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CCBRIEF A23
Page 1
I.
PURPOSE
To urge congressional action on child care, and release two reports which focus on efforts of the
business community to meet child care needs: (1) the Treasury Working Group on Child Care
report, Investing in Child Care; and (2) the Department of Labor report, Meeting the Needs of
Today's Workforce: Child Care Best Practices. You will also announce a new commitment by
the Department of Labor to reach out to 1,000 new companies by this time next year, to serve as
a clearinghouse for businesses interested in child care, and to set up a business-to-business
mentorning program on child care.
II.
BACKGROUND
Legislative Update on Child Care
The primary goal of the event is to urge Congress to act on child care this year. Numerous child
care bills have been introduced by Democrats and by Republicans since you announced your
child care initiative earlier this year. Many of the bills incorporate the Administration's key child
care priorities -- substantial new subsidies and tax credits to help low- and middle-income
families pay for child care; investments to help states and communities improve the quality of
early childhood programs; a new tax credit for businesses that provide child care services; and an
expansion of before- and after-school programs. Further, several of the tobacco proposals
(Conrad, Fazio, and Kennedy) would direct a portion of tobacco revenue to child care and early
childhood programs.
While the challenges facing child care legislation are major, there are strong Congressional
leaders who are committed to urging action this year. These include Senators Dodd, Kennedy,
Kerry, Chafee and Snowe, as well as Representatives Kennelly, Tauscher, and DeLauro.
Importantly, the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women, lead by Representatives Norton
and Johnson, recently released a letter to Speaker Gingrich urging that Congress pass child care
legislation.
Despite the interest in child care, there are serious obstacles to the Administration's proposals.
As you know, the Senate Budget Resolution targets all tobacco funds to Medicare. While the
Resolution allows for up to $9 billion for expanded child care tax credits and $5 billion to
increase discretionary spending for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, cuts in other
essential programs would be required to offset the discretionary spending increase. Further, the
Republican leadership has attempted to pit child care investments for working families against
tax credits for stay-at-home parents. Both houses passed sense of the Congress resolutions
emphasizing that any child care proposal must include significant new funding for stay-at-home
parents. In addition, the Republican leadership is intent on stalling child care legislation.
Despite a push by the its Democratic members, the House Ways and Means Committee has not
scheduled any hearings on child care. Only recently was Senator Chafee able to schedule a child
care hearing before his Finance Subcommittee (which was held today).
CCBRIEF A23
Page 2
Release of Final Report of Treasury Working Group on Child Care
Investing in Child Care is the final report of the Treasury Working Group on Child Care, which
you had asked Secretary Rubin to lead. The working group is made up of business, and includes
Sandy Weill, CEO of CitiGroup; Randy Tobias, President of Eli Lilly; and John Sweeney,
President of the AFL-CIO. Children's advocates have been particularly excited about this
initiative, as it represents the first time a Treasury Secretary focused on child care issues.
The Treasury report discusses what businesses can do to promote access to affordable, high
quality child care for their employees, highlights a wide range of best practices, and presents
evidence that investing in child care makes good business sense. The report features the results
of the most comprehensive survey to date of the effects of work/family policies on companies'
bottom lines. The study reported more than two-thirds of respondents find that the benefits from
child care programs are greater than the costs, or that the programs are cost-neutral.
Release of Labor Department Report and Announcement of New Commitment
The Labor Department report that will be released at the event, Meeting the Needs of Today's
Workforce: Child Care Best Practices, also highlights best practices of the corporate sector to
offer child care assistance to their workers. The examples are primarily gleaned from the Labor
Department's Honor Roll of companies with model family-friendly workplace practices. In
addition to releasing this report, you will announce a new Department of Labor initiative to reach
out to 1,000 companies over the next year to provide technical assistance to employers who want
to offer child care to their workers. The Department will provide information directly to
companies through the launch of a new website and will connect businesses that have led the way
on child care to businesses who are just starting to think about the work and family demands of
their employees.
While the Rose Garden event will spotlight best practices in the corporate community and urge
greater private sector commitment to child care, the message from the event and the CEO's
themselves will be that child care problems can only be fully addressed with significant new
government investment.
Take Our Daughters to Work Day
April 23rd is the sixth annual Take Our Daughters to Work Day. The Ms.
Foundation for Women began the program in 1993 to address issues facing
adolescent girls aged nine to fifteen. The program gives girls the opportunity to
visit a work setting with a parent or friend so they can see all of the different jobs
women do. This year's theme is "Imagine A Day," encouraging girls to imagine
what it would be like for them to work anywhere and do anything. Daughters will be
accompanying many of the guests participating in the Rose Garden event.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Clinton Crisis (Cont'd)
Kevin Merida's article on why fe-
favored by the majority of women, the
consequences and grow from the expe-
male supporters are sticking with Pres-
gender gap will continue.
rience. However, as I listened to them
ident Clinton despite the headlines of
GEORGE A. DEAN
claim an innocence that I could not
the past couple of weeks seems to tell
Southport, Conn.
believe, I was for a moment pulled in by
half the story ("He's Just Their Bill."
their storytelling.
Style. Jan. 31). The fact that President
When the story originally broke, I
I know in my heart that either one or
Clinton has appointed women to impor-
viewed President Clinton's alleged sex-
both were lying. And a thought came
tant posts in his Cabinet and courts
ual tryst with the intern Monica Lewin-
creeping in, unbidden, as I stared into
has, no doubt, not been lost on women.
sky as something separate from the
the wide eyes of the two students: How
It's also true that he has lined up with
fabric of my daily life. It was little more
can I expect or demand honesty from
women on issues such as day care and
than an intriguing but increasingly
these children if] can't expect even a
choice. and that Hillary Rodham Clin-
monotonous news story that the press
modicum of veracity from my national
ton stands by him on these issues and
was stretching out of proportion. I am
leaders? Images of President Clinton's
his denial of certain events.
and have been a champion of President
pallid denial of an improper sexual
Perhaps the most important reason
Clinton. I am a young liberal who
relationship with that woman. Monica
that most females tend to remain sup-
sleeps infinitely better at night now
Lewinsky, surfaced as I confronted my
portive of President Clinton. however.
that Ronald Reagan and George Bush
pupils.
is the fact that the Republican alterna-
have left Washington. My attitude is
I am but one of a thousand teachers
tive seems so lacking on the matter of
reflected in the polls: I approve of what
trying to help raise strong, competent
helping and promoting women. If the
President Clinton is doing in office and
and moral citizens; I control my actions
Republicans were fielding more female
don't really care what he does in bed
carefully, because adolescents always
candidates such as Nancy Johnson.
and with whom.
seem to monitor the shortcomings of
Connie Morella and Christy Whitman,
A recent experience changed my
adults most quickly. But I am now
women would take notice. If the GOP
(admittedly) blase view. I am a teacher
braced, trying to stave off the harsh
got behind someone like Colin Powell,
at a Quaker school, and on a recent
demands of cynicism, and feeling as if
who is pro-choice and for reasonable
morning I had to confront two of my
we've been stepped on nationally.
gun control. it would seem to be more
middle-school students whom I sus-
tarnished in some indefinable way. It
female friendly. As long as the Republi-
pected of cheating on a test. Given the
also disturbs me, as a person who tries
can Party stands in stark contrast to
substantial evidence; hoped that they
to hold true to core values such as
the Clinton administration on issues
would admit to their crime, suffer the
truth and honesty, that I don't really
want to know President Clinton's truth
because of the partisan repercussions.
First in San Francisco
It does indeed take a village to raise
happy, healthy and good children. How-
Sen. Dianne Feinstein not only
Western Addition and the financial
ever, it takes a village of committed
praised the late Joseph Alioto but also
district. He reconstructed the police
truth-tellers, not wordsmiths. And it
takes a chieftain whom we can believe-
dealt a gratuitous-slap, perhaps inad-
department into a respected. world-
vertently, to former San Francisco
class force. He played the key role in
not just in our minds but in our hearts.
ANNE MILLER
mayor George Christopher with her
winning approval of the Bay Area Rapid
comment that "Joe Alioto was the first
Kensington
Transit System. So widely was he
mayor that made San Francisco into a
recognized that in his first term be was
There's been a lot of talk, from the
big city" [Metro, Jan. 31).
elected chairman of the American-Mu-
president on down, about what's wrong
The fact is that Mayor Christopher
nicipal Association will
with our schools. The problem is neat-
had already accomplished that feat in
This is not said to diminish Joe
by epitomized in a news story The Post
his own eight years as mayor
Alioto's contributions to the city in any
ran Jan. 28 about Monica Lewinsky's
(1956-1964). His dealings with world
way. But first is first-and George
former high school teacher who con-
figures from Charles de Gaulle to
Christopher was a builder and a dger of
fessed (or proudly announced) that
Nikita Khrushchev put San Francisco
gigantic proportions. He earned San
he'd had a "long-running affair" with
on the global stage. He was praised by
Francisco its big-city ranking as never
her. He went on to acknowledge that
President Eisenhower for his handling
before. Recently be was honored again
this lisison had created some stress in
of Khrushchev at the height of the
in ceremonies and editorials on his
his marriage, saying, "It has been a
Cold War. He brought a political con-
90th birthday.
very difficult time for my wife and I."
vention and major league baseball to
1 had the honor to serve as his
Between his morals and his grammar,
San Francisco.
confidential secretary in the office of
Andy Bleiler, the teacher, serves as an
His signature is written all over the
the mayor from 1961 to 1964.
index of the sort of problems this
nation faces.
biggest building boom in the city's
ROBERT SMALLEY
ANTHONY HECHT
history. from Candlestick Park to the
Arlington
Washington
Power From the Air
In his oped article "So We Control
world's sixth-largest army out of busi-
ground targets does not necessarily
the Air" [Feb. 3]. Joseph C. Cyrulik
ness for the duration of the war. Air
neatly solve foreign policy problems. It
directs his obvious frustration over
power also stopped Iraqi tanks headed
can, however, play a role-sometimes
Iraq's defiance of the United Nations at
toward Khafi in their tracks, and it
a decisive role-as part of a broader
the U.S. Air Force and air power in
destroyed two-thirds of Iraq's armor
political-military strategy.
general. Unfortunately, he is confused
before the ground war began. saving
DOYLEE LARSON
and mistaken about the relationship
countiess American and allied lives. As
President
among policy. use of force (and its
spectacular as that record is, today's
Air Force Association
limitations) and military capabilities.
capabilities in air and space power easily
Arlington
The Washington Post
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1998
especially when it comes to current air
exceed the standard set in the Gulf War.
and space capabilities.
Gen. Colin Powell. then-chairman of
On the most basic level. military
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. put the Gulf
capability means little without the will
War in context "I have said it before,
The Washington Post
to use it The logic of deterrence was
and I will say it again. Air power was
EUGENE MEYER 1875-1959
based on a formula that included both
decisive in that war. It made the rest of
PHILIP L GRAHAM, 1915-1963
capabilities and will In the case of Iraq.
what we had to do much. much easier.
DONALI E. GRAHAM
Mr. Cyrulik confuses recent U.S. and
Air power won the game ball in that
Publisher
U.N. policy indecision with the U.S.
contest. On another day in another war,
LEONARD DOWNIE R.
MEG GREENFIEL
Executive Editor
Editorial Page Editor
military's ability to achieve a military
the game ball may go to someone
ROBERT G. KAISER
STEPHENS ROSENFEI
objective.
else."
Managing Editor
Deputy Edt' Page Editor
What aerospace power provides our
No air-power advocate would claim
MILTON COLEMAN
Deputy Managing Editor
national leaders is a tremendous capa-
that air and space assets, impressive
BOISPEUILLE JONES JR.
bility that is flexible enough to be used
though they are, can provide our poli-
President and General Manager
in a situation such as Bosnia, where it
cymakers all the intelligence they
VICE PRESIDENTS
did play a role in bringing the warring
need, either. In the case of Iraq, there is
BENJAMING BRADLEE
Atlarge
MICHAEL CLURMAN
Production
parties to the peace table. the Gulf War.
no substitute for the work of the U.N.
