Hawaii. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Hawaii. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Hawaii making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Hawaii would have received $5.1 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] IDAHO: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Idaho, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Idaho, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $43.5 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Idaho Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Idaho, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $43.5 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 13 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 500,000 People -- Including 240,000 Women -- in Idaho. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 500,000 people -- including 240,000 women -- in Idaho are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Idaho has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Idaho. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 5,000 Young People in Idaho from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Idaho, this legislation would have stopped 14,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 5,000 young people in Idaho from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 68,000 Workers in Idaho. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Idaho, this increase would have raised the wages of 68,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Idaho. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Idaho. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Idaho making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Idaho would have received $5.4 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] ILLINOIS: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Illinois, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Illinois, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $911.5 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Illinois Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Illinois, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $911.5 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 282 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 6,220,000 People -- Including 3,120,000 Women -- in Illinois. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 6,220,000 people -- including 3,120,000 women -- in Illinois are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Illinois has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Illinois. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 46,000 Young People in Illinois from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Illinois, this legislation would have stopped 139,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 46,000 young people in Illinois from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 489,000 Workers in Illinois. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Illinois, this increase would have raised the wages of 489,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Illinois. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Illinois. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Illinois making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Illinois would have received $51.9 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] INDIANA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Indiana, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Indiana, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $276.4 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Indiana Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Indiana, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $276.4 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 85 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 3,330,000 People -- Including 1,600,000 Women -- in Indiana. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 3,330,000 people -- including 1,600,000 women -- in Indiana are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Indiana has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Indiana. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 30,000 Young People in Indiana from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Indiana, this legislation would have stopped 90,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 30,000 young people in Indiana from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 171,000 Workers in Indiana. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Indiana, this increase would have raised the wages of 171,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Indiana. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Indiana. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Indiana making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Indiana would have received $24.0 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] IOWA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Iowa, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Iowa, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $103.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Iowa Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Iowa, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $103.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 32 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,420,000 People -- Including 700,000 Women -- in Iowa. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,420,000 people -- including 700,000 women in Iowa are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Iowa has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Iowa. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 10,000 Young People in Iowa from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Iowa, this legislation would have stopped 30,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 10,000 young people in Iowa from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 119,000 Workers in Iowa. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Iowa, this increase would have raised the wages of 119,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Iowa. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Iowa. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Iowa making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Iowa would have received $11.2 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] KANSAS: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Kansas, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Kansas, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $126.8 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Kansas Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Kansas, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $126.8 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 39 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,250,000 People -- Including 600,000 Women -- in Kansas. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,250,000 people -- including 600,000 women -- in Kansas are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Kansas has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Kansas. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 10,000 Young People in Kansas from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Kansas, this legislation would have stopped 29,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 10,000 young people in Kansas from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 93,000 Workers in Kansas. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Kansas, this increase would have raised the wages of 93,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Kansas. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Kansas. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Kansas making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Kansas would have received $11.0 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] KENTUCKY: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Kentucky, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Kentucky, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $277.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Kentucky Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Kentucky, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $277.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 86 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,730,000 People -- Including 860,000 Women -- in Kentucky. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,730,000 people including 860,000 women -- in Kentucky are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Kentucky has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Kentucky. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] X Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 19,000 Young People in Kentucky from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Kentucky, this legislation would have stopped 58,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 19,000 young people in Kentucky from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 211,000 Workers in Kentucky. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Kentucky, this increase would have raised the wages of 211,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Kentucky. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Kentucky. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Kentucky making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Kentucky would have received $15.3 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] LOUISIANA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Louisiana, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Louisiana, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $463.2 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Louisiana Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Louisiana, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $463.2 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 143 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,700,000 People -- Including 830,000 Women -- in Louisiana. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,700,000 people -- including 830,000 women in Louisiana are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Louisiana has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Louisiana. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 21,000 Young People in Louisiana from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Louisiana, this legislation would have stopped 64,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 21,000 young people in Louisiana from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 244,000 Workers in Louisiana. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Louisiana, this increase would have raised the wages of 244,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Louisiana. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Louisiana. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Louisiana making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Louisiana would have received $19.6 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MAINE: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Maine, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Maine, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $61.6 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Maine Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Maine, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $61.6 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 19 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 630,000 People Including 310,000 Women -- in Maine. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 630,000 people including 310,000 women in Maine are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Maine has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Maine. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 6,000 Young People in Maine from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Maine, this legislation would have stopped 17,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 6,000 young people in Maine from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 44,000 Workers in Maine. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Maine, this increase would have raised the wages of 44,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Maine. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Maine. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Maine making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Maine would have received $4.7 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MARYLAND: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Maryland, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Maryland, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $306.5 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Maryland Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Maryland, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $306.5 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 95 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,230,000 People -- Including 1,130,000 Women -- in Maryland. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,230,000 people including 1,130,000 women -- in Maryland are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Maryland has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Maryland. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 16,000 Young People in Maryland from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Maryland, this legislation would have stopped 47,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 16,000 young people in Maryland from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 155,000 Workers in Maryland. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Maryland, this increase would have raised the wages of 155,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Maryland. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Maryland. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Maryland making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Maryland would have received $21.4 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MASSACHUSETTS: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Massachusetts, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Massachusetts, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $355.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Massachusetts Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Massachusetts, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $355.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 110 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 3,300,000 People -- Including 1,600,000 Women -- in Massachusetts. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 3,300,000 people -- including 1,600,000 women in Massachusetts are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Massachusetts has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Massachusetts. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 16,000 Young People in Massachusetts from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Massachusetts, this legislation would have stopped 49,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 16,000 young people in Massachusetts from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 135,000 Workers in Massachusetts. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. Even though Massachusetts has a minimum wage higher than the Federal minimum wage, this increase would have raised the wages of 135,000 Massachusetts workers. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Massachusetts. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Massachusetts. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Massachusetts making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Massachusetts would have received $23.6 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MICHIGAN: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Michigan, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Michigan, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $857.3 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Michigan Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Michigan, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $857.3 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 265 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 5,320,000 People -- Including 2,560,000 Women -- in Michigan. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 5,320,000 people -- including 2,560,000 women -- in Michigan are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Michigan has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Michigan. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 37,000 Young People in Michigan from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Michigan, this legislation would have stopped 111,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 37,000 young people in Michigan from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 383,000 Workers in Michigan. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Michigan, this increase would have raised the wages of 383,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Michigan. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Michigan. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Michigan making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Michigan would have received $41.0 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MINNESOTA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Minnesota, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Minnesota, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $220.8 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Minnesota Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Minnesota, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $220.8 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 68 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,390,000 People -- Including 1,120,000 Women -- in Minnesota. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,390,000 people -- including 1,120,000 women in Minnesota are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Minnesota has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Minnesota. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 16,000 Young People in Minnesota from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Minnesota, this legislation would have stopped 49,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 16,000 young people in Minnesota from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 187,000 Workers in Minnesota. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Minnesota, this increase would have raised the wages of 187,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Minnesota. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Minnesota. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Minnesota making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Minnesota would have received $19.9 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MISSISSIPPI: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Mississippi, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Mississippi, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $253.5 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Mississippi Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Mississippi, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $253.5 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 78 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,130,000 People -- Including 570,000 Women -- in Mississippi. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,130,000 people -- including 570,000 women -- in Mississippi are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Mississippi has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Mississippi. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 10,000 Young People in Mississippi from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Mississippi, this legislation would have stopped 29,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 10,000 young people in Mississippi from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 187,000 Workers in Mississippi. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Mississippi, this increase would have raised the wages of 187,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Mississippi. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Mississippi. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Mississippi making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Mississippi would have received $12.0 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MISSOURI: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Missouri, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Missouri, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. X School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $314.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Missouri Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Missouri, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $314.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 97 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,360,000 People -- Including 1,160,000 Women -- in Missouri. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,360,000 people -- including 1,160,000 women -- in Missouri are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Missouri has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Missouri. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 24,000 Young People in Missouri from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Missouri, this legislation would have stopped 73,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 24,000 young people in Missouri from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 273,000 Workers in Missouri. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Missouri, this increase would have raised the wages of 273,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Missouri. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Missouri. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Missouri making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Missouri would have received $22.3 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] MONTANA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Montana, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Montana, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $52.3 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Montana Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Montana, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $52.3 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 16 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 340,000 People -- Including 170,000 Women -- in Montana. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 340,000 people including 170,000 women -- in Montana are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Montana has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Montana. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 3,000 Young People in Montana from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Montana, this legislation would have stopped 9,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 3,000 young people in Montana from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 60,000 Workers in Montana. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Montana, this increase would have raised the wages of 60,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Montana. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Montana. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Montana making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Montana would have received $3.6 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NEBRASKA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Nebraska, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Nebraska, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $79.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Nebraska Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Nebraska, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $79.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 24 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 740,000 People -- Including 340,000 Women -- in Nebraska. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 740,000 people -- including 340,000 women -- in Nebraska are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Nebraska has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Nebraska. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 7,000 Young People in Nebraska from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Nebraska, this legislation would have stopped 20,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 7,000 young people in Nebraska from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 81,000 Workers in Nebraska. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Nebraska, this increase would have raised the wages of 81,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Nebraska. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Nebraska. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Nebraska making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Nebraska would have received $7.0 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NEVADA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Nevada, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Nevada, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $71.8 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Nevada Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Nevada, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $71.8 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 22 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 860,000 People -- Including 400,000 Women -- in Nevada. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 860,000 people -- including 400,000 women -- in Nevada are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Nevada has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Nevada. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 6,000 Young People in Nevada from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Nevada, this legislation would have stopped 17,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 6,000 young people in Nevada from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 61,000 Workers in Nevada. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Nevada, this increase would have raised the wages of 61,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Nevada. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Nevada. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Nevada making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Nevada would have received $7.0 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NEW HAMPSHIRE: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in New Hampshire, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of New Hampshire, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $36.9 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize New Hampshire Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In New Hampshire, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $36.9 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 11 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 610,000 People -- Including 290,000 Women -- in New Hampshire. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 610,000 people -- including 290,000 women -- in New Hampshire are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if New Hampshire has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in New Hampshire. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 5,000 Young People in New Hampshire from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in New Hampshire, this legislation would have stopped 14,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 5,000 young people in New Hampshire from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 48,000 Workers in New Hampshire. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In New Hampshire, this increase would have raised the wages of 48,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in New Hampshire. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in New Hampshire. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in New Hampshire making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And New Hampshire would have received $4.8 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NEW JERSEY: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in New Jersey, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of New Jersey, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $414.3 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize New Jersey Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In New Jersey, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $414.3 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 128 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 3,820,000 People -- Including 1,920,000 Women -- in New Jersey. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 3,820,000 people -- including 1,920,000 women -- in New Jersey are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if New Jersey has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in New Jersey. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 25,000 Young People in New Jersey from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in New Jersey, this legislation would have stopped 74,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 25,000 young people in New Jersey from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 253,000 Workers in New Jersey. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In New Jersey, this increase would have raised the wages of 253,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in New Jersey. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in New Jersey. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in New Jersey making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And New Jersey would have received $33.1 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NEW MEXICO: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in New Mexico, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of New Mexico, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $145.6 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize New Mexico Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In New Mexico, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $145.6 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 45 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 540,000 People -- Including 260,000 Women -- in New Mexico. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 540,000 people -- including 260,000 women -- in New Mexico are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if New Mexico has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in New Mexico. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 6,000 Young People in New Mexico from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in New Mexico, this legislation would have stopped 19,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 6,000 young people in New Mexico from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 111,000 Workers in New Mexico. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In New Mexico, this increase would have raised the wages of 111,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] X Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in New Mexico. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in New Mexico. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in New Mexico making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And New Mexico would have received $8.0 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NEW YORK: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in New York, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of New York, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $2,166.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize New York Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In New York, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $2,166.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 670 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 7,570,000 People -- Including 3,800,000 Women -- in New York. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 7,570,000 people including 3,800,000 women -- in New York are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if New York has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in New York. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 63,000 Young People in New York from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in New York, this legislation would have stopped 188,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 63,000 young people in New York from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 646,000 Workers in New York. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In New York, this increase would have raised the wages of 646,000 workers. For someone who works full- time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in New York. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in New York. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in New York making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And New York would have received $75.7 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NORTH CAROLINA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in North Carolina, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of North Carolina, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $297.4 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize North Carolina Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In North Carolina, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $297.4 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 92 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 3,470,000 People -- Including 1,730,000 Women -- in North Carolina. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 3,470,000 people -- including 1,730,000 women -- in North Carolina are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if North Carolina has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in North Carolina. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] X Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 35,000 Young People in North Carolina from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in North Carolina, this legislation would have stopped 106,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 35,000 young people in North Carolina from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 342,000 Workers in North Carolina. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In North Carolina, this increase would have raised the wages of 342,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in North Carolina. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in North Carolina. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in North Carolina making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And North Carolina would have received $30.1 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] NORTH DAKOTA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in North Dakota, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of North Dakota, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $36.9 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize North Dakota Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In North Dakota, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $36.9 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 11 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 280,000 People -- Including 130,000 Women -- in North Dakota. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 280,000 people -- including 130,000 women -- in North Dakota are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if North Dakota has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in North Dakota. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 2,000 Young People in North Dakota from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in North Dakota, this legislation would have stopped 7,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 2,000 young people in North Dakota from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 37,000 Workers in North Dakota. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In North Dakota, this increase would have raised the wages of 37,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in North Dakota. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in North Dakota. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in North Dakota making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And North Dakota would have received $2.6 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] OHIO: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Ohio, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Ohio, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $783.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Ohio Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Ohio, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $783.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 242 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 5,960,000 People -- Including 2,940,000 Women -- in Ohio. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 5,960,000 people -- including 2,940,000 women -- in Ohio are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Ohio has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Ohio. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 57,000 Young People in Ohio from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Ohio, this legislation would have stopped 172,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 57,000 young people in Ohio from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 550,000 Workers in Ohio. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Ohio, this increase would have raised the wages of 550,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Ohio. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Ohio. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Ohio making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Ohio would have received $45.7 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] OKLAHOMA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Oklahoma, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Oklahoma, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $203.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Oklahoma Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Oklahoma, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $203.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 63 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,240,000 People -- Including 630,000 Women -- in Oklahoma. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,240,000 people including 630,000 women in Oklahoma are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Oklahoma has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Oklahoma. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 13,000 Young People in Oklahoma from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Oklahoma, this legislation would have stopped 38,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 13,000 young people in Oklahoma from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 209,000 Workers in Oklahoma. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Oklahoma, this increase would have raised the wages of 209,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Oklahoma. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Oklahoma. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Oklahoma making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Oklahoma would have received $13.9 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] OREGON: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Oregon, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Oregon, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $155.4 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Oregon Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Oregon, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $155.4 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 48 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,520,000 People -- Including 750,000 Women -- in Oregon. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,520,000 people -- including 750,000 women -- in Oregon are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Oregon has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Oregon. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 11,000 Young People in Oregon from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Oregon, this legislation would have stopped 33,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 11,000 young people in Oregon from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 12 Million Workers Nationwide. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. Workers in Oregon already benefit from a higher minimum wage. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Oregon. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Oregon. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Oregon making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Oregon would have received $12.7 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] PENNSYLVANIA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Pennsylvania, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Pennsylvania, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $852.2 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Pennsylvania Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Pennsylvania, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $852.2 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 264 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 6,160,000 People -- Including 3,120,000 Women -- in Pennsylvania. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 6,160,000 people -- including 3,120,000 women -- in Pennsylvania are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Pennsylvania has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Pennsylvania. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 53,000 Young People in Pennsylvania from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Pennsylvania, this legislation would have stopped 159,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 53,000 young people in Pennsylvania from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 547,000 Workers in Pennsylvania. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Pennsylvania, this increase would have raised the wages of 547,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Pennsylvania. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Pennsylvania. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Pennsylvania making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Pennsylvania would have received $46.7 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] RHODE ISLAND: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Rhode Island, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Rhode Island, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $72.2 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Rhode Island Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Rhode Island, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $72.2 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 153 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 460,000 People -- Including 230,000 Women -- in Rhode Island. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 460,000 people -- including 230,000 women in Rhode Island are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Rhode Island has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Rhode Island. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 4,000 Young People in Rhode Island from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Rhode Island, this legislation would have stopped 12,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 4,000 young people in Rhode Island from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. (Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 53,000 Workers in Rhode Island. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Rhode Island, this increase would have raised the wages of 53,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Rhode Island. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Rhode Island. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Rhode Island making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Rhode Island would have received $3.9 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] SOUTH CAROLINA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in South Carolina, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of South Carolina, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $198.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize South Carolina Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In South Carolina, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $198.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 61 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council) Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 1,690,000 People -- Including 840,000 Women -- in South Carolina. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 1,690,000 people including 840,000 women -- in South Carolina are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if South Carolina has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in South Carolina. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 14,000 Young People in South Carolina from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in South Carolina, this legislation would have stopped 42,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 14,000 young people in South Carolina from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 169,000 Workers in South Carolina. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In South Carolina, this increase would have raised the wages of 169,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in South Carolina. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in South Carolina. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in South Carolina making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And South Carolina would have received $15.1 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] SOUTH DAKOTA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in South Dakota, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of South Dakota, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $38.0 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize South Dakota Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In South Dakota, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $38.0 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 12 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 300,000 People -- Including 150,000 Women -- in South Dakota. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 300,000 people -- including 150,000 women in South Dakota are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if South Dakota has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in South Dakota. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 3,000 Young People in South Dakota from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in South Dakota, this legislation would have stopped 8,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 3,000 young people in South Dakota from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 40,000 Workers in South Dakota. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In South Dakota, this increase would have raised the wages of 40,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in South Dakota. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in South Dakota. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in South Dakota making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And South Dakota would have received $3.2 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] TENNESSEE: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Tennessee, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Tennessee, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $331.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Tennessee Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Tennessee, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $331.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 102 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,300,000 People -- Including 1,180,000 Women -- in Tennessee. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,300,000 people -- including 1,180,000 women -- in Tennessee are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Tennessee has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Tennessee. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 22,000 Young People in Tennessee from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Tennessee, this legislation would have stopped 65,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 22,000 young people in Tennessee from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 197,000 Workers in Tennessee. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Tennessee, this increase would have raised the wages of 197,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Tennessee. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Tennessee. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Tennessee making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Tennessee would have received $21.3 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] TEXAS: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Texas, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Texas, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $1,614.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Texas Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Texas, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $1,614.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 499 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 8,060,000 People -- Including 3,900,000 Women -- in Texas. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 8,060,000 people -- including 3,900,000 women -- in Texas are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Texas has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Texas. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 68,000 Young People in Texas from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Texas, this legislation would have stopped 205,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 68,000 young people in Texas from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 965,000 Workers in Texas. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Texas, this increase would have raised the wages of 965,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Texas. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Texas. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Texas making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Texas would have received $89.4 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] UTAH: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Utah, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Utah, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $66.8 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Utah Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Utah, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $66.8 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 21 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 950,000 People -- Including 470,000 Women -- in Utah. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 950,000 people -- including 470,000 women -- in Utah are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Utah has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Utah. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 6,000 Young People in Utah from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Utah, this legislation would have stopped 19,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 6,000 young people in Utah from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 79,000 Workers in Utah. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Utah, this increase would have raised the wages of 79,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Utah. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Utah. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Utah making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Utah would have received $10.7 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] VERMONT: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Vermont, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Vermont, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $36.2 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Vermont Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Vermont, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $36.2 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 11 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 290,000 People -- Including 140,000 Women -- in Vermont. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 290,000 people -- including 140,000 women -- in Vermont are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Vermont has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Vermont. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 2,000 Young People in Vermont from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Vermont, this legislation would have stopped 7,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 2,000 young people in Vermont from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 24,000 Workers in Vermont. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. Even though Vermont has a minimum wage higher than the Federal minimum wage, this increase would have raised the wages of 24,000 Vermont workers. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Vermont. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Vermont. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Vermont making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Vermont would have received $2.3 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] VIRGINIA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Virginia, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Virginia, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $258.9 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Virginia Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Virginia, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $258.9 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 80 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 3,060,000 People -- Including 1,540,000 Women -- in Virginia. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 3,060,000 people -- including 1,540,000 women -- in Virginia are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Virginia has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Virginia. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 28,000 Young People in Virginia from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Virginia, this legislation would have stopped 84,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 28,000 young people in Virginia from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 311,000 Workers in Virginia. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Virginia, this increase would have raised the wages of 311,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Virginia. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Virginia. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Virginia making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Virginia would have received $26.8 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] WASHINGTON: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Washington, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Washington, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $236.6 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Washington Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Washington, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $236.6 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 73 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,550,000 People -- Including 1,240,000 Women -- in Washington. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,550,000 people including 1,240,000 women -- in Washington are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Washington has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Washington. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 16,000 Young People in Washington from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Washington, this legislation would have stopped 48,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 16,000 young people in Washington from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 270,000 Workers in Washington. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Washington, this increase would have raised the wages of 270,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Washington. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Washington. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Washington making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Washington would have received $23.2 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] WEST VIRGINIA: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in West Virginia, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of West Virginia, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $142.6 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize West Virginia Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In West Virginia, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $142.6 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 44 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 670,000 People -- Including 350,000 Women -- in West Virginia. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 670,000 people -- including 350,000 women in West Virginia are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if West Virginia has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in West Virginia. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 8,000 Young People in West Virginia from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in West Virginia, this legislation would have stopped 24,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 8,000 young people in West Virginia from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 103,000 Workers in West Virginia. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In West Virginia, this increase would have raised the wages of 103,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in West Virginia. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in West Virginia. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in West Virginia making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And West Virginia would have received $6.5 million in new funding to help low-income working familiés with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] WISCONSIN: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Wisconsin, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Wisconsin, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $332.4 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Wisconsin Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Wisconsin, this proposal would have provided tax credits on, $332.4 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 103 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 2,900,000 People -- Including 1,440,000 Women -- in Wisconsin. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 2,900,000 people -- including 1,440,000 women -- in Wisconsin are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Wisconsin has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Wisconsin. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 21,000 Young People in Wisconsin from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Wisconsin, this legislation would have stopped 62,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 21,000 young people in Wisconsin from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 225,000 Workers in Wisconsin. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Wisconsin, this increase would have raised the wages of 225,000 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Wisconsin. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Wisconsin. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Wisconsin making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Wisconsin would have received $21.3 million in new funding to help low-income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] WYOMING: PRESIDENT CLINTON, VICE PRESIDENT GORE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR POLICIES THAT HELP WORKING FAMILIES, BUT CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS SAID "No" Throughout 1998, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats fought for policies that help working families in Wyoming, from more modern schools to higher quality health care. On each of these policies, the Republican Congressional majority said "no" to the families of Wyoming, blocking school modernization, a Patients Bill of Rights, comprehensive tobacco legislation, an increase in the minimum wage, and child care investments. In addition, Republicans in Congress killed our best hope for real campaign finance reform in a generation. School Modernization: Congressional Republicans Blocked Tax Credits on $33.1 Million of Bonds To Help Build and Modernize Wyoming Schools. President Clinton's school modernization initiative would have helped build and renovate more than 5,000 schools nationwide, without adding a single Federal employee. In Wyoming, this proposal would have provided tax credits on $33.1 million of bonds to help build or modernize an estimated 10 schools. However, the Republicans in Congress blocked school modernization and even claim stopping it as one of their top 10 victories in the final budget agreement. [Source: National Economic Council] Patients Bill of Rights: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Quality Health Care for 190,000 People -- Including 100,000 Women -- in Wyoming. President Clinton and Vice President Gore repeatedly urged the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. Without this legislation, 190,000 people -- including 100,000 women -- in Wyoming are not ensured the enforceable patient protections they need, even if Wyoming has enacted health care quality legislation. The Congressional Republican leadership blocked a Patients Bill of Rights, which means accountants, instead of doctors, will continue to make health care decisions in Wyoming. Every major health care consumer and physician organization, including the American Medical Association, supports a strong, enforceable Patients Bill of Rights. [Source: Department of Labor] Comprehensive Tobacco Legislation: The Congressional Republican Leadership Blocked Efforts That Would Have Saved 2,000 Young People in Wyoming from A Premature Death. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats made passage of legislation to reduce youth smoking a top priority, in order to stop kids from smoking before they start. According to the Department of Treasury, in Wyoming, this legislation would have stopped 6,000 young people from smoking over the next five years, saving the lives of 2,000 young people in Wyoming from a premature death. But the Congressional Republican leadership killed this year's effort to pass bipartisan comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. [Source: Department of the Treasury] Minimum Wage: Congressional Republicans Blocked A Raise For 26 Workers in Wyoming. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Congressional Democrats called for a one dollar increase in the minimum wage over two years -- to raise the wages of 12 million workers nationwide. In Wyoming, this increase would have raised the wages of 26 workers. For someone who works full-time, this increase would have meant an additional $2,000 per year. However, Congressional Republicans voted to block a minimum wage increase. [Source: Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.] Child Care Initiative: Congressional Republicans Blocked Critical Child Care Assistance for Families in Wyoming. President Clinton proposed an historic child care initiative to make child care better, safer and more affordable for working families in Wyoming. The President's plan would have wiped out Federal income taxes for families of four in Wyoming making less than $35,000 and saddled with high child care bills. And Wyoming would have received $2.0 million in new funding to help low- income working families with child care costs. But, the Republican Congress blocked these critical child care investments. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release October 24, 1998 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT I have signed into law H.R. 4328, the "Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999." This bill represents a significant step forward for America. It protects the surplus until we have saved Social Security for the 21st century, contains an agreement to fund the International Monetary Fund, and puts in place critical investments in education and training, from smaller class sizes to after-school care, and from summer jobs to college mentoring. I am pleased that this bill honors my commitment to maintain fiscal discipline by providing additional resources for essential new investments, which are fully financed within the limits of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. Specifically, the legislation provides needed funds for education and training, including a down payment on my plan to reduce class size in the early grades by hiring 100,000 new teachers. It provides added resources to protect the environment, to move people from welfare to work, to strengthen law enforcement, to enforce civil rights, and to further efforts that advance health, research, and development. And with this legislation, funds can be made available to farmers suffering through the worst farm emergency in a decade. First, this legislation provides an additional $4.4 billion for education and training, furthering the goal of life-long education to help Americans acquire the skills they need to succeed in the new global economy. In addition to funding my class size initiative, this bill will help advance child literacy by meeting my full request for the America Reads program, and by increasing funding for Head Start. It also supports an important part of my child-care initiative: the focus on improving the quality of child-care programs and the funding provided for after- school programs should help approximately 1,600 21 st Century Community Learning Centers, serving nearly a quarter of a million children, to provide extended learning activities and related services in safe and constructive environments with adult supervision. I am pleased that included in this legislation are three other high-priority education initiatives -- GEAR UP, Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants, and Learning Anytime, Anywhere Partnerships -- that were recently authorized in the Higher Education Act. Charter School funding will provide start-up resources to about 1,400 schools, serving approximately 400,000 students; my Youth Opportunity Areas initiative will provide intensive training and related services to help 50,000 disadvantaged youth in very high poverty areas get good jobs; and more than a half-million young people will be able to participate in the Summer Jobs program. College students will benefit from funding in this legislation, which provides the largest Pell Grant maximum award in history and expands the Work-Study program to help nearly one million students work their way through college. I am also very pleased that the Congress provided virtually all my requested increases for the Hispanic Education Action Plan funded in this bill. My commitment to a clean and healthy environment is advanced significantly in this legislation. Additional resources will be used to combat water pollution through the Clean Water Action Plan, fight global warming, protect national parks and other precious lands, preserve wildlife, and develop clean energy technologies. There are also funds to support the Save America's Treasures Millennium Initiative, and for the purchase of sensitive and historic lands. At the same time, we have been able to prevent the inclusion of harmful riders specific to the environment, including ones that would have delayed salmon restoration in the Northwest, built a road through designated wilderness areas in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, and forced overcutting of timber in national forests. I am pleased that we are able to reach agreement with the bipartisan leadership to fulfill our commitment to fund and pay arrears to the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), established in 1991. This funding will help GEF in its fight against global warming, promotion of biodiversity, and reduction of energy consumption world-wide. By providing $17.9 billion in funding for the International Monetary Fund, this legislation makes a significant contribution to protecting our domestic economy from global turmoil. In addition, I am pleased that the Congress has provided additional funding for key international programs. Some examples are assistance to the Newly Independent States (NIS), support for nonproliferation activities, such as the Korean Energy Development Organization and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty preparatory commission; and payments of assessed contributions to international organizations. However, I am deeply troubled that the United States remains unable to pay its arrears to the United Nations and other international organizations. Funding to meet our international commitments should not be linked to unrelated family planning issues. I am pleased that this legislation contains my proposal to streamline the executive branch's policy-making process in foreign affairs by putting matters of international arms control, sustainable development, and public diplomacy where they belong -- at the heart of our foreign policy within a reinvented Department of State. Under the reorganization plan, first the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, then the United States Information Agency will be integrated with the Department of State. The Agency for International Development will remain a distinct agency, but will share certain administrative functions with the Department of State and will report to and be under the direct authority and foreign policy guidance of the Secretary of State. I am also pleased that the bill includes the implementing legislation for the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the Senate approved in May 1997. It was critical to have legislation in this area before the Congress adjourned. I appreciate the Congress approving the Administration's initiative to provide additional funding for military readiness and for ongoing operations in Bosnia. These funds will ensure that the U.S. military can sustain its high levels of prepared-ness and advance our efforts in Bosnia to implement the Dayton Accords. For law enforcement, the bill provides $1.4 billion to ensure that my program to put 100,000 more police on the streets of America's communities by the year 2000 proceeds on schedule -- 17,000 additional officers will be funded. The bill also includes funding to support my Administration's efforts to both secure our borders and to provide immigration benefits to those seeking citizenship. Funding for 1,000 Border Patrol agents, border technology, and detention support has been provided to deter drug trafficking and illegal entry at the border. The funding level also provides an additional $171 million to address a backlog in citizenship applications, fix the naturalization program, and ensure that the benefit of citizenship is not delayed unnecessarily for those who have earned it. It funds the Indian Country law enforcement initiative that will increase the number of law enforcement officers on Indian lands, expand detention facilities, enhance juvenile crime prevention, and improve the effectiveness of tribal courts. I am pleased that increased funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will enable the LSC to provide additional services to people with financial need. While it is regrettable that my full request for the LSC was not met this year, I intend to continue to press for additional funding to allow the expansion of services in the future. Civil rights protection is enhanced on numerous fronts. There is an increase of funding to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to significantly expand the Commission's alternative dispute resolution program and reduce the backlog of discrimination complaints. There are also increases in funding to the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance, and the Department of Justice's Office of Civil Rights and its Community Relations Service, which mediates and resolves racial and ethnic conflicts in communities. This bill will also address the long-standing discrimination claims of many minority farmers by adopting my request to waive the statute of limitations on USDA discrimination complaints that date back to the early 1980s. This will finally provide these farmers the fair and expedited hearing -- and where past discrimination is found, the fair compensation -- they have long deserved. In addition, funding for HUD's Fair Housing programs will increase significantly, and will provide resources for a new audit-based enforcement initiative. I am pleased that this legislation contains a program of targeted grants to Empowerment Zones, providing communities with flexible funds to carry out local development strategies and to bring jobs and investment to disadvantaged areas. I look forward to working