PATRICIA DUNN
Labor
STEPHEN HILLS
Advertising
where air power was applied across a
team painstakingly and intrusively in-
ELIZABETHS LOKER
Systems and Engineering
theater of operations with devastating
specting suspected sites related to
THEODORE LUTZ
Bestoms Manager
CAROL D. MELAMED
Government Affairs
effect, or in the myriad humanitarian
Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. An
VINCENT REED
Communications
GERALDM. ROSBERG
Affiliates
relief missions flown regularly by the
intrusive inspection regime has always
MARGARET SCOTT SCHIPP
Controller Pers. Admin
U.S. Air Force.
been a critical element of effective
WILLIAM G. TOMPKINS. R
Marketing
MARY ANN WERNER
Counsel
As for air-power advocates, we don't
arms-coptrol efforts.
Published by The Washington Post Company
say that air power won the Gulf War, we
Overall, Mr. Cyrulik dismisses the
KATHARINE GRAHAM
say that it was the decisive element in
importance of air dominance too quick-
Chairman of the Empostive Committee
the coalition victory. The 38-day air
ly and simplistically. If given a choice,
DONALD E GRAHAM
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
campaign destroyed Iraq's command-
U.S. ground commanders will opt for
ALANG SPOON
and-control system. closed down
air dominance every time. But control-
President and Chief Operating Officer
bridges and supply routes and put the
ling the skies and effectively attacking
1150 15th St NW Washington, D.C. 20071
JUDY MANN
Looking Out for the Children
T
hir years after mothers started entering the
Clinton also wants to provide $500 million over five
work force in significant numbers. we still do
years in new tax credits for employers who offer
not have an adequate system of child care.
child-care services for their workers.
That may finally be changing.
Rep. Nancy L Johnson (R-Conn.) has introduced a
President Clinton is putting a series of children's
child-care bill that is similar to one introduced in the
initiatives, including a $21.7 billion plan to assist
Senate by John H. Chafee (R-R.I.), Orrin G. Hatch
families with child-care needs, at the top of his
(R-Utah), Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Pat
agenda. For the first time, the President's Council of
Roberts (R-Kan.). While they differ from the
Economic'Advisors' annual report on the economy
president's proposals in details and expenditures,
contains a chapter devoted to the state of America's
these bills share a common framework with his plans.
children and what needs to be done to help them.
They go far beyond the simplistic approach of
Council Chairman Janet Yellen, in a briefing, said
cutting taxes for families and presuming that helps
the official child poverty rate has fallen by 2.2 percent
with child-care issues. In fact, cuts would have no
since 1993, yet one in five of all families-and one in
impact on the quality or availability of child care. The
two female-headed families-had incomes below the
Republican measures go the extra step on child care
poverty level in 1996. This is a critical predictor of
through increased tax credit relief, increased block
how well children will do in school, how will they
grant funding to improve health and safety standards
perform on standardized tests and. ultimately, how
and added tax credits to employers who develop and
much they will earn.
run sites for their employees.
Among the president's proposals is one to expand
They also, for the first time, would make the
health insurance coverage, with $24 billion over five
Dependent Care Tax Credit available to families with
years for uninsured children. His*children's budget"
also would reduce class sizes, build and renovate
a stay-at-home parent for a maximum $900 a year.
schools, and expand affordable housing.
"It's very important," said Nancy Duff Campbell, of
the National Women's Law Center. "It's the first
The proposals would be funded in part by $7.1
billion in receipts from the tobacco settlement
Republican proposal out of the box, and it's saying,
legislation that Congress is expected to pass.
Let's not just cut taxes, let's do something about child
One key proposal would increase the tax relief for
care.' She notes that a group of liberal senators led
families with child- and dependent-care expenses. He
by Democrat Christopher J. Dodd, of Connecticut,
would also index the expenses to inflation. The
introduced a child-care proposal this week that also
greatest tax relief would go to families with incomes
would provide help for stay-at-home parents.
of $20,000 to $40,000. Their maximum tax credits
"What is significant is that all three of these are
would at least double, according to an analysis by the
similar in the types of things they want to do. We are
National Women's Law Center.
beginning to see that there is a real bipartisan interest
The president's proposals also include $3.4 billion
in doing something on child care."
over five years to expand participation in Head Start
The various child-care proposals are coming early
and Early Start. He would also create a $3 billion
in the session, and they are signaling to both
"Early Learning" fund to improve the quality of care
Democrats and Republicans that the proposals'
for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, along with
backers are treating the issue seriously. By seizing
spending $7.5 billion to expand programs for children
the initiative with a broad-based plan, child-care
up to the age of 13.
proponents are marginalizing conservatives who see
His program incorporates key elements of two
a tax cut as the solution or, worse, who claim we don't
child-care bills that were proposed last year by Rep.
have a child-care problem at all.
Rosa L DeLauro (D-Conn.). These were bills that
Recent headlines about a child being accidentally
increased the funding for the Early Start program and
locked in a center after it was closed are a painful
created state grants-with Rep. Constance A. Morella
reminder that we do have problems. What's
(R-Md.) as chief Republican sponsor on the grants
encouraging is to see both the White House and
measure-to improve the quality and availability of
Congress moving in the same direction on one of the
care for very young children.
most critical issues for America's families."
The Washington Post
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1998
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Abiding Repression in Vietnam
Despite reports to the contrary. Viet-
cooperation with a U.S. program to
tion argued that "constructive engage-
nam still does not have free emigration
resettle repatriated Vietnamese boat
ment" would help promote political
and does not deserve a waiver to the
people to justify a waiver of the free
liberalization in that country. Since
Jackson-Vanik amendment. The Post's
emigration requirement under the
then more dissidents and religious
Dec. 19 news story "U.S. May Waive
Jackson-Vanik amendment. The White
leaders have been imprisoned. Free-
Anti-Communism Law to Lessen Trade
House must have been either seriously
dom of the press has been much more
misinformed or seriously misquoted
Restrictions on Vietnam" reported
severely curtailed than before. And
by The Post.
this trend continues.
that. according to the White House.
With its eyes on most-favored-nation
Last month the Ministry of Interior
Vietnam has recently shown sufficient
status. Vietnam indeed no longer re-
established a new center to further
quires exit permits as a precondition
tighten its grip on the press. Less than
for repatriated boat people to gain
access to U.S. interviewers. However,
two months ago, the chief editor of a
The Clergy:
this rather minor technical modifica-
trade journal was arrested on charges
There Till the End
tion can hardly qualify as a major
of divulging state secrets when in fact
improvement. Even for this limited
he only exposed corruption. Earlier in
The Gallup poll numbers showing
group of repatriated boat people. Viet-
1997. the government promulgated Ex-
nam does not really drop its require-
ecutive Decree 31/CP, authorizing the
that "only 36 percent of respondents
expected that a member of the clergy
ment on exit permission: it only delays
administrative detention of all political
would offer real comfort to them in
this requirement to a later stage-suc-
suspects for up to two years without
their dying days' is not as, Richard
cessful applicants still need exit per-
trial.
Morin suggests, "a stunning indict-
mission to emigrate.
The United States should not reward
ment of the clergy" [Unconventional
For all other Vietnamese citizens-
Vietnam with trade privileges until the
Wisdom. Outlook, Dec. 15). It might
including many former political prison-
Vietnamese government makes signifi-
be so if 100 percent of the respondents
ers. political dissidents and religious
cant concessions on human rights by
were members of a house of worship
leaders-exit permission remains a
truly honoring the right of its citizens
and attended services there. My guess
precondition for access to foreign dele-
to freely emigrate and by releasing all
is that the 36 percent is made up of the
gations. The White House. if not mis-
political and religious dissidents from
same people who regularly worship
quoted by The Post, is once again
its system of prisons and labor camps.
and thus have a relationship with their
sending the wrong signal to Commu-
NGUYEN DINH THANG
priest. rabbi or pastor. The other 64
nist Vietnam.
Executive Director
percent don't know us and so don't
In establishing diplomatic relations
Boat People S.O.S.
expect us to be at their bedsides as
with Vietnam in 1995, the administra-
Fairfax
they die.
Most of us clergy willingly go to
people who are dying. even if we don't
Plugging Up the Pike
know them. We take turns in local
hospitals being with families who have
Having lived in Garrett Park-within
cles, for a total of 80,385. On Nov. 30, 1996,
no regular church.
walking distance of Rockville Pike-for
the number had soared to 605,950 for
These figures. far from indicting the
almost 40 years, I have great familiarity
vehicles of all categories. That's an in-
clergy. may be a more realistic descrip:
with the enormous increase in the num-
crease of almost 800 percent in 43 years.
tion of those who are serious about
ber of motor vehicles there over that
If that increase continues at the same
their faith than the overwhelming
time ("Is Rockville Pike at Its Peak?"
rate. in 2040-43 years down the pike,
number who say they believe there is a
front page, Dec. 26]. Some statistics
so to speak-the number of vehicles
God. I. for one, encourage those who
from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Ad-
registered in Montgomery County will
think they are missing out on the care
ministration indicate how we got into
be 4,847,600. The staff of the county
from clergy to begin worshipping regu-
the colossal traffic jam on the pike, but
Motor Vehicle Registration office will
larly.
not. I'm afraid, how to get out of it
have to be increased. maybe even by 800
THE REV. THOMAS VAN BRUNT
On April 30, 1953, 71,870 pleasure
percent. We certainly hope not
Rector
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
vehicles were registered in Montgomery
PAUL E. EDLUND
Delaware. Ohio
County as well as 8,515 commercial vehi-
Garrett Park
A Skeptical Reader
Missing Citation
I note some important inconsisten-
Worst, does she really think that we
How-in his Dec. 28 oped
cies in Lucy Murray's comments on
will believe that "I also expect employ-
column. The Brooks Brothers
the behavior of the D.C. Water and
ees to know right from wrong. I expect
Appeal"-d George Will omit
Sewer Authority's (WASA) employees,
the most famous literary men-
["Cleaning Up the Water Authority."
them to say no to illegal and unethical
tion of Brooks Brothers of all
letters. Jan. 5].
behavior and to report all wrongdoing.
First Ms. Murray. who is on WASA's
no matter how uncomfortable it may
time? refer to Mary McCar-
board of directors. says the employees'
make them."
thy's story. The Man in the
Brooks Brothers Shirt Since
wrongful behavior "will not be tolerat-
These employees are "double dip-
the story first appeared in the
ed. May I point out that it already has
ping" off the taxpayers. And now Ms.
been and continues to be tolerated. so
Partisan Review in 1941. it's
Murray expects them to turn them-
much so that The Post can report on it?
been reprinted in 1942. 1946.
Second. she says that we can "expect
selves or colleagues in? Get real. She
1960 and 1975. not more often.
more such horror stories" of defraud-
gives me zero confidence in any future
CHARLES OLSEN
ing D.C. taxpayers. Does she know
action by this WASA board.
Washington
more than she's telling but won't let us
ELAINE RAND
in on it?
Washington
WEDNESDAY, ARY 14, 1998/
Judge Mason's Hands Were Tied
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Steve Twomey's personal attack on
the legal burden that needs to be
EUGENE MEYER 1875-1959
Montgomery County Circuit Court
established in order to take away a
PHILIP L GRAHAM. 1915-1983
Judge Michael D. Mason was lacking
child from its biological mother? Why
DONALD E. GRAHAM
in facts regarding the legal process for
doesn't he place the blame where it
Publisher
LEONARD DOWNIE JR.
MEG GREENFIELD
dealing with adoption ["Wouldn't Bet
belongs: on misplaced social policies
Executive Editor
Editoria Page Editor
His Life on It" Metro, Jan. 1).
promulgated as a result of weak socio-
ROBERT G. KAISER
STEPHENS. ROSENFELD
Managing Editor
Deputy Edrt Page Editor
Why didn't Mr. Twomey mention
logical studies rather than simply at-
MILTON COLEMAN
tack Judge Mason as a "gambler"?
Deputy Managing Editor
We are a country of laws, for better
BOISFEUILLET JONES JR.
President and General Manager
Letters must be exclusive to The
or worse. There is not a scintilla of
VICE PRESIDENTS
Post, must be signed and must
evidence that Judge Mason made a
BENJAMIN C BRADLEE
At Large
MICHAEL CLURMAN
Production
include the writer's home address
decision that in any way is inconsistent
PATRICIA DUNN
Labor
and day and evening telephone
STEPHEN HILLS
Advertising
with the laws of this country.
ELIZABETH ST LOKER
Systems and Engineering
numbers. Because of space limita-
For Steve Twomey to attack Judge
THEODOREC LUTZ
Business Manager
tions, published letters are subject
CAROLD MELAMED
Government Affairs
Mason does a real disservice to Judge
VINCENT E REED
Communications
to abridgment. Although we are
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Michael Kelly
The
Child-Care
Experiment
In the background paper that the
White House provided for its child-
care proposals last week. there was
one page describing. in hard num-
bers, the way Americans care for
their children. It was a depressing
document.
In 1995. nearly 13 million-more
than half-of the nation's 21 million
preschool children were receiving
child care from someone other than
their parents. Of children under the
age of 1. 45 percent were under such
care. And these infants and toddlers
and preschoolers are. on the aver-
age. in child care for a large chunk of
BY OHN OVERMYER
their little lives: a 1990 study found
that more than half of child-care
nomic incentive for parents to
children were in child care for 35
In 22 percent of families where both
choose work over child-rearing?
hours a week or more. Of school-age
It doesn't, says Bruce Reed. the
kids. every week an estimated 5
million come home to empty houses.
parents work, the parents still care for
president's domestic policy adviser.
But extending tax credits to all fami-
We are engaged in a vast and
their children themselves.
lies with children would be awfully
radical experiment on our children.
expensive, Reed worries. He's right.
We are betting. against the wisdom
But if the administration is serious
of the ages and the lessons of our
own childhoods. that it does not
truth, and they refuse to trust the
Clinton administration last week fails
about the best interests of the chil-
really matter if parents leave to oth-
raising of their children to the kind-
this The main proposal. to increase
dren, it will correct the anti-home-
ers the quotidian business of raising
ness and competence of strangers. In
funding for child-care block grants to
care bias in its policy.
their young. The increasing evidence
22 percent of families where both
the states for more subsidized child
One possibility would be to en-
is that this is wrong. While it may
parents work, the parents still care
care for poor children. is a good and
large the $500-per-child tax credit
for their children themselves. When
sometimes be necessary for both
necessary idea. And it is not a bad
signed into last year's budget law.
parents to work full time. it is undeni-
they turn to others, 25 percent use
thing to provide more after-school
Another would be to give a parent
relatives, 17 percent use babysitters
ably better for children that they be
programs for kids, or to give busi-
who stays at home a tax rebate for at
or nannies who mind the children in
raised in their own homes, mostly by
nesses tax credits for child-care pro-
least the early years of a child's life. in
the sitters' own homes, and 5 percent
their own parents.
grams, or to enforce higher stan-
partial reimbursement for the in-
use sitters or nannies in their own
As the White House's data sheet
dards for health and safety in
come sacrificed by the parent's lost
homes. Only 30 percent choose
noted. children in child-care pro-
child-care centers.
child-care centers.
job. Another is "income splitting," in
grams are not. in a great many cases,
So, what would an intelligent child-
But the policy as a whole is irratio-
which a. one-income family may, for
well cared for. One four-year study of
care policy look like? It would seek to
nally biased toward the form of child
tax purposes, divide the income be-
child-care centers rated only one out
strongly discourage out-of-wedlock
care most parents like least-institu-
tween husband and wife, both thus
of seven as of good quality. This
births. It would seek to strongly
tionalized group care-and against
bumping down to lower tax brackets.
absence of quality reaches cata-
reinforce the idea that it primarily
what most parents want most to be
Reed says the White House is "com-
strophic levels in the care of poor
takes not a village but parents-two
able to afford to have one parent stay
pletely open to ideas on how best to
children. In the bland bureaucratese
of them-to raise a child. It would
home. This bias is most obvious in
help families where one parent de-
of one report: "Many children living
offer help for parents who must
the proposal to offer tax credits of up
cides to stay home with the chil-
in poverty receive child care that, at
work, but it would send an unmistak-
to 50 percent of child-care expenses
dren." He should be taken at his
best does not support their optimal
able message that, whenever possi-
to low- and middle-income two-work-
word and tested.
development and. at worst, may com-
ble. it is better that one parent stays
er families-but nothing to families
promise their health and safety."
home with the kids.
who keep a parent at home. Why
Michael Kelly is a senior writer for
Most parents know the obvious
The policy put forward by the
does the administration seek an eco-
National Journal
The Washington Post
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1998/
The President's Budget
T
HE BUDGET President Clinton sent to
becomes more important than the rest of the bill,
Congress yesterday contains no surprises.
and the tobacco companies are able, as is their
The White House flashed the main proposals
intent, to buy weaker legislation than might other-
well in advance, part of an effort, thus far suc-
wise be passed.
cessful, to have the president rather than the
The largest of the president's initiatives is the
Republican Congress set the election-year legisla-
increase he suggests in child care subsidies, partly
tive agenda.
through tobacco-financed block grants to the
The document's most important feature is some-
thing it does not contain-a large further tax cut of
states to help lower-income families, partly
the kind that many Republicans advocate. A broad
through an expansion of the existing dependent
tax cut would be a mistake, which the president
care tax credit for the middle class. The opening-up
rightly seeks to head off by urging that any budget
of Medicare to retirees below the age of 65 if they
surplus be used to "save Social Security first" by
can afford the cost would be less important in
paying down the debt. That's doubly good policy,
fact-not that many could pay the premium-than
and deft politics as well.
as a political gesture and possible precedent for the
The president proposes some tax cuts of his
longer-term restructuring of the program. Like-
own. but they would be confined to certain purpos-
wise, the environmental initiative in the budget is
es-defraying the cost of child care, for exam-
at least in part a repackaging. The president
ple-and would be financed by offsetting tax
proposes increases in federal aid to elementary
increases rather than an indeterminate surplus.
and secondary education, but that is a vast realm in
They and the proposed spending increases in his
which the federal government would continue-
budget are also a good deal smaller than the
rightly-to play only a minor role.
surrounding rhetoric on either side would suggest.
The modest size of these proposals is in a way a
The imposing numbers both sides use are five-year
tribute to the president. The budget sticks to the
aggregates. The president has more to boast about
fiscal discipline only recently achieved. The presi-
that way, the Republicans more to attack. On an
dent says in his budget message that the surplus
annual basis, the proposals, while not trifling, are
now in sight "brings to an end three decades of
far more modest.
fiscal chaos, a period in which Americans had lost
Mr. Clinton would pay for a fair amount of his
confidence in their government and the ability of
program with a tobacco bill that he has thus far not
their leaders to do the people's business." But in
submitted. He is relying on Congress to write it. He
fact, as his own good position on Social Security
says that as a deterrent to smoking, it should raise
attests, this budget doesn't solve the long-term
the price of smoking $1.50 a pack in real terms over
fiscal problem. It provides a platform from which it
10 years, and he proposes a division of the revenue.
may be possible to solve it. The tax-cutters ought
The problem with that will be if the money
not be allowed to knock the platform down.
TheWashington Post TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1998
Rep. Marge Roukema, a moderate Republi-
E.J. Dionne Jr.
can from New Jersey, has some useful words
here. "Our party would make a terrible mistake
if wedid recognize that most women are out
Day Care:
there working out of economic necessity," she
said in an interview.
Although some Republicans, including Rou-
kema, bridle at how much Clinton wants to
A Two-Party
spend, his proposal already makes concessions
to Republican sensibilities, notably by putting a
lot of the new spending into a block grant to
Opening
help states create more day-care openings for
lower-income families.
But the Republicans ask a fair question about
It was odd and. some said, ironic that Presi-
expanding the dependent-care tax credit to help
families with day-care expenses: Should the
dent Clinton issued his strongest denial of an
affair with a White House intern at a news
government discriminate against stay-at-home
mothers-or, for that matter, fathers?
conference called to tout his child-care initia-
Roukema, who can hardly be seen as an
tive, including more after-school programs for
kids and teenagers.
agent of the far right, puts the issue plainly:
"There has to be an explicit credit for the
The second was justified, rightly, as especial-
ly important because the hours from 3 p.m. to 8
stay-at-home moms. They cannot be penalized.
There should not be an unequal benefit for
p.m. are the time when teens get into the most
those who go to work."
trouble and need something useful to do.
At the risk of putting aside the great scandal
Margy Waller of the Progressive Policy Insti-
tute, a-moderate, Democratic-oriented think
in favor of what we used to call, quaintly
perhaps, "the issues," what hope is there for a
tank, notes that nearly 40 percent of the moth-
sensible child-care initiative this year?
era of preschool children stay at home.
Scandal or not, this is one question where
"The dependent-care credit has two large
there. is an opportunity for bipartisan con-
flaws," she says. "It is not available to entry-level
cord-if the Republicans are flexible enough
workers who do not have sufficient tax liability
and if Democrats take into account the Republi-
to receive the benefit of the credit, and it
cans' reasonable objections to the president's
discriminates against families who do not pur-
chase child care for their children."
ideas.
The worst thing would be for the argument to
This part of the Clinton proposal can be fixed
devolve into a fight over whether "the child-care
by expanding the $500-per-child tax credit
crisis" is real or not, and whether Clinton is
passed last year, Waller says. It can be enhanced
trying to foist a "big government" solution on
further by raising benefits to the parents of
preschoolers.
the country.
There doesn't need to be a crisis for there to
Substantively, the government needs to bring
be a problem. and on child care, there's a
our child-care practices in line with our work
problem. In many families, both parents work,
habits. Politically, the Republicans don't want to
either because both want to or because both
stand against working mothers, and Democrats
have to, and often for the two reasons at once.
don't want to stand against stay-at-home par-
Upper-income families, understandably, com-
ents. In this case, both parties have the luxury
plain about their child-care problems. But at
of doing what's right and what's politically
expedient at the same time.
least they have the money to solve them.
Families with moderate or low incomes often
don't, and the government has not responded to
changes in our work habits over the past three
decades. As Clintorf noted, our school system is
geared to an agricultural economy in which
children needed to go home by 3.p.m. With
both parents in 80 many families working until 5
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3. 1998 The Washington Post
or 6 p.m. or later, the schools should adjust.
There is suspicion among some conserva-
tives that this is a way to expand the time in
which kids are under "the government's care,"
as if day care is some vast scheme. to. impose
welfare-state brainwashing on kida. Gary Bauer,
president of the Family Research Council, has
offered a more tempered version of this argu-
ment. He is suspicious of any incentives created
by government to make it easier for parents to
hand off responsibility for their kids to govern-
ment.
Well, yes, especially for young kids, parents
should spend as much time with their kids as
they can. But in real-life families, parents al-
ready struggle to find good things for their kids
to do after school. Shouldn't the schools them-
selves help?
U.S. to Deport Saudi Who Balked in Bomb Inquiry
erning party
Ex-Manila Leader Backs
Mr. Lim has pleased the Roman
on drivers who ignore seatbelts, red
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (AP) - A
he fears for his life if sent there. Mr.
In October, a Federal judge
Crime Foe's Candidacy
Catholic Church by closing hundreds
lights and pedestrian crossings.
"The number of traffic deaths in
Saudi dissident who backed out of an
al-Sayegh is a member of the Shiite
dropped the American charges, say-
of night clubs which he said were
arrangement to help investigate a
minority in Saudi Arabia and has
ing prosecutors did not have enough
fronts for prostitution. Last year, he
this country is equal to an airplane
MANILA, Jan. 22 (Reuters) -
with 200 people on board crashing
bombing that killed 19 American air-
been a politically active opponent of
evidence. Mr. al-Sayegh's lawyer,
Former President Corazon C. Aquino
angered human nghts groups by
every two days," said a spokeswom-
men in Saudi Arabia has been or-
the monarchy there.