with the Congress next year to expand this program. The District of Columbia receives a total of $620 million of Federal support, including $125 million of special one-time payments requested by my Administration for economic development, special education, and help for the District in addressing the Year 2000 computer problem. Funds for the District of Columbia will permit further implementation of my plan for revitalizing the Nation's Capital, and will be used to spur growth and for the public charter school program, among other programs. While I am pleased that we were able to secure significant funding increases of AIDS services and prevention generally, I am nonetheless disappointed that the Congress has chosen to deny the people of the District of Columbia the right to save lives with a proven HIV prevention program of needle exchange. The Congress' action will deny Federal funding to any private agency in the District of Columbia that uses its own funds in this way, putting countless women and children at risk for AIDS and undermining the principle of home rule in the District. There are significant advancements to improve the health of Americans by advancing research and by improving the safety of our food supply. The Food Safety Initiative will expand education, surveillance, import inspections, research, and risk assessment activities. The Congress also made a critical down payment on my proposed 21st Century Research Fund for America by adding $2 billion for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This will enable NIH to pursue new methods of diagnosing, treating, preventing, and curing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and HIV/AIDS. There are new increases in funding for disease prevention research at the Centers for Disease Control and for health outcomes research at the Agency for Health Care Policy Research. I am also pleased that this legislation provides $1.4 billion for Ryan White Care Act activities, including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provides funds to States to help uninsured and underinsured people with HIV purchase life-saving pharmaceutical therapies. Finally, there is a new, critical $130 million investment to address the problem of HIV/AIDS in the minority community. I am pleased that for the first time, this Act will require health plans that participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and provide prescription drug coverage to include contraceptives as part of that coverage. The section exempts from this requirement five specifically named religious plans and any other existing or future plan that objects to the requirement on the basis of religious beliefs. I am also pleased that the Congress has agreed to fund several urgent needs on an emergency basis. The nearly $6 billion of funding in this bill for farm emergencies reflects my commitment to meet the needs of our Nation's farmers who are suffering through the worst agricultural crisis in more than a decade. The bill addresses my concerns over emergency farm assistance funding that prompted my veto of the Agricultural Appropriations bill earlier this month. The Act also includes needed emergency funding to help parts of our country recover from recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Georges; address unanticipated requirements associated with year 2000 computer conversion activities; strengthen our diplomatic security, anti-terrorism, and counter-terrorism efforts; support our troops in Bosnia; and enhance military readiness. While the Act provides many investments to help prepare America for the next century, there is still much work to do for the future. Now that we have embarked on a path to adding 100,000 teachers to our school systems, we must make sure that they will be able to teach in new and modern schoolrooms. I will continue to fight for my school modernization program which, with fully paid for tax credits, would leverage nearly $22 billion in bonds to build and renovate schools. While this bill provided important new funding to improve the quality of child care, more needs to be done. I will continue to push for additional critical investments, including subsidies and tax credits to make child care safer and more affordable for America's working families. I believe strongly that a voluntary national test for our children's achievement is essential so that parents can know how well their children and their schools are performing on a basis that fairly compares them to others. This bill, unfortunately, includes language prohibiting any pilot testing or adminis-tration of voluntary national tests. We will continue work on test development, and we will continue to work with the Congress to eliminate this bar to national testing so that we can advance the hopes of all parents for their children's education. I will continue to make it a top priority to urge the Congress to pass a strong, enforceable patients' bill of rights that would assure Americans the quality health care they need. In a rapidly changing health care system, Americans need and deserve essential patient protections, such as access to specialists, an independent appeals process, and remedies to make these rights real. I also will urge the Congress to pass the bipartisan Work Incentives Improvement Act, which provides workers with disabilities the option to buy into Medicare and Medicaid, as well as other pro-work incentives. Finally, the Congress must pass needed tobacco legislation to reduce teen smoking. The Act also contains provisions relating to preparations for the year 2000 Census. An accurate census is essential to our democracy and to basic fairness, and the Census Bureau is doing all it can to count each and every American in the 2000 Census. To count everyone, including nonrespondents, the Census Bureau must use proven scientific statistical techniques. Despite overwhelming support from impartial statistical experts for using such modern scientific methods, some in the Congress have opposed them. These opponents have proposed instead an approach that, even at vastly greater cost, will exclude millions of people -- especially children and minorities. I am pleased that this Act contains sufficient funds to allow the Census Bureau to continue preparations for a decennial census using the most accurate methods. This Act funds the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State through June 15, 1999. By that time, we should have the benefit of the Supreme Court's decision whether we can use up- to-date scientific methods in the census for purposes of apportioning Congressional seats among the States. We are confident that the Court will not consign us to 18th century methods to deal with 2 st century problems. It is imperative that the Congress, before June 15, 1999, fund these departments for the entire fiscal year without excluding millions of Americans from the census. I am committed to ensuring that the year 2000 is the most accurate census possible. I am also disappointed that the Congress provided less funding than I requested for the Federal Aviation Administration to operate the Nation's air traffic control system. While safety of the flying public will not be compromised, these reductions will result in an enormous challenge to provide critical aviation services and keep pace with a growing aviation industry. Unfortunately, the Act also includes language that would cap the award of plaintiffs' attorneys' fees in special education cases to a maximum of $50 per hour and $1,300 per case. While this language is less objectionable than the original proposal that sought to ban compensation for plaintiffs attorneys' fees for special education administrative pro-ceedings, I still find this provision unacceptable. It will undoubtedly restrict poor families in the District of Columbia from having adequate access to the due process protections provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I pledge that next year I will work to eliminate this cap and ensure that the rights of disabled children and their families are protected. It is unfortunate the bill does not lift the cap on transfers to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the excise tax on rum as I had proposed and many in the Congress supported. This measure was consistent with the basic laws regarding those jurisdictions and the Caribbean Basin Initiative. The objection that thwarted it will deny urgently needed fiscal assistance to the 4 million U.S. citizens who live on these islands. I am disappointed that the Congress failed to enact either of my proposed trade initiatives, the African Growth and Opportunity Act or the Caribbean Basin Initiative. My plans to expand our trade relations with nations in Africa and the Caribbean would benefit the United States and the economies of these developing countries. I firmly believe that the free flow of goods and services is an essential part of our Nation's successful economic strategy and I will continue to pursue these initiatives so that economies in Africa and the Caribbean, as well as our own, can benefit from an expansion in free trade. I am also disappointed that the Act includes a provision that could undermine the ability of Federal law enforcement to conduct large, multi-state investigations, such as those related to terrorist attacks, drug cartels, and interstate child exploitation. This provision was opposed by the law enforcement community, national victims groups, and many in the House and Senate. The effective date of the provision is 6 months from now. My Administration will work with the Congress over the next few months on potential legislative remedies to ensure that we can continue to enforce Federal laws and protect the public. There are a number of provisions in the Act that may raise Constitutional issues. These provisions will be treated in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution. I am concerned about section 117 of the Treasury/General Government appropriations section of the Act, which amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. If this section were to result in attachment and execution against foreign embassy properties, it would encroach on my authority under the Constitution to "receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers." Moreover, if applied to foreign diplomatic or consular property, section 117 would place the United States in breach of its international treaty obligations. It would put at risk the protection we enjoy at every embassy and consulate throughout the world by eroding the principle that diplomatic property must be protected regardless of bilateral relations. Absent my authority to waive section 117's attachment provision, it would also effectively eliminate use of blocked assets of terrorist states in the national security interests of the United States, including denying an important source of leverage. In addition, section 117 could seriously affect our ability to enter into global claims settlements that are fair to all U.S. claimants, and could result in U.S. taxpayer liability in the event of a contrary claims tribunal judgment. To the extent possible, I shall construe section 117 in a manner consistent with my constitutional authority and with U.S. international legal obligations, and for the above reasons, I have exercised the waiver authority in the national security interest of the United States. Section 609 of the Commerce/Justice/State appropriations provision of the Act prohibits the use of funds to maintain diplomatic relations with Vietnam unless the President provides the Congress with a detailed certification that Vietnam has satisfied specific conditions. This provision unconstitutionally constrains the President's authority with respect to the conduct of diplomacy, and I will apply this provision consistent with my constitutional responsibilities. Section 610 of the Commerce/Justice/State appropriations provision prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the participation of U.S. armed forces in a U.N. peacekeeping mission under foreign command unless the President's military advisers have recommended such involvement and the President has submitted such recommendations to the Congress. The "Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities" provision requires a report to the Congress prior to voting for a U.N. peacekeeping mission. These provisions uncon-stitutionally constrain my diplomatic authority and my authority as Commander in Chief, and I will apply them consistent with my constitutional responsibilities. Section 514 of the Foreign Operations/Export Financing appropriations section purports specifically to direct the Executive on how to proceed in negotiations with international organizations. These provisions could interfere with my constitutional authority in the area of foreign affairs. I shall treat all such provisions as advisory. Section 625 of the Treasury/General Government appropriations section prohibits the use of appropriations to pay the salary of any employee who interferes with certain communications between Federal employees and Members of Congress. I do not interpret this provision to detract from my constitutional authority and that of my appointed heads of departments to supervise and control the operations and communications of the executive branch, including the control of privileged and national security information. Section 722 of the Agriculture/Rural Development appropriations section specifies that funds may not be used to provide to any non-Department of Agriculture employee questions or responses to questions resulting from the appropriations hearing process. To the extent that this provision would interfere with my duty to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed," or impede my ability to act as the chief executive, it would violate the Constitution, and I will treat it as advisory. Section 754 of the Agriculture/Rural Development appropriations section constrains my ability to make a particular type of budget recommendation to the Congress. This provision would interfere with my constitutional duty under the Recommendation Clause, and I will treat it as advisory. Finally, several provisions in the Act purport to condition my authority or that of certain officers to use funds appropriated by the Act on the approval of congressional committees. My Administration will interpret such provisions to require notification only, since any other interpretation would contradict the Supreme Court ruling in INS V. Chadha. The Omnibus Appropriations bill contains several emergency provisions that are contingent on a Presidential emergency designation. I hereby designate the following amounts as emergency requirements pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended: Department of Defense: Military Construction, Army: $118,000,000; Department of Defense: Operation and Maintenance, Army; $104,602,000; Department of Defense: Operation and Maintenance, Air Force: $1,700,000; Legislative