Frank Carter, said the Government
of the Philippines gave her support
painting the houses of suspected
an for the National Traffic Depart-
dered deported on the ground he is a
An I.N.S. spokesman, Russ Ber-
only had his client's statements
today for the presidential candidacy
drug traffickers with red signs read-
ment.
terrorist.
geron, said that Mr. al-Sayegh can
about the aborted plot and could not
of Manila's mayor, who has a reputa-
ing "A drug pushe? lives here" and
Officials say the traffic code,
But officials with the Immigration
ask to be sent to any country that will
use them once the deal fell apart.
tion for tough methods in dealing
"Drug pusher, get out."
which lawmakers discussed for six
and Naturalization Service have not
accept him, but that the Government
The deportation order was made
with criminals.
years, is a long overdue measure to
yet decided where to send the man,
is not bound by his wishes. Saudi
by William Yates, the I.N.S. eastern
Mrs. Aquino said she would cam-
Arabia has asked for him.
Hani al-Sayegh. Their first choice
regional director, in Burlington, Vt.,
Kenyan Candidate Seeks
stem the carnage on the roads of
paign for Mayor Alfredo Lim up to
Latin America's largest nation.
would Saudi Arabia, but he has said
Mr. al-Sayegh had agreed to co-
Mr. Bergeron said. Mr. Yates con-
the vote, set for May 11, citing the
Nullification of Vote
Brazil recorded some 750,000 road
operate in the investigation of the
cluded that Mr. al-Sayegh had en-
truck bombing at the Khobar Towers
gaged in terrorism, Mr. Bergeron
need to stamp out official corruption
accidents in 1996, the latest year for
and crime syndicates backed by the
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan. 22 (Reu-
which figures are available. That
military housing project near Dhah-
added.
ran, Saudi Arabia, in June 1996. He
Because the order is based on na-
military and the police.
ters) - Mwai Kibaki, the runner-up
year alone, 26,903 people were killed
and 107,612 permanently disabled.
pleaded guilty to taking part in an
tional security, Mr. al-Sayegh has no
Mr. Lim, a former police chief, is
in Kenya's presidential election last
unrelated plot against Americans in
right of appeal, the spokesman said.
one of at least half a dozen politicians
month, filed a court petition today
Many drivers have greeted the
Saudi Arabia that was never carried
who have declared their candidacies.
demanding the nullification of Presi-
stringent new regulations. - divided
That prohibition, part of a new immi-
out.
gration law, has not yet been tested
He is considered an underdog.
dent Daniel arap Moi's victory, court
into 341 articles - with derision.
The two main contenders are
Last June Canada expelled him for
papers showed.
"I am a little bit skeptical about
in court.
suspected terrorist activity; the alle-
Mr. Bergeron said Mr. al-Sayegh
thought to be Vice President Joseph
Mr. Kibaki, the leader of the Dem-
the new law," said an accountant,
gation was that he drove a car that
Estrada, a former movie actor and
would remain in custody. If the Serv-
ocratic Party, listed 76 points in his
Aracy Rodrigues, who braves Rio de
ice fails to deport him within six
standard bearer of the main opposi-
Janeiro's traffic daily.
signaled the driver in the truck car-
petition, filed before the High Court
tion party, and José de Venecia, the
In Rio, cars dodge and weave
rying explosives when to pull up to
months, the law says, he must be
of Kenya, challenging the validity of
Speaker of the House and the candi-
through traffic in a battle for control
Khobar Towers. He was sent to the
released, or the Government must
the election, held Dec. 29.
United States to be prosecuted, but
date of President Fidel Ramos's gov-
of the asphalt. Red lights are routine-
again demonstrate that he is a threat
Mr. Moi, who has been in power
ly ignored at night on the grounds
never was granted formal entry into
to keep him in custody.
since 1978, was declared the winner,
that stopping would make drivers
the United States.
For months American officials
with 2.5 million votes, while Mr. Ki-
vulnerable to carjackers.
Upon arrival, he reneged on the
have tried to corroborate Saudi as-
baki finished with 1.9 million.
São Paulo's traffic policemen
agreement to avoid prosecution, say-
sertions that a Shiite group carried
staged a one-day strike last year
ing he had not understood it, knew
out the bombing. Saudi officials have.
several dozen suspects in custody
Brazil Toughens
after one of their number was shot
nothing about the Khobar attack and
dead by an irate driver who objected
was out of Saudi Arabia when the
but have not given the United States
Its Traffic Laws
to being fined. Under the new rules,
bombing occurred.
access to them.
which will be phased in over the next
BRASILIA, Jar 22 (Reuters) -
few months, drunk drivers may be
Brazil imposed tough penalties today
jailed for up to four years and fined a
maximum of $770.
The New York Times
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1998
Agence France-Presse
After a 50-minute meeting yesterday with Fidel Castro at the Revolutionary Palace in Havana, Pope John
Paul II left the building with Jaime Lucas Cardinal Ortega y Alamino, left, the Archbishop of Havana.
Pope's Words: Family and Responsibility
By the Associated Press
sons, the attraction of the consumer society. These
Following are excerpts from Pope John Paul II's
and other measures involving labor and other mat-
sermon delivered at a Mass yesterday in Santa Clara,
ters have helped to intensify a problem which has
Cuba. The Pope's words were translated from the
existed in Cuba for years: people being obliged to be
Spanish by the Vatican.
away from the family within the country, and emi-
The family, the fundamental cell of society and
gration, which has torn apart whole families and
caused suffering for a large part of the population
the guarantee of its stability, nonetheless experiences
The family, the school and the Church must form
the crises which are affecting society itself. This
an educational community in which the children of
happens when married couples live in economic or
Cuba can "grow in humanity." Do not be afraid; open
cultural systems which, under the guise of freedom
your families and schools to the values of the Gospel
and progress, promote or even defend an anti-birth
of Jesus Christ
mentality and thus induce couples to have recourse to
It is true that in the area of education, public
methods of regulating fertility which are incompati-
authority has certain rights and duties, since it must
ble with human dignity. There is even an acceptance
serve the common good. Nonetheless, this does not
of abortion, which is always, in addition to being an
give public authority the right to take the place of
abominable crime, a senseless impoverishment of
parents. Consequently parents, without expecting
the person and of society itself
others to replace them in a matter which is their own
The social situation experienced in this beloved
responsibility, should be able to choose for their
country has created not a few difficulties for family
children the pedagogical method, the ethical and
stability: for example, material scarcities - as when
civic content and the religious inspiration which will
wages are not sufficient or have a very limited
enable them to receive an integral education. They
buying power - dissatisfaction for ideological rea-
must not expect everything to be given to them.
The New York Times
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1998
New Job Data Cast Doubt on Economy's Slowing
By JACOB M. SCHLESINGER
Staff Reporter of THE WALL.
Plenty of Jobs
WASHINGTON. The spate of new jobs
created by American companies last
Payroll Growth Continues
Especially for College Grads
month casts doubt over the conventional
Change in nonfarm payrolls, in thousands
Unemployment rates, in percent
wisdom that the economy is slowing.
500
12%
12-month
Most analysts have argued that the
Monthly change
400
moving
10
Less than a high school diploma
Asian financial crisis was beginning to
average
rein in the galloping U.S. economy to a
300
8
more manageable trot. But in the govern-
ment's first official look at January eco-
200
6
High school graduates. no college
nomic activity, the Labor Department said
100
4
Friday that nonfarm businesses added
Collage graduates
358,000 workers to their payrolls. That was
0
2
slightly more than were generated in De-
-100
0
cember's robust job market and well above
1995
96
97
'98
1997
98
the healthy 267,000 average monthly rise
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
through 1997.
The employment report also showed
about the same as last year's 3.8% expan-
Though more high-school dropouts
how the rising economic tide is lifting more
sion. Most analysts are expecting growth
have found jobs during the past year. the
and more boats. with joblessness falling
of between 2% and 3% this year and are
data showed the labor market remains
sharply even among high-school dropouts.
For the first time, the Labor Department
sticking to that figure despite the January
hard on that group. The percentage of
labor numbers.
dropouts who had jobs was 42.3%, com-
Tracking the Economy is on page A4.
"Despite the overall strength depicted
pared with 65.6% for high-school graduates
by the January report, the details offer
and 80.3% for college graduates. That
started reporting employment data by
some glimpse of a slowdown," said Mari-
indicates that many high-school dropouts
level of education, and said the unemploy-
lyn Schaja, an economist with Donaldson,
remain discouraged from even seeking
ment rate for people without high-school
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp. She
work. Such a disparity amid the overall
diplomas fell to 7.2% last month from 8.9%
noted that some sectors - such as retail-
prosperity shows "there's progress, but
a year earlier. Even so, the numbers
and other services - showed some slow-
more needs to be done," said Labor Secre-
confirmed that education still matters a
down in job growth. Besides, added Bill
tary Alexis Herman.
lot: the unemployment rate for college
Sharp of Chase Securities Inc., "labor-
Separately, the Fed reported Friday
graduates was a minuscule 1.9% last
market trends tend to lag overall activity"
that consumer credit outstanding in-
month, down from 2.1% a year earlier.
and "many factors still point to a signifi-
creased at a seasonally adjusted annual
(The department had been collecting these
cant slowdown in real GDP in the first half
rate of 3.9% in December, following a 3.6%
figures in the past, but not posting them.)
of 1998."
drop in November.
Pay Edges Up
In January, job creation was strong in
Revolving credit - mainly credit
most major sectors, especially in manufac-
cards 0.4% after dropping 3.4% in the
The January unemployment rate for all
turing and construction, which was helped
previous month. Automobile loans jumped
workers stayed at the same 4.7% of the
by falling interest rates and temperate
16.3% after November's 3.8% fall.
work force reported in December. The low
weather. Employment in help-supply serv-
EMPLOYMENT
jobless level continued to give workers
ices, or temp agencies, fell by 16,000 in
Here are excerpts from the Labor Department's employ-
ment report. The figures are seasonally adjusted.
more bargaining power, as average hourly
January after rising in the previous two
Dec.
Jan.
earnings rose by four cents, to $12.51.
1997
1998
months, perhaps indicating the labor
(millions of persons)
During the past year. wages rose 3.8%, or
shortage is persuading more employers to
Civilian labor force
137.17
137.49
Civilian employment
130.78
131.08
about twice the inflation rate. The figures
convert part-time jobs to full-time posts.
Unemployment
6.39
6.41
are adjusted for seasonal factors.
The percentage of people unemployed
Payroll employment
123.87
124.23
Unemployment:
(percent of labor force)
In contrast, other data released re-
Please Turn to Page A8, Column 1
All civilian kers
4.7
4.7
Adult men
4.1
3.8
cently indicate some sort of economic
Continued From Page A2
Adult women
4.0
4.4
slowdown. The monthly survey of manu-
Teenagers
14.3
14.1
because they quit their previous job
White
3.9
4.0
facturers' purchasing managers released
jumped to 12.7% from 10.8%. an indication
Black
9.9
9.3
Black teenagers
34.4
30.1
last week showed some decline in business,
of growing confidence among workers. The
Hispanic
7.5
6.9
as did the government's report on factory
Average weekly hours:
percentage of working-age adults (ages 20
(hours of work)
Total private nonfarm
34.6
34.8
orders in December. Consumer confidence
to 65) participating in the labor force-that
Manufacturing
42.2
42.1
is reported to have dropped sharply in
Factory overtime
4.2
4.9
is, holding a job or looking for a job - con-
January. Anecdotal evidence-such as dis-
tinued its record-setting ascent, reaching a
CONSUMER CREDIT
appointing profit reports and job cuts at
new high of 67.3%.
Here are the seasonally adjusted totals of consumer
blue-chip companies - has added to the
Instatiment credit outstanding for Der ember 190% In fill
The new education-related data - com-
Their, and jan contage changes from November at an animal
perception of softening. Policymakers
rate:
piled for people at least 25 years old -
Total
$1235.8
3.9%
have assumed some easing from last
showed that even a bit of higher education
Automobile
414.6
16.3
year's torrid growth rate was imminent.
Revolving
can make a difference in finding work. The
528.9
0.4
Other
292.4
7.1
That was a big reason the Federal Reserve
unemployment rate for people who earned
kept interest rates steady last week.
an associate degree, or who attended col-
Consistent Figures
lege but didn't earn a degree, was 3.2% in
But the labor market report, econo-
January. That compares with a 3.9% rate
mists said, is consistent with an annual
for people who graduated from high school
growth rate in gross domestic product
but didn't attend college. That number, in
(GDP) of about 4%, inflation adjusted, or
turn, was just over half the unemployment
rate for high-school dropouts.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1998
Tracking the Economy
Feb. 9, 1998
TECHNICAL DATA
PERIOD
SCHEDULED
PREVIOUS
CONSENSUS
INDICATOR
COVERED
RELEASE
ACTUAL
FORECAST
Cigarette Firms Ask Judge
Nonfarm Productivity
4th atr.
Tuesday
+4.1%
+0.5%
Retail Sales
December
To Let Papers Be Released
Thursday
+0.7%
+0.3%
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The four
Initial Jobless Claims
Week to Feb. 7
Thursday
303.000
308,000
largest U.S. cigarette makers asked a
Money Supply: M2
Week to Feb. 2
Thursday
+$5.3 billion
+$2.8 billion
judge yesterday to let them release more
than 33 million pages of internal docu-
Import Prices
January
Friday
-0.6%
-0.4%
ments being used against them in a
Export Prices
January
Friday
-0.4%
No change
lawsuit.
Information from the formerly confi-
Business Inventories
December
Friday
+0.4%
+0.3%
dential documents has been released
Source: Technical Data
gradually over the past two weeks in
Minnesota's lawsuit against the tobacco
industry. By immediately releasing the
Gains in Fighting Childhood Poverty
documents, the industry may hope the
information would have less impact than
if details come out bit by bit.
Reflect Economy, Tax Credits Growth
The tobacco companies turned over
the documents to Ramsey County Dis-
trict Judge Kenneth Fitzpatrick after
By DAVID WERREL
mists said.
receiving " subpoona from the state. The
staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
documents are now In the court's posses-
"A single mother with two children can
WASHINGTON A new Clinton admin-
sion and they can't be released without
now earn enough, if she works full-time, to
istration analysis says the recent improve-
bring her income with the earned-income
the judge's order.
ment in childhood poverty reflects both the
It is not clear when the judge will rule
tax credit above the poverty line," the
strong economy and a huge expansion of
on the motion.
economists said. (For such a family, the
tax credits for the working poor that have
The motion excludes about 240,000
poverty line in 1997 was $12,931; for two
offset an increase in single-parent families
documents now under review by a special
parents and two children, it was $16,276.)
and falling wages for the worst-paid
master who will decide whether they
Sweetening the tax credit was one of
workers.
must be turned over to the state. The
President Clinton's early objectives, one
"Nevertheless, many children remain
defendants have claimed attorney-client
that initially drew support from congres-
economically vulnerable," the Council of
privilege for those papers.
sional Republicans because the credit re-
Economic Advisers says in the Economic
In addition, documents that contain
wards people who work. But in the past
trade secrets wouldn't be made avail-
Report of the President, to be released this
couple of years, as the cost of the program
week. According to the official Census
able.
has grown, some Republicans have at-
Bureau tally, one in five children in
Joining in the motion were Philip
tacked it, both because of reports of fraud
the U.S. still lives in poverty; even using a
Morris Inc.; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.:
and because it had become S0 identified
broader definition that takes account of all
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., and
with Mr. Clinton.
government antipoverty benefits, about
Lorillard Tobacco Co., along with two
The fraction of children under age 18
one in seven children lives in poverty.
trade groups, The Council for Tobacco
living in families below the poverty line
Research U.S.A. Inc. and The Tobacco
The analysis underscores a shift in the
declined sharply in the Great Society years
Institute Inc.
government's antipoverty efforts away
of the 1960s. but has trended upward ever
from traditional welfare checks to the
since - except for several years of decline
earned-income tax credit, which provides
in the late 1980s. But since hitting a peak
a cash bonus, but only to people who work.
in 1993. the poverty rate among children
Cuts in various welfare programs raised
has fallen.
the child poverty rate by 0.5 percentage
By the official measure, which only
point since 1993; increases in the tax credit
reflects cash income, the 20.5% child pov-
reduced it by 2.5 percentage points in the
erty rate in 1996 was 4.1 percentage points
same time period, the White House econo-
higher in 1996 than in 1979; using an
alternative measure that includes the
value of food stamps, housing subsidies
and tax credits. the Council figures child
poverty was still 2.2 points higher than in
1979. But since 1993, poverty among chil-
dren has fallen 2.2 percentage points by
the official measure and 4.7 points by
the alternative measure.
The number of children on welfare
declined 23% from January 1993 to January
1997, the White House economists said,
both because of welfare reform and the
strength of the economy. In addition,
government efforts to force absent fathers
to pay child support appear to be succeed-
ing. From 1992 to 1996, child-support collec-
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1998
tions increased 50% to $1 billion.
Children who grow up in poverty, the
report says, "score lower on standardized
academic achievement tests, are less
likely to complete high school and are
likely to have lower earnings when they
enter the labor market than children who
grow up in higher income families."
US ECONOMY
Surge in new home sales
Sales of new homes surged in the US In November to
Water wars ebb away in the west
their highest rate in more than 11 years while the supply
of unsold homes fell to its lowest level in more than 26
years, the Commerce Department said yesterday.
New single-family home sales Jumped 5.1 per cent -- the
biggest increase in a year to a seasonally adjusted
Washington's interior secretary has helped to turn the tide, writes Christopher Parkes
annual rate of 830,000 units, the strongest pace since April
1986. The surge exceeded expectations of Wall Street
analysts, who said the housing market was benefiting
he water wars of the
T
yearly consumes almost
from consumer confidence and declining mortgage rates.
US west, which for
three-quarters of California's
The department said the supply of unsold homes fell to
most of this century
annual allocation from the
4.2 months' worth, the smallest inventory of new homes
have pitted town dwellers
Colorado River.
since July 1971.
Reuters, Washington
against farmers, cities
Together with two smaller
against cities, and made rich
irrigation areas nearby, the
HIGHER NICOTINE
men of successive genera-
valley is entitled under rules
tions of lawyers, are drawing
introduced when the state
to a close.
was sparsely populated to
Biotech group in tobacco case
Under pressure from
3.85m of the 4.4m acre-feet
A California biotechnology company agreed yesterday to
Washington, the keystones
Colorado River
the entire state is allowed to
plead guilty to conspiring with the Brown and Williamson
of an enduring and equitable
winds through Utah
take each year. An acre-foot
tobacco company to grow tobacco with a higher nicotine
peace are being crafted by
Sierra Nevada
NEVADA
is enough to supply two
content in Brazil and other countries.
California, long the biggest
Owens
Lake
average families for a year.
The criminal information filed in Washington against
Lake
Mead
and greediest consumer, and
Grand
Claiming for himself the
DNA Plant Technology of Oakland was the first charge
its neighbours in the Lower
Canyon
title "Master of the River,"
filed in the Justice Department's broad investigation of
Colorado Basin, Arizona and
Mr Babbitt said the time had
the tobacco Industry. The company agreed to co-operate
Nevada.
CALIFORNIA
come "for me to take a more
with the Investigation.
Imaginative plans for stor-
age, sharing, a regional free
River
active role".
The government cited the tobacco company as an
ARIZONA
Waving his familiar stick,
unindicted co-conspirator and refused to name it. But
market in water and the
he said that unless the area
individuals familiar with the probe said it was Brown and
repair of some of the worst
Los
Salton
Angeles
limited its use, he would
Williamson, the third largest US cigarette company.
environmental damage
Sea
block its plan to sell water to
Late last year, 18 Brazilian farmers acknowledged they
have replaced the old profli-
San Diego for 75 years, and
were growing high-nicotine leaf and many said they had
gacy. obduracy and neglect.
PACIFIC
San Diego
deprive it of annual reve-
been growing it for more than five years.
Milestones from the past
OCEAN
nues of up to $50m.
The tobacco company and the biotech firm devised a
few weeks alone include an
scheme secretly to improve the high-nicotine tobacco in
agreement for parched San
Although he avoided any
200 km
MEXICO
Brazil and other countries as commercial growing of such
Diego to buy water from
explicit accusations, his
125 miles
tobacco is banned in the US. the government said.
farmers in the Imperial Val-
Bruce Babbitt on a raft trip down the Colorado River
threat was founded on suspi-
The tobacco company's goal was to develop a reliable
ley. the release of initial
cions that rather than con-
source of high-nicotine tobacco that It could use to control
funding for a $2bn project to
Times as an end to "feudal"
behind these shifts has come
dozens of species had disap-
its long-term practice of
serving the volumes ear-
and manipulate the nicotine levels of its cigarettes, the
restore the bay and delta
arrogance.
from Washington's liberal
peared and others such as
drawing 20 per cent more
marked for sale, the valley
government said. Higher levels of nicotine are thought to
wetlands near San Fran-
Economic expansion, the
use of stick-and-carrot poli-
the chinook salmon, steel-
than its allocation from the
notoriously profligate with
help "hook" smokers on cigarettes.
AP, Washington
cisco, and federal permission
cause of the conflicts in the
cies to enforce the federal
head trout and delta sprat
Colorado River.
water even though It has no
for interstate trade in Colo-
1998
first place, has now become
authorities' determination to
are still threatened - was
Many expected further
rain at all in some years
us TELECOMS
rado River water.
the main argument for peace
engineer the transfer of
conditional on a water-shar-
attacks on the state when he
would simply draw more
December's acknowledg-
in the region, which is con-
water from farm to urban
ing agreement between agri-
visited the region late last
water from the Colorado.
ment by Los Angeles, after
fronted by population
use, and save the environ-
culture and urban users.
month, but by then his dis-
Waving the customary car-
Justice Department steps in
decades of denial, that it is
growth 50 per cent and more
ment from further depreda-
The reclamation work is
approval had moderated.
rot, he said It was time for
The US Justice Department yesterday moved to block
responsible for and will pay
above national levels.
tions.
one result of the Central Val-
He was encouraged by
the federal government to
implementation of a judge's ruling that legal restrictions
to repair the environmental
Arizona has started stor-
Californian agriculture, a
ley Project Improvement Act
progress, he said, as he
help save the heavily pol-
on regional phone monopolies which prevent them from
decay which started in 1913
ing water underground in
$20bn-a-year industry, uses
of 1992, which legalised the
unveiled a scheme for inter-
luted Salton Sea.
offering long-distance phone services were
when it appropriated the
aquifers, for use or sale, and
80 per cent of the water con-
sale of water from the proj-
state water sales within the
Situated on the valley's
unconstitutional.
Owens River 200 miles dis-
California has heeded warn-
sumed in the state annually.
ect's resources in effect
Lower Colorado River
edge, the largest lake in Cal-
The department, supported by the Federal
tant exemplifies the concil-
ings that the state will be
As the founders of the econ-
allowing cities to buy farm
region. "If we work this
ifornia is slowly dying, tak-
Communications Commission, said the judgment would
iatory mood.
chronically short of water
omy. farmers have long
water for the first time
well," he said, there would
ing Its water-sport resort
"radically reshape" the 1996 Telecommunications Act and
Although the details are
within 20 years without new
enjoyed huge entitlements at
and set in train the process
be water enough for all.
towns and local tourism ser-
should be stayed until an appeal had been heard. It also
not yet settled, the fact that
policies, and is following
heavily subsidised prices. A
gathering pace today in the
And he knows where
vices with it.
said it would request an accelerated appeal process
LA after decades of litigation
suit.
San Diego household, for
south of the state.
much of it is to be found.
With 30 per cent unem-
because of the importance of the case to government
has admitted guilt and
A sense of common cause
example, pays 100 times the
Recent advances in the
Suspending his broad-based
ployment, the local authori-
efforts to deregulate the local telecoms market.
pledged to return water to
nurtured by the belated
agricultural rate for its sup-
south followed a warning a
attack on Californian poli-
ties have no economic assets
It is common practice for judges to grant such stays on
the dried-up Owens Lake,
recognition that water sup-
plies.
year ago from Bruce Babbitt,
cies, be focused his fire on
to waste. Now they have
constitutional judgments. But even if the court refuses,
which has become a health-
plies are finite is displac-
The offer of federal funds
federal interior secretary,
the farmers of Imperial, Val-
every incentive to toe the
the Justice Department can still apply to the Court of
threatening dust bowl, was
ing petty jealousies.
for work on the San Fran
that he would impose limits
ley, the largest irrigation dis-
line and fix their leaky water
Appeals or even the Supreme Court to delay implement-
hailed in the Los Angeles
Much of the momentum
cisco bay and delta where
if California did not abandon
trict in the world, which
management practices.
ation of the decision.