Branch: Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Visitor Center: $100,000,000; Legislative Branch: Capitol Police Board, Security Enhancements: $106,782,000; Legislative Branch: Senate, Contingent Expenses of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate: $5,500,000; Legislative Branch: House of Representatives, Salaries and Expenses, Salaries, officers and employees: $6,373,000; Legislative Branch: General Accounting Office, Information Technology Systems and Related Expenses: $5,000,000; The Judiciary: Judicial Information Technology Fund: $13,044,000. My Administration is undertaking a review of these issues and will make additional emergency designations in a timely manner. WILLIAM J. CLINTON THE WHITE HOUSE, October 23, 1998. ### October 15, 1998 MEMORANDUM FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON FROM: NICOLE RABNER JENNIFER KLEIN SUBJECT: Final Budget Deal and Child Care Update The attached documents describe the President's numerous budget victories, including those on child care. First, we won our full request for the after-school initiative, the 21 Century Community Learning Center program -- $200 million dollars for Fiscal Year 1999, which will enable us to reach a quarter of a million children with after-school opportunities. Second, we secured our full discretionary request for child care -- $182 million additional dollars in the Child Care and Development Block Grant. While we did not achieve our request for the specific targeting of these dollars (standards enforcement, scholarships for child care providers, and research activities), we did ensure that the funds are targeted to new quality investments by the States. These funds, $10 million of which will be reserved for research, will effectively double the amount that States spend on improving child care quality. The dollars are forward funded, i.e. available in Fiscal Year 2000. As you know, one of the off-sets included in the Administration's budget request was a significant cut in Title XX, the flexible social services fund that supports services such as child care and family preservation efforts. The final budget agreement adopted that cut, which, as you know, has disappointed many children's advocacy groups. However, the cuts were rumored to be greater than they turned out to be, and the Administration was able to restore the ability of States to transfer 10 percent of TANF (welfare reform) dollars to Title XX, which States and advocates have urged and which was also in jeopardy as an off-set for other spending priorities. Finally, next week marks the one-year anniversary of the White House Conference on Child Care, and we have been giving some thought to the considerable accomplishments of the Administration in this area over the past year. They include: (1) $200 million for after-school programs; (2) $182 million for child care quality; (3) Head Start full funding and reauthorization with an expansion of Head Start and Early Head Start; (4) the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact signed into law (to facilitate background checks on child care workers); (5) the President's Executive Memorandum to improve federally-sponsored child care; (6) the Treasury Working Group on Child Care and its report; and (7) the reauthorization of WIC and other Nutrition programs which expand access to food programs for children in after-school programs. Of course, much is still undone, including the centerpiece of the President's child care initiative - - a significant new investment in child care subsidies for low-income working families. We are exploring with the President's staff the possibility of the President holding an event in the coming weeks to highlight these accomplishments and urge progress on the important unfinished child care agenda. OCT-14-1998 14:39 NACCRRA 202 393 1144 P.02 NACCRRA National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTAL LEGISLATIVE LANGUAGE ON CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL DATA COLLECTION: APPROPRIATIONS FY 1999 The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) recommends the appropriation of $5,000,000 for the purpose of collecting and disseminating of child care supply data at the local, State and national levels. The standardized data will be collected from every state in order to drive public policies for child care planning, supply development, and regulatory revisions at the local, State and national levels. The data will be collected by community-based child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies from all suppliers of early care and education programs, including center- and home-based child care programs, Head Start, public school and religious programs. The data will be compiled and verified for completion and accuracy by a single statewide CCR&R agency or equivalent. The data from every state will be forwarded to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) to develop a standardized, national database of supply data. NACCRRA will submit annual reports based on the collation, analysis and synthesis of the national data to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Congress and the States. Summary: NACCRRA recommends the appropriation of $5,000,000 for the purpose of collecting and dissemination of child care supply data at the local, State and national levels. Data collected by child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies in each state will be collected by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) to develop a standardized, national database of supply data. Reports will be submitted annually to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Congress and the States. ER C:\EDNA PLUS\ERANCK.OOCS\COMMITTEE DOCS\WHITE HOUSE LANGUAGE.doc 10/14/98 1319 F Street, NW Ste 810 Washington, DC 20004-1106 Tel: (202) 393-5501 Fax: (202) 393-1109 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.childcarerr.org TOTAL P.02 ID: OCT 15'98 23:51 No 009 P.02 U:\07REPT\1999\CONF\H4274-2.CON DRAFT CONFERENCE REPORT 44 mission to Congress of a formal budget request by the President that includes designation of the entire amount of the request as an emergency requirement as defined in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE For making payments for refugee and entrant assist- ance activities authorized by title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act and section 501 of the Refugee Edu- cation Assistance Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-422), $415,000,000: Provided, That funds appropriated pursu- ant to section 414(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act under Public Law 104-208 for fiscal year 1997 shall be available for the costs of assistance provided and other activities conducted in such year and in fiscal years 1998 and 1999. CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT For carrying out sections 658A through 658R of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990), to be- come available on October 1, 1999 and remain available through September 30, 2000, $1,182,672,000 logislation: Provided, That $19,120,000 shall be available for child care resource and referral and school-aged child care activities: funds provided for VerDate 14-MAY-98 11:23 Det 12, 1998 JR 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fret 5652 Simi 6301 W107REPT19000CONFH44274-2.CON BAPPRO1 ID: OCT 15'98 23:52 No 009 P.03 Insert 44-A U:\14REPT\1999\LABOR10.15 SEN. APPRO. : Provided further, That under Public Law 105-78, of the funds provi ded for $50,000,000 shall be reserved for fiscal year 1009 by the Fiscal year 1999 States for activities authorized under section 658G of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990), such funds to be in addition to the amounts required to be re- Such served by States under section 658G: Provided further, Funds for That $222,672,000 shall be reserved by the States for ac- tivities authorized under section 658G of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990), such funds to be in addition to the amounts required to be reserved by the such States under section 658G for fiscal-your 2000: Provided further, That $10,000,000 shall be for use by the Sec- retary for child care research, demonstration and evalua- tion activities (directly or by grants or contracts). for year "2000, Note: The Administration expects the Conference Report to state that of the $222,672,000 provided under section 658G for FY2000, $50,000,000 is for quality activities for infants and toddlers and the remaining $172,672,000 is for activities under section 658G (not specifically for infants and toddlers). VerDate 14-MAY-98 00.56 Oct 18, , JK1000000 PO 00000 Firm I Fm 6301 Street 5301 U1:495PTV LABOR10.15 SAPPROT 10-14-1998 9: 18AM FROM MARY BOURDETTE 96905750 P.2 many Boundette ASL 198 Approps 105TH CONGRESS REPORT 1st Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 105-390 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION. AND RELATED AGENCIES FO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, AND FOR OTHER PUR POSES NOVEMBER 7, 1997.-Ordered to be printed Mr. LIVINGSTON, from the committee on conference, submitted the following CONFERENCE REPORT [To accompany H.R. 2264] The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 2264 "making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, and for other purposes", having met, after full and free conference, have agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective Houses as follows: That the House recede from its disagreement to the amend- ment of the Senate. and agree to the same with an amendment, as follows: In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted by said amendment, insert: That the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, and for other purposes, namely: TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES For necessary expenses of the Job Training Partnership Act, as amended, including the purchase and hire of passenger motor vehi- cles, the construction, alteration, and repair of buildings and other facilities, and the purchase of real property for training centers as 44-591 Child Care and Development Block Grant Language Bill Language Provided, further in addition to the amounts already appropriated for fiscal year 2000, $172,672,000 shall be appropriated for activities authorized under section 658G of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990), as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, such funds to be in addition to the amounts required to be reserved by the States under section 658G. Provided, further in addition to the amounts already appropriated for fiscal year 2000, $10,000,000 shall be appropriated for use by the Secretary for child care research, demonstration and evaluation activities (directly or by grants or contracts). Report Language The Committee includes $172,672,000 for activities authorized under section 658G designed to provide comprehensive consumer education to parents and the public, activities that increase parental choice, and activities designed to improve the quality and availability of child care (such as resource and referral services). These funds are to be in addition to the funds States are required to reserve under section 658G of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990), as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The Committee also includes $10,000,000 for the Secretary to carry out research, demonstration and evaluation projects to identify the child care needs of low-income working families and their children and models of effective parental and provider training that have the most potential to benefit the early and sustained development of children. Note: The Republicans included a second sentence on research in the report language, which we would recommend striking, which read as follows: "The Committee encourages the Secretary to consider ways to expand training opportunities through the development of distance learning and technology-based training models for regions of the United States with the fewest training opportunities for child care providers." The Secretary will consider this and other options for spending the research money, at this stage it is premature to direct research in one direction or another. (This is not a major issue.) 10-14-1998 48AM FROM MARY BOURDETTE 96905750 P. 1 21 CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) For carrying out sections 658A through 658R of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (The Child Care and Develop- ment Block Grant Act of 1990), in addition to amounts already ap- propriated for fiscal year 1998, $65,672,000; and to become avail- able on October 1, 1998 and remain available through September 30, 1999, $1,000,000,000: Provided, That of funds appropriated for each of fiscal years 1998 and 1999, $19,120,000 shall be available for child care resource and referral and school-aged child care ac- tivities, of which for fiscal year 1998 $3,000,000 shall be derived from an amount that shall be transferred from the amount appro- priated under section 452(j) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 652(j)) for fiscal year 1997 and remaining available for expenditure: Provided further, That of the funds provided for fiscal year 1998, $50,000,000 shall be reserved by the States for activities authorized under section 658G of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990), such funds to be in addition to the amounts required to be reserved by States under such section 658G. SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT For making grants to States pursuant to section 2002 of the So. cial Security Act, $2,299,000,000: Provided, That notwithstanding section 2003(c) of such Act, as amended, the amount specified for al- location under such section for fiscal year 1998 shall be $2,299,000,000. CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS) For carrying out, except as otherwise provided, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Head Start Act, the Child Abuse Preven- tion and Treatment Act, (including section 105(a)(2) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act), the Family Violence Preven- tion and Services Act, the Native American Programs Act of 1974, title II of Public Law 95-266 (adoption opportunities), the Aban- doned Infants Assistance Act of 1988, part B(1) of title IV and sec- tions 413, 429A and 1110 of the Social Security Act; for making payments under the Community Services Block Grant Act; and for necessary administrative expenses to carry out said Acts and titles I, IV, X, XI, XIV, XVI, and XX of the Social Security Act, the Act of July 5, 1960 (24 U.S.C. ch. 9), the Omnibus Budget Reconcili- ation Act of 1981, title IV of the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 501 of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, and section 126 and titles IV and V of Public Law 100-485, $5,682,916,000, of which $542,165,000 shall be for making pay- ments under the Community Services Block Grant Act, and of which $4,355,000,000 