Mark Suzman, Washington
CHILDCARE SUPPORT FOR POORER FAMILIES
Family
US budget in balance
Clinton offers $21.7bn package
lines up
By Nicholas Timmins
presidential race in 2000.
Republicans with the choice
child care. "Now we have to
to benefit
for 'next ten years'
in Washington
Following the failure of
of blocking potentially popu-
help lower-income families
sweeping healthcare reforms
lar proposals the president
who have never been on wel-
One family in Georgia seems
By Gerard Baker
decline to a few billion dol-
It now estimates that the
President Bill Clinton
in his first term, President
argues can be achieved
fare in the first place but
to have cracked the US
in Washington
lars this year, and become a
economy grew by 3.7 per
yesterday proposed a $21.7bn
Clinton in last year's bal-
within the balanced budget.
still struggle to pay for child-
benefit system - to the tune
surplus of $69bn in 2002,
cent last year, and will grow
package of grants and tax
anced budget bill achieved
About one third of the
care." The expansion of the
of more than $1m, Nicholas
The US federal government's
according to the CBO.
by 2.7 per cent this year.
breaks to extend childcare
spending of an extra $24bn
childcare cash should come
childcare tax credit would
Timmins writes from
budget is likely to be more
The forecast represents
Last September it forecast
facilities to working families
to provide health insurance
from the planned tobacco
help more than 3m working
Washington.
or less in balance for the
the latest revision by the
1997 growth of 3.4 per cent
as part of a drive to improve
to some 5m children with
settlement, which the White
families to the point where a
An audit of disability
next 10 years, according
CBO to its persistently over-
and 1998 growth of 2.1 per
support for low-paid fami-
little cover.
House appears to be intend-
family of four making
benefits has disclosed that
to the latest forecast
pessimistic projections of the
cent.
lies.
This week, he proposed
ing to use as an alternative
$35,000 and facing high child-
180 members of the
by the politically
government's finances over
In the longer term, how
The proposal is a knock-on
allowing people aged 62-64,
source of funds, in much the
care costs would not pay a
extended family of 300 have
independent Congressional
the next decade.
ever, the CBO does not
from the welfare reform pro-
including early retirees, to
same way that the UK's
penny in federal income tax.
been claiming supplemental
Budget Office, published yes-
believe the US trend rate of
gramme requiring extra
buy into Medicare, the state-
Labour government is using
An extension of post-
Income benefits which go to
terday.
CBO forecasts
economic growth of about
spending on childcare, trans-
financed health insurance
national lottery proceeds to
school programmes provid-
the disabled.
The CBO confirmed the
2.3 per cent has increased
port and health costs to get
scheme for the elderly, for a
fund programmes it believes
ing care for 500,000 children
More than 80 members of
fervent hopes of most US
growth at 2.7%,
and it forecasts a return to
former welfare recipients
fixed monthly premium. The
are socially useful.
between the end of school
the family, who were chiefly
politicians by suggesting
more normal rate of growth
into work. It would boost
Medicare reforms would
The package was "the sin-
and the time their parents
claiming for learning
that the fiscal deficit, which
down from
beyond that.
block grants to states for
enable those aged 55 and
gle largest commitment to
come home would also cut
disabilities, have been cut
has towered over US eco-
childcare by $7.5bn over five
over, made redundant or dis-
child care in the history of
off the programme since
3.7% in 1997
But the long-term outlook
crime, he said. "We do not
nomic policymaking for the
for inflation has changed.
years and add $5.2bn to
placed, to do the same.
the US." President Clinton
need to keep building jail
investigators began
past two decades, will gradu-
the CBO argues. Four
expand the income tax credit
Yesterday's proposals also
said, but still "a fiscally
after jail after jail to house
reviewing the case in 1995
ally turn into an expanding
Only a year ago, the CBO
months ago, it forecast con-
working parents can claim
target groups who tradition-
responsible plan".
children who wouldn't be
but not before more than
surplus in the next few
was forecasting a deficit of
sumer prices would rise by
for childcare expenses.
ally have been Democrat vot.
Announcing it at the
there in the first place if we
$1m had been claimed in
years, if current tax and
$188bn by 2002.
2.7 per cent this year; it now
The move is part of a
ers. They would bring an
White House to a room con-
took care of them while
benefits.
spending plans remain in
Last year's balanced bud-
expects inflation to be just
string of measures initiated
extra 1m children into child-
taining Republican as well
they're out free."
The social security
place.
get agreement between the
2.2 per cent in 1998, and to
by the president in recent
care help by 2003, while
as Democrat supporters in
William Roth, chairman of
administration's inspector
But the prospect of sur-
president and the Congress
be somewhat below what it
months and aimed at tack-
expanding its cover into
Congress of improved child-
the Senate finance commit-
general said a local doctor,
pluses is likely to ensure
explains only a small part of
had previously forecast, in
ling insecurity among work-
lower income families rather
care, he said the aim of pro-
tee, said welfare reform had
who along with the family is
those plans do not in fact
the improved outlook.
the next 10 years or so.
ers. It is directed at solidify-
than those being transferred
viding high quality, afford-
already resulted in the fed-
not being named, may have
remain in place as politi-
The bulk of the change
Interest rates are also proj-
ing the Democrats'
off welfare into work.
able and safe child care was
eral bill for childcare rising
been approving fake claims,
cians from both main parties
stems from significantly bet-
ected to be lower than previ-
traditional electoral base by
Approval from the Repub-
"above politics and partisan
to $30bn. The president's
while the family appears to
seek to use the opportunity
ter economic performance by
ously forecast in the next
targeting key groups of vot-
lican-dominated Congress
interests."
proposals would help only 30
have gone to extraordinary
to push for tax cuts or
the US than the CBO and
few years, but the CBO says
ers whose support will be
will be needed for both the
One of the reasons welfare
per cent of pre-school chil-
lengths to claim speech and
spending increases.
most private-sector econo-
they will thereafter remain
needed in the upcoming mid-
Medicare and childcare
reform was working, he said,
dren, with relatives caring
hearing deficiencies among
The deficit, around $22bn
mists had previously fore-
more above what had been
term elections and in the
plans. The plans will present
was increased investment in
for the other 70 per cent.
the children.
in the last fiscal year, will
cast.
expected in September.
FINANCIAL TIMES
THURSDAY JANUARY 8 1998
Jo Becker
Too Young
To Make War
The United States was notably absent
They said if we fell down. we would be
from the 125 nations that recently gath-
shot and killed by soldiers."
ered to sign the international treaty
Unfortunately. the use of child sol-
banning land mines. The United States
diers is a growing phenomenon. In
(joined only by Somalia) has failed to
Afghanistan, the proportion of soldiers
ratify the Convention on the Rights of
who are children is believed to have
the Child. the most widely and rapidly
risen in recent years from 30 percent to
adopted human rights treaty in history.
45 percent In other countries. such as
And now the United States is attempt-
Burundi, children are being recruited
ing single-handedly to block efforts to
at increasingly younger ages.
reduce the use of child soldiers.
"my general counsel" had passed him a "note," Freeh
testified: "I am told by my counsel that Mr. Wickman
was concerned with the question of DOJ [Department
of Justice) attorneys accessing what we call asset files:
An asset file is not the substantive information but lists
the name and address of the information, which is the
most sensitive files that we have."
"I am told," Freeh went on, "that once the DOJ
attorneys understood that the asset files were not
substantive, that was the end of the issue." It seems
doubtful all this could be contained in a "note" handed
to the director. But his statement surely runs counter
to reports of Roos's persistence in seeking the
Burton wants to know whether Wickman's succes
young as 8 years old, are serving in
Chinese source.
sor, Chuck Middleton, has protected the source. But
that is not the deepest mystery. Why was the Justice
Department task force, laggard in pursuing campaign
scandals, fervent in seeking forbidden information
about the Chinese connection? And why has Louis
Freeh, admired in the FBI and Congress for integrity,
As many as 250,000 children, some as
the United Nations has been working to,
been so disingenuous here?
0 1998. Creators Syndicate Inc.
To address this appalling practice,
draft an amendment to the Convention
government armies or armed rebel
on the Rights of the Child to raise the
groups. In more than 30 countries
minimum age for recruitment and par-
around the world. these young combat-
ticipation in armed conflict from 15 to 18
ants are both the tools and the casual-
years of age. The agreement is optional,
ties of adult hatreds. More than 2
and no state is required to join. Negotia-
million children have been killed in
tions fell apart early last year, however,
armed conflicts in the past decade. Six
when the United States became the
million have been seriously injured or
only country unwilling to accept 18 as a
permanently disabled. Many more bear
new minimum standard for participa
psychological scars from being forced
tion in armed conflict. Negotiations are
to both commit and witness horrific
set to resume next month. but unless
atrocities.
the United States changes its position.
For example, thousands of children
any rther progress may be impossi-
have been abducted into the Lord's
ble.
Resistance Army (LRA). an armed reb-
Washington bases its objection to the
el group fighting the Ugandan gov-
agreement on current U.S. recruitment
ernment Interviewed after escaping
practices, which allow -year-olds to
from captivity, a 16-year-old girl shared
enlist with parental permission. In fact,
quit if he was in the right and defending the law
enforcement agency's integrity? According to one
FBI source, Wickman may have felt he had lost
Freeh's confidence. Why?
Freeh was opaque when Burton brought up
Wickman's retirement at the Dec. 10 hearing. Prais-
ing Wickman, Freeh said, "I presented his 25-year
key to him not too long ago," and "he's never
complained to me. The director said, "I certainly
don't know of any basis in fact": for saying Wickman
resigned rather than turn over files. The Idea that he
was told to turn in his sources is a nonsensical
notion," added Freeh.
The excitable Rep. Tom Lantos, acting as the
committee's ranking Democratic member, seized on
those answers. "Basically, Director Freeh, you are
denying the validity of this Bob Novak story?" he
asked. "As far as I'm concerned," Freeh replied, "I
don't have any basis in fact. So, Lantos triumphantly
concluded, "what you are dealing with is another
Bob Novak story."
But as the two-day hearing ended, Freeh suddenly
contradicted what had so delighted Lantos. Saying that
her experience: "One boy tried to es-
less than one-half of one percent of U.S.
cape (from the rebels], but he was
troops are below the age of 18. After
caught His hands were tied. and
completing basic and technical training.
then they made us. the other new
nearly all of these soldiers have reached
captives, kill him with a stick. I felt sick.
18 before being assigned to combat
I knew this boy from before. We were
positions.
from the same village. I refused to kill
Recently. 38 former U.S. military
him. and they told me they would shoot
officers (including several retired ad-
me. They pointed a gun at me. SO I had
mirals and generals) wrote to President.
to do it The boy was asking me. Why
Clinton, saying that "an agreement es-
are you doing this?' I said I had no
tablishing eighteen as the minimum
choice. After we killed him. they made
age for participation in armed conflict
us smear his blood on our arms.
reflects the strong desire of the world's
They said we had to do this so we would
nations to set a new international stan-
not fear death and so we would not try
dard for protecting children from the
to escape
I still dream about the boy
horrors of war."
from my village who 1 killed. I see him
Washington's refusal to ratify the
in my dreams. and he is talkinguo me
Convention on the Rights of the Child
and saying I killed him for nothing and
makes it ineligible even to join the
I am crying.
asked for highly sensitive "asset files." ereen con-
veyed the impression that this was all news to him.
Yet, weeks earlier, Freeh was asked privately about
Wickman by a senior member of Congress (not
Burton), and FBI sources say he was well aware of
the situation before that Freeh is to meet with Burton
this week, and he could cast light on what the Justice
Department lawyers were doing and perhaps on what
I reported the Wickman affair Nov. 24 but since
then have learned more details. As head of the FBI's
intelligence unit on China, Wickman was asked by
Ronald Roos, acting chief of the criminal division's
internal security section in the Justice Department,
for the name of a secret source on Chinese affairs.
This was no simple request. Roos hounded Wickman
for the name. The ends to which the Justice Depart
ment lawyer went, if disclosed, might put the source
This was regarded in the bureau as a gross
proposed agreement. In this/light, our
violation of the practice of keeping FBI sources secret
from Justice. Wickman, over-age in the service at 57,
at that point retired from the government. But why
A 14-year-old boy described being
government's obstruction of an initia-
forced into combat in Sudan: "I remem-
tive that the rest of the world favors. and
ber the first time I was in the front line.
Louis Freeh is about.
that would protect a great number of
in jeopardy.
The other side started fighting. and the
children from combat, is truly uncon-
commander ordered us to run toward
scionable.
the bullets. I panicked. I saw others
falling down dead around me. The
The writer is advocacy coordinator
commanders were beating us for not
for the Human Rights Watch
running. for trying to crouch down.
Children's Rights Division.
The Washington Post
Till RSDAY. I'm ARY 8. 1998
Robert D. Novak
A Louis Freeh Mystery
While FBI Director Louis Freeh in congressional
testimony last month distanced himself from Attor-
ney General Janet Reno, he also raised troubling
questions about himself and his relationship with the
Justice Department that since have been pursued by
House investigators. More answers will be sought
from him this week.
Freeh was summoned by the House Government
Oversight Committee Dec. 10 to explain why he
disagreed with Reno about an independent counsel to
investigate President Clinton on 1996 campaign
fund-raising. But with Freeh under oath, Chairman
Dan Burton asked about veteran FBI agent Jack
Wickman taking retirement rather than succumbing
to Justice Department demands for the name of a
confidential Chinese source
Freeh at first denied, definitively, any validity to this
report. But after hours of testimony, just before he left
the witness chair, he said that while testifying he had
been given a note from FBI General Counsel Larry
Parkinson saying that, indeed, Wickman had been
"concerned" that Justice Department lawyers had
MARY McGRORY
When Family Rights Are Wrong
c
or nelious is not quite 2. and still
intern in the District's Public Defender's
in diapers, but a Maryland judge
Office and had the job of chauffeuring
has drafted him into the wars on
Pixley around town.
child welfare. The child is to carry the
Pixley said she expected Blankman to
message on several dubious propositions
give the baby back when she got out of
espoused by Judge Michael D.
jail. Blankman says she and the baby
Mason-the paramount rights of the
have bonded through his first tooth, first
family, the superiority of the natural
step and first word, and she decided he
parent, even one who has committed
would have a better life with her. To take
infanticide, and the unwisdom of
him in the first place, when Pixley was
trans-racial adoption.
serving her term on weekends, was not a
In choosing between Cornelious's
natural mother and the woman who took
big deal-"I consider myself a Christian."
care of him for 20 months and wants to
Pixley's lawyer said Blankman planned
adopt him, Judge Mason did not apply
all along to "steal" the baby.
Solomon's standard in a similar custody
Going into the courtroom. Laura
dispute-the child's well-being. His
Blankman seemed to have all the cards.
Honor, like another judge before him,
But the judge, according to some
viewed the child's mother, Latrena Pixley,
observers-the trial record is
as the one to be protected.
sealed-seemed to feel the deck was
Congress tried to amend the Family
stacked against Pixley, and that a panel of
Reunification Act last year to introduce
white expert had piled on a poor black
common sense: It eliminated the
woman.
requirement of "reasonable efforts" at
The judge seemed concerned that
reunification in the case of parental
Laura Blankman did not have a
infanticide. A bill facilitating black-white
well-rounded personality. He noted that
adoption passed in 1997.
Pixley had had four children by four
The judge may have been swayed by
different fathers, adding, "We don't know
social workers and lawyers who
a lot about Laura Blankman's dating life."
administer programs which supposedly
He called her "a social isolate" and
redeemed Pixley and transformed her
"overty dependent on her mother."
into a good mother. That community has
"I felt I was on trial the whole time,"
an obvious interest in claiming success in
said Blankman. She filed an appeal
changing people's psyches and turning
them into good citizens. Neatness is also
against Mason's decision. Her lawyer,
served by his decision. Nothing is more
Nancy Poster, claims that the judge did
satisfying than closing a case with the
not take proper note of the evidence.
entry "returned to family."
Mason noted with approval Pixley's
Mason gave Cornelious back to his
"heroic efforts" to visit the baby while
mother, a loser in life who always wins in
she was in jail. She had to take two buses
court In 1992, Latrena Pixley murdered
and the Metro. He said nothing about
her six-week-old daughter. She
Blankman's 20-month-long care of
suffocated her and put her body in a trash
Cornelious at her own expense. But like
bin. A D.C. judge gave Pixley an
the previous judge, Mason seemed to see
astounding pat-on-the-wrist
Pixley as a victim. The lawyers and social
sentence-three years of weekends in
workers assured him that except for the
jail. She has been in and out of court
single instance of murder. Pixley had not
many times since, once for credit-card
neglected onabused her children.
fraud after she had been "rehabilitated."
Blankman understands how "captivating"
Brought up in chaos, she has had four
Pixley can be. "I fell for her. I was sorry
children by four different men and has no
for her. She's like a beaten dog. People
fixed address. She has a cashier's job, no
tell her, 'It's not your fault.'
sustaining relatives and a hope of getting
The fate of Cornelious has received
into a subsidized housing project.
By contrast, Laura Blankman is a
attention among people who feel that if
27-year-old police academy trainee with a
infanticide is not a reason for ignoring the
college degree and a comfor house
goal of family reunification, children from
in Montgomery County, a supportive
bad homes will be in constant peril of
family and a life that revolved around
being sent back to dangerous parents.
Cornelious, whom she took home with
The National Council on Adoption is
her 20 months ago at his mother's
backing Blankman in her appeal and will
request. The two women met when
pay for expert legal help if no pro-bono
Blankman was a Grove City College
lawyers turn up.
The Washington Post
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8. 1998
ClintonKiddieCare
B
ill and Hillary Clinton just can't seem to resist
thirds of the money is coming from in any case.
the urge to poke their noses into our private
The truth is, most Americans don't think the
lives. And once again (as in Health Care
government can or should give them any child-
Reform), with what Mr. Clinton described as "the
rearing "tools." They don't want Mr. Clinton
single largest national commitment to child care in
involved in their child-care arrangements. They
the history of the United States," they're trying to do
don't want to spend hundreds of millions of dollars
it in an area they think is guaranteed to shame
on another national research institute dedicated to
doubters into going along despite grave misgivings
studying what kind of day-care is most effective.
about its necessity or its value. (Who, after all, does
They don't want the feds - or state governments
not want to be viewed as loving the little children and
either - stepping in to regulate the relatives and
wanting to take good care of them?)
private babysitters most low-income working
Mr. Clinton generously proposes to "give people
mothers leave their kids with right out of the
the tools that will enable them to raise and love their
business. And they don't want more and more of
children while successfully participating in the
their hard-earned dollars wasted on programs that
American workplace," by spending:
just don't work.
$7.5 billion to double the number of children who
What might really do them some good is something
get federal child-care subsidies, by increasing block
that might make it easier for mothers to stay at home
grants to states.
to take care of their children themselves - which,
$3.8 billion to double the number of children in
high-powered baby-boom career women
Head Start programs.
notwithstanding, is what most mothers would do if
$5.2 billion to increase child-care tax credits for
they could. How about, for instance, encouraging
working families earning less than $60,000.
private business to create flex-time jobs? Or giving
$3 billion to improve child-care safety and
employees time off in exchange for overtime worked,
learning through age 5.
instead of hard cash? (An idea Mr. Clinton has
$500 million for tax credits for businesses that
rejected because it doesn't sit well with his backers
provide child care for their employees.
in the labor unions.) Or how about simply letting
$800 million to expand after school programs.
people actually keep more of their money, rather than
$500 million to pay for state regulation of health
paying large percentages of it to the government to
and safety in child care.
pay for Mr. Clinton's programs, so that more women
$250 million for scholarships to students
could leave the work force or not need to enter it
studying to be child-care workers.
before their children are grown?
$150 million to establish the National Center on
Some of the more lily-livered Republicans in
Child Care Statistics to study child care.
Congress have already buckled to the emotional
Now, don't worry, folks. If the tobacco settlement
blackmail and signed on. One can only hope that
that hasn't yet passed Congress doesn't come through
other congressmen and Senators will recognize that
with the funds Mr. Clinton hopes will pay for one-
most Americans believe government's involvement
third of his $22 billion plan, he "promises" to get the
in citizens' daily lives needs to be limited rather than
cash elsewhere. Guess where? Out of the pockets of
expanded and send this grand new social-
American taxpayers - which is where the other two-
engineering scheme the way of ClintonCare.
The Washington Times
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 1998
Clinton critics: Subsidies will hurt day care
for their own children. He is work-
By Julia Duin
lion children under 5 in day care
and 6 p.m. when parents aren't
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
ing on a child care plan of his own
are three times more likely to be
home."
to remove that inequity.
infected than are children not in
Mrs. Blair suggested the pres-
Instead of diverting tax money
"It is clearly the right time to
day care. Sixty percent of all em-
ident provide more choices for
into day care programs, critics say
begin addressing the issue," he
ployee absenteeism is to take care
parents to stay home with their
President Clinton's proposed day
said. "For most parents, child care
of these sick children.
children by mandating greater
care package should help parents
is not an option, but a necessity of
"Parents are pressured to be out
flex-and comp-time arrangements
to stay home with their children
everyday life."
of the home so we can hire other
at workplaces, or making it easier
through lower taxes, including
Of the 21.5 million American
people to take care of [children],"
for one parent to work out of the
self-employment taxes, and more
children under 6 years of age, 40
Mr. Murray said. "It's the govern-
home as an independent contrac-
flex and comp time.
percent - 9 million - are tended
ment designing the family."
tor.
"If you subsidize child care, it
exclusively by their parents and
He portrayed the Clinton plan as
Families "pay 40 percent and
will cost more in taxes, which will
the remainder are overseen by rel-
"a long range, slow effort for the
upwards of their joint income in
force more mothers into the work
atives, nannies or day care centers,
next 20 years to increase the fed-
taxes," she said. "Lower taxes
force," said Anita Blair, counsel for
said David Murray, director of re-
eral role in child rearing. It'll be
would mean it's less necessary for
the Independent Women's Forum.
search for Statistical Assessment
offered as incentives and tax
that member of the family to be in
If day care is licensed and in-
Service and a social anthropolo-
breaks and block grants, as a gift
the work force.
spected by the federal govern-
gist.
to families in America, but it'll be
"And let them hire help. It's eas-
ment, she adds, "It will drive out
Twice as many poor people -
'back-doored' to them in that
ier to import a butler under our
providers such as Grandma and
those making less than $10,000 a
they'll have to pay more taxes to
immigration laws than a nanny.
Aunt Jane because it's too expen-
year - have their children cared
afford this. This could become a
The IRS needs to get real to what
sive."
for by relatives, he said, than do
Rube Goldberg setup.
the needs of American families
Sen. John H. Chafee, a Rhode
the rich. The president's plan
"Why not let parents stay home
are. Being a nanny is good, honest
Island Republican and a senior
would substitute day care centers
to raise their own kids?" Mr. Mur-
work and it allows them to get a leg
member of the Finance Commit-
for relatives, he said.
ray asked. "Let a parent be home
up economically in America. They
tee, said the president's proposal
Day care has its own hazards, he
at 3 p.m. so kids don't get into trou-
shouldn't be kept out by reams of
gives a credit to families who place
added, citing a 1996 study released
ble. The largest, amount of sexual
regulations."
their children in someone else's
by the National Foundation on In-
activity, delinquency and drug
Nancy Roman contributed to this
care, but none to those who care
fectious Diseases that said 7 mil-
abuse between kids is between 3
story.