shall be for making payments under the Head Start Act: Provided, That of the funds made available for the Head Start Act, $279,250,000 shall be set aside for the Head Start Pro- gram for Families with Infants and Toddlers (Early Head Start): 10-09-1998 :32AM FROM MARY BOURDETTE 96905750 P.2 Ftap 1 88 and communities impacted by recent changes in Federal assistance programs relating to welfare reform, and Cuban and Haitian en- trants and refugees. The conferees intend that ORR comply with the directive in the Senate report regarding the Voluntary Agency Grant program. CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) The conference agreement appropriates $65,672,000 as a sup- plement to the fiscal year 1998 appropriation that was enacted last year, instead of $26,120,000 as proposed by the Senate and no ad- ditional funding as proposed by the House. In addition, the agree- ment appropriates $1,000,000,000 as an advance appropriation for fiscal year 1999 as proposed in both the House and Senate bills. The agreement further provides that of the $19,120,000 that be- came available on October 1, 1997 for child care resource and refer- ral and school-aged child care activities, $3,000,000 shall be de- rived by transfer from funds appropriated in the welfare reform act, instead of $6,120,000 as proposed by the Senate. The House had no similar transfer provision. Lastly, the conferees are con- cerned about the inadequate supply of quality child care for in- fants. Therefore, the agreement includes language that was not in either bill that requires the States to utilize $50,000,000 above the amount required by the basic law for activities that improve the quality of child care. These new funds should supplement, not sup- plant, current and planned activities to increase the supply of qual- ity child care for infants and toddlers. The basic law requires that not less than four percent of the appropriation be used for such activities. SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT The conference agreement includes $2,299,000,000 for the So- cial Services Block Grant program instead of $2,245,000,000 pro- vided in the House and Senate bills. The conference agreement also includes a provision setting the amount specified for allocation under section 2003(c) of the Social Security Act at $2,299,000,000 instead of $2,245,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. The House bill included no similar provision. The conferees intended that ACF comply with the reporting directive in the House report. CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS) The conference agreement appropriates $5,682,916,000, instead of $5,598,052,000 as proposed by the House and $5,611,094,000 as proposed by the Senate. In addition, the agreement rescinds $21,000,000 from permanent appropriations as proposed by the House and Senate. The agreement includes a parenthetical legal citation to section 105(a)(2) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act as pro- posed by the Senate. The conferees agree that within the amount provided for child abuse discretionary activities, $1,000,000 is available for carrying out activities authorized by that section. 186 187 fied in paragraphs (2) through (5) of section 658A(b)"; and (2) in the matter following clause (ii) of paragraph (2)(A), (IV) by striking clause (ii); by striking "finding and that" and all that follows through the (iii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as fol- period and inserting "finding and shall require that the State lows: reimburse the Secretary for any funds that were improperly ex- "(C) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.-Not more pended for purposes prohibited or not authorized by this sub- than 5 percent of the aggregate amount of funds available chapter, that the Secretary deduct from the administrative por- to the State to carry out this subchapter by a State in each tion of the State allotment for the following fiscal year an fiscal year may be expended for administrative costs in- amount that is less than or equal to any improperly expended funds, or a combination of such options.". curred by such State to carry out all of its functions and duties under this subchapter. As used in the preceding sen- SEC. 610. PAYMENTS. tence, the term 'administrative costs' shall not include the Section 658J(c) (42 U.S.C. 9858h(c)) is amended- costs of providing direct services."; and (1) by striking "expended" and inserting "obligated"; and (iv) by adding at the end thereof the following: (2) by striking "3 fiscal years" and inserting "fiscal year". "(D) ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN FAMILIES.-A State shall SEC. 611. ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITS. ensure that a substantial portion of the amounts available Section 658K (42 U.S.C. 9858i) is amended- (after the State has complied with the requirement of sec- (1) in the section heading by striking "ANNUAL REPORT" and tion 418(b)(2) of the Social Security Act with respect to each inserting "REPORTS"; of the fiscal years 1997 through 2002) to the State to carry (2) in subsection (a), to read as follows: out activities under this subchapter in each fiscal year is "(a) REPORTS.- used to provide assistance to low-income working families "(1) COLLECTION OF INFORMATION BY STATES.- other than families described in paragraph (2)(H)."; and "(A) IN GENERAL.-A State that receives funds to carry (C) in paragraph (4)(A)- out this subchapter shall collect the information described (i) by striking "provide assurances" and inserting in subparagraph (B) on a monthly basis. "certify"; "(B) REQUIRED INFORMATION.-The information re- (ii) in the first sentence by inserting "and shall quired under this subparagraph shall include, with respect provide a summary of the facts relied on by the State to a family unit receiving assistance under this subchapter to determine that such rates are sufficient to ensure information concerning- such access" before the period; and "(i) family income; (iii) by striking the last sentence. "(ii) county of residence; SEC. 606. LIMITATION ON STATE ALLOTMENTS. (iii) the gender, race, and age of children receiving Section 658F(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 9858d(b)(1)) is amended by strik- such assistance; ing "No" and inserting "Except as provided for in section 658O(c)(6), "(iv) whether the family includes only 1 parent; no". "(v) the sources of family income, including the SEC. 607. ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE. amount obtained from (and separately identified)- Section 658G (42 U.S.C. 9858e) is amended to read as follows: "(I) employment, including self-employment; "(II) cash or other assistance under part A of "SEC. 658G. ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE. title IV of the Social Security Act; "A State that receives funds to carry out this subchapter for a "(III) housing assistance; fiscal year, shall use not less than 4 percent of the amount of such "(IV) assistance under the Food Stamp Act of funds for activities that are designed to provide comprehensive 1977; and consumer education to parents and the public, activities that in- "(V) other assistance programs; crease parental choice, and activities designed to improve the qual- "(vi) the number of months the family has received ity and availability of child care (such as resource and referral serv- benefits; ices).". "(vii) the type of child care in which the child was SEC. 608. REPEAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND BEFORE- enrolled (such as family child care, home care, or cen- AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE REQUIREMENT. ter-based child care); Section 658H (42 U.S.C. 9858f) is repealed. "(viii) whether the child care provider involved was a relative; SEC. 609. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT. "(ix) the cost of child care for such families; and Section 658I(b) (42 U.S.C. 9858g(b)) is amended- "(x) the average hours per week of such care; (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ", and shall have" and all during the period for which such information is required to that follows through "(2)"; and be submitted. P.2 10-14-1998 8:40AM FROM MARY BOURDETTE 96905750 P.02.02 CT-13-1998 22:43 incl. but not 1td to To: Jennifer Friedmen Child Care Bill and Report Language ASAP in the House and Senate bills strike "1,000,000" and insert "$1,182,672,000". Suggested Child Care Report Language 55730 In the Senate report, at P. 173.add the following at the end of the section on the Child Care and Development Block Grant; and in the House report, at P. 117, add the following before the last paragraph in the section on the Child Care and Development Block Grant: "The Committee has provided an additional $180,000,000 in FY 2000 to improve the quality and availability of child care while ensuring maximum State flexibility in developing child care programs and policies that best suit the needs of children and parents within the State; promoting parental choice to empower working parents to make their own decisions on the child \ care that best suits their family's needs; and assisting States in implementing the health, safety. A licensing, and registration standards established in State regulations. The Committee recommendation also includes $10,000,000 for the Secretary to carry out research, demonstration and evaluation projects to identify the child care needs of low-income working families and their children and models of effective parental and provider training that have the most potential to benefit the early and sustained development of children. The Committee encourages the Secretary to consider ways to expand training opportunities through the development of distance learning and technology-based training models for regions of the United States with the fewest training opportunities for child care providers. or The Committee includes $180,000,000 for activities authorized under section 658G that Then are designed to provide comprehensive consumer education to parents and the public, activities that increase parental choice, and activities designed to improve the quality and availability of child care (such OC as resource and referral services) The Committee recommendation also includes $10,000,000 for the Secretary to carry out research, demonstration and evaluation projects to identify the child care needs of low-income working families and their children and models of effective parental and provider training that have the most potential to benefit the early and sustained development of children. The Committee encourages the Secretary to consider ways to expand training opportunities through the development of distance learning and technology-based training models for regions of the United States with the fewest training opportunities for child care providers. NOTE: I have not included language on the $50,000,000 request for scholarship assistance because the Higher Ed. Act just signed into law already includes a loan forgiveness program for child care workers at a cost of $40,000,000 over 4 years. (See attached). and other activities That TOTAL P.02 ID: OCT 06'98 22:16 No. 007 P.03 Child Care Bill and Report Language Child Care Bill Language In the House bill, p. 41, line 17, strike "1,000,000,000" and insert "1,182,672,000". In the Senate bill at p. 43, line 2, and in the House bill at p. 41, line 17, strike the period and insert the following: : Provided further, That $180,000,000 is available consistent with the purposes of Section 658G to improve the quality and availability of child care; of which $100,000,000 shall bc available to assist States in child care health and safety standards enforcement activities and that allotment of such funds to states shall reward those states with improved records of standards cnforcement, $50,000,000 shall be available to assist States in supporting scholarships of up to $1,500 annually to child care providers who commit to remaining in the field for one year and that such funds shall require a state match and state plans shall require a commitment from child care employers to provide bonuses or other increases in compensation to scholarship recipients upon completion of training, and $30,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary for child care research, demonstration and evaluation activities (directly or by grants or contracts), consumer education, and a child care parent hotline. Child Care Report Language In the Senate report, at p. 173, add the following at the end of the section on the Child Care and Development Block Grant; and in the House report, at p. 117, add the following before the last paragraph in the section on the Child Care and Development Block Grant: The Committee has provided an additional $180,000,000 in FY 2000 for activities that will improve the quality and availability of child care. Within this amount, $100,000,000 is provided for state programs of standards enforcement to help improve child care licensing systems, enforce State child care health and safety standards, promote licensing and accreditation, and ensure the health and safety of all children in child care. The Committee urges the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funds to states in such a manner so that financial incentives are available for states showing improvement in their standards enforcement programs. The bill provides that $50,000,000 of the amount appropriated shall be for state scholarship programs that provide up to $1,500 annually to current and future child care providers who agree to remain in the field for at least onc year after completion of the education for which the scholarship is used. The Committee believes that the success of this program is dependent on a committment to the program on the part of the states, individual providers, and child care employers. The Committee therefore recommends that in addition to the provider's commitment to remain in the field, the program design also include a state match and a commitment by the child care employer to provide a bonus or other increase in compensation upon completion of training. The funds provided for standards enforcement activities and provider scholarships are to be in addition to the funds States are required to rescrve under ID: OCT 06'98 22:16 No. 007 P.04 section 658G of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 (The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990). The Committee recommendation also includes $30,000,000 for the Secretary to carry out research, demonstrations and evaluation projects to identify the child care needs of low-income working families; expand the nation's knowledge of good policies and practices, including the types of child carc settings, parent activities, and provider training that most benefit the carly development of children; enhance availability, affordability and quality of child care for low- income families; provide child care consumer education; and establish parent child care hotlines.