The Washington Times
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1998
President Khatami Addresses America
Americans accustomed to Iranian clerics ful-
ing that the American people do not share their
minating against the United States may have been
Government's grave misgivings about Iranian poli-
pleasantly surprised to encounter Mohammed Kha-
cies and behavior.
tami on CNN last evening. The new Iranian Presi-
Mr. Khatami's attack on the American Govern-
dent spoke admiringly of American civilization,
ment as the cause of poverty and oppression around
sprinkling his comments with respectful references
the world was crude and rigidly ideological. His
to the Pilgrims and Abraham Lincoln. He called for
complaints about American policy toward Iran
cultural and education exchanges between Iran and
were simplistic, though not entirely without merit
America. But for all the friendly gestures, the hard
on the question of Washington's blind support for
edge of Iran's hostility to America was still present.
the corrupt regime of Shah Mohammed Riza Pahle-
By the end of Mr. Khatami's interview, with Chris-
vi. His remarks seemed to leave little, room for a
tiane Amanpour, it was clear there would be no
dialogue with the Clinton Administration about such
quick healing of the rift between Teheran and
matters as Iranian support for terrorism, opposi-
Washington.
tion to the Middle East peace effort and Teheran's
Changing the tone of Iranian rhetoric about the
efforts to develop nuclear weapons. His characteri-
United States is itself an achievement, and Mr.
zation of the Israeli Government as a "racist,
Khatami may have gone as far as he could for now,
terrorist regime" was offensive.
given the resistance of Iran's supreme leader, Aya-
The years of enmity between Washington and
tollah Ali Khamenei, to better relations with Wash-
Teheran should end. The hostility no longer serves
ington. Mr. Khatami in the interview was the first
the interest of either nation. But it cannot be elimi-
Iranian leader since the 1979 revolution to offer
nated, or even productively addressed, if Mr. Kha-
even a hint of remorse over the seizure of American
tami will not countenance direct discussions with
hostages then. But he badly miscalculated in think-
the American Government.
Dangerous Recreations
Death during recreation is nearly always acci-
accept. The point is not usually to pursue risk per se,
dental, and an accidental death is, by definition, a
but to pursue a level of physical and mental chal-
preventable death. The recent skiing accidents that
lenge that increases even as the risks attending
killed Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono would
failure increase too. Danger intensifies concentra-
never have happened - or so it is easy to say after
tion, but concentration is nearly always a means of
the fact - if Mr. Kennedy had not been playing
diminishing danger. That is the simple equilibrium
football and Mr. Bono had stayed out of the trees. In
of every hazardous sport.
the aftermath, the risks seem unacceptable.
Reporters commonly summon the numbers af-
But in the moments before both accidents, the
ter accidents like the ones that killed Mr. Kennedy
risks must have seemed perfectly reasonable to
and Mr. Bono, and what the numbers show is that
both men. Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Bono did not buy lift
most dangerous sports, including skiing, are safer
tickets in the hopes of toying with death. Few skiers
than bicycling or kill fewer Americans annually
do. Nor did Anatoli Boukreev, the Russian moun-
than showering. It is tempting to count up the
taineer who died in an avalanche several weeks ago,
recreational deaths that occur each year and to
begin his ascent of Annapurna intending to flirt with
moralize upon their ironic futility - not because
extinction.
they were accidental but because they occurred
But the chance of serious injury and death is
during recreation.
always there, especially as the popularity of ex-
The historian Stephen Pyne argues that the
treme sports increases. That is why nearly every
character of fire has been changed by humans,
true sophisticate of an inherently risky sport -
made an artifact of culture and not wholly of nature.
anything from surfing to mountaineering - tries to
The same can be said for death. Biologically, we still
offset risk with preparation. The higher the degree
die in all the old ways, but the instruments that
of conditioning, experience and mental discipline an
deliver us up to biological death are as modern, and
athlete enjoys, the higher the degree of risk he can
as fashionable, as the moment.
The New York Times
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1998
Today's
Friday:
summ
Details Page
The Washington Post
FINAL
Yesterday:
1031
THURSDAY ANUARY 8. 1998
Nicotine
Clinton Rolls Out
Conspiracy
Child Care Plan
Alleged
$22 Billion in Spending. Subsidies Proposed:
Some Republicans in Congress Show Support
U.S. Brings First Charge
In Tobacco Firms Probe
By John F. Harris
without
Federal Budget Now
President Clinton proposed yes
terday to broadly expand-the federal
Balanced, CBO Says
By John Schwartz and Ceci Connolly
government's role in child care. of
Revised Congressional
(ering a long menu of spending
Budget Office projections
The Justice Department yesterday
measures and tax credits designed
yesterday showed that Int the
alleged that major U.S. tobacco com
In offset the financial burden on
in Governs the
pany conspired with 4 California big
working parents.
by
technology firm to develop high-nico-
Escorted into the White House
in balance and der the
tine tobacco plant that would be used to
East Room by dozen local children.
government can expect
manipulate nicotine levels in the ciga-
Clinton said the budget he will pre
mounting surpluses in the
rette-maker's products
sent to Congress calls for $21.7 bit
coming decade
The tobacco industry has long de
lion in spending and tax subsidies
NATION, Page
nied that controls nicotine levels The
over the next five years-what he
allegations were made indirectly as
called "the single largest national
part of the first criminal action brought
commitment to child care in the
by the department after a three-year
history of the United States
(Md) attended Clinton's White
investigation The company. DNA Plan:
Taken together. the proposals rep
House event. And conservative sup
Technology Corp. of Oakland was
resent the Margest item on Clinton's
port on 3: least some provisions
charged with conspiracy for sending
domestic agenda this year. And if all
seems likely Administration nificials
seeds abroad without license
Niki Deutchman. foreman of the Terry L. Nichols trial jury. accused the government of "dropping the ball."
the nine different proposals were to
said their proposal for the Early
No charges were brought against
pass. they would add up to among
Learning Fund borrows trom legisla
any tobacco companies and none was
the most expensive social policy ini-
tion that Sen Christopher $ Bond
named But senior officials said the
unnamed co-conspirator involved was
the Brown & Williamson Tobacco
Nichols Spared Death Penalty
tiatives of Clinton presidency.
(R.Mo.) cosponsored with Sen john
Clinton said he wants 10 spend
Kerry (D-Mass)
$7 billion over five years 10 increase
Polls have showed that the child
Corp
block grants 10 states 10 subsidize
care issue is critical one :0 many
The charge. announced yesterday.
Jury at Impasse; Judge to Weigh Bombing Conspirator's Sentence
child care for low-income parents
female voters. and Rep. Deborah
'as a relatively minor one-a misde-
He wants to expand the Child and
Pryce Ohio). who was asked by
meanor violation of seed export law
Dependent Tax Credit program to
House Speaker New: Gingrich (R-
than since nas been repealed. But one
By Lois Romano and Tom Kenworthy
After the jury left the courtroom. Nichols's
allow more generous subsidies for
Ga.) to respond to Clinton's proposal
official said. This is the first step. and
lawyers shook his hand. hugged him and patted
families earning less than $60,000
for the House GOP leadership. was
no one envisions it as the !asi. The
him on the back. Nichols registered little reaction.
He wants to spend $3.8 billion over
cautious. Prive said she was pleased
inv estigation is continuing with the
DENVER Jan. :-Terry L. Nichols was spared
Clearly distraught victims of the bombing held
five years to increase funding for the
that Clinton had resisted "the urge to
cooperation of DNAP
the death penalty today when federal jururs were
hands and wept court. while a few feet away. the
Head Start preschool program. And
have the federal government control
No action is mminent. Justice offi
unable to agree on whether the Oklahoma City
Nichols family smiled and embraced.
he wants an additional $3 billion and
child care" and was putting consider-
cials said. nor is there fixed strategy
bombing conspirator should pay for the crime
Matsch said the jurors. who were empowered to
10 create an Early Learning Fund.
able emphasis on credits. but she
as :d what kinds of charges might
with his life.
make a binding sentencing recommendation. dis-
which would pay for local programs
said the plan's "giaring omission
ultimately be brought against the com-
U.S. District Judge Richard P. Matsch dis-
agreed on the issue that was legal threshold for
designed to improve training and
was lack of help for at-home
pany. instead. vesterday's action
missed the panel. which deliberated for 13 hours
deciding on the death penalty-whether Nichols
safety child care centers
moms.
"ought to send signal to the industry
over two days before notifying him of the impasse.
intended people to die in the blast
The ideas are sure to play central
Other voices were more critical.
that the criminal inquiry IS serious and
and said he will assume responsibility for sentence
The jury foreman. Niki Deutchman, described a
role in this year congressional ses.
Reg William F Goodling Pa.).
that moving. said senior official
ing Nichols.
panel tortured by doubts. wracked by dissension
sion as both: parties try to align
chairman of the House Committee
It 400k) and be illegai to manipoliti
Matsch cannot by law sentence Nichols 10
and deeply skeptical of government's case In
themselves with popular issues to
on Education and the Workforce
nicotine levels in cigarettes but compa
death for his role in the bombing of the Alfred P.
70-minute news conference in sun-dappled mu-
gain advantage in the impending
issued regiting that, the
nies Louid be prosecured for perjury or
Murtah Federal Building in which 168 people
nicipal park near her Denver neighborhood
midterm elections. But the precise
federal government already sport
other charges if they made false state
were killed The judge can. however. sentence
Deutchman said the seven women and five men
partisan and ideological line of the
surs some 50 child care programs
ments about their activities to federal
Nichols to maximum of life in prison without the
were divided and distraught group. rife with
child care debate yesterday were
and complained that Charton "is try
investigators
possibility 01 release. He asked for recommenda
rension and discord. when the decision was taken
blurry.
mg to tell us we need even more
Allegations that 1003000 company
tons from: the prosecution and defense by Feb 9
from them.
Some moderate Republicans. in-
ignoring the tremendous child
See TOBACCO.A4.
and promised decision after that
SeeNICHOLS.A12.Col.)
cluding Rep. Constance A Morella
See PRESIDENT.ALL.C.
Iranian Leader Urges Exchanges With U.S.
Judge Tells Kaczynski
Khatemi Expresses Regret for 1979 Hostage-Taking, Suggests Negotiations
He Can't Fire Lawyers
By Barton Gelinian
ing that began Iran's isiamic revolution.
the interview taped Tuesday in his Tehran
While strongly critical of U.S govern
office. Khatemi called for an immediate
Opening Statements Set for Today
ments. past and present. he said "there is
exchange of prolessors. writers. scholars
Iranian President Mohammed Khatenii
no hostility between the two nations" and
artists. journalists and tourists." He twice
By William Booth
called last night for wide-ranging unofficial
used a cautiously worded formula to sug.
averred that Iran has "no need for political
exchanges to break down the "bulky wall
zes: that negotiations based on mutu-
ties with the United States but appeared
mistrust between us and the U.S. admin-
at respect could "lead to positive results"
to describe a road map that might lead to
SACRAMENTO. Jan. 7-A federal mage told Theo
istration. implying for the first time that
between the two governments
those ties over time. New relations among
dore J. Kacrynski today that it is too late for him to
an informal dialogue could lead to resump
Khatemi's 45-minute interview with Ca.
intellectuals he said. could "prepare for a
dismiss his attorneys as he requested. clearing the way
non of U.S. -Iranian dipiomatic ties
olr News Network in which he spoke
change and create an opportunity to study
for opening statements in the Unabomber trial to start
in an extraordinary televised interview
confidently and without visible recourse to
new situation.
Thursday morning.
after 18 years of unbroken public hostility.
notes. enlarged substantially on Dec. 14
A response drafted rapidly last night by
Kacrypski stated in open court for the first time that he
Shatemi declared solidarity with the -
news conference in which he expressed
national security adviser Samuel R
does no: want his lawyers to "pursue 3 mental health
sence of the American civilization" and
his hopes for "thoughou! dialogue" with
"Sandy" Berger and Secretary of State
defense apparently the basis for his request for a new
expressed regret for the 1979 hostage-tak
The great people of the United States. In
Madeleine K Albright included an unam-
defense team. But U.S. District Judge Garland Burrell Ir.
biguous call for the first face-10- (ace diplo-
Iranian President Mohammed
told Kacrynski several times that his attorneys are in
Past terrinal " tions hung like cloud improved relations
Page 428
SeeKHATEMI.A28.Col.1
Khatemi gave interview to CNN.
control of his case and ruled that they will be allowed to
introduce testimony from non-professionals about the
alleged Unabomber's mental state.
This Kaczynski clearly does not want-although his
Canada Apologizes for Abuse of Native Peoples
attorneys think it may save his life if he is ultimately
convicted The dispute over this theme for the defense
apparently underlies Kaczynski's outburst Monday
morning-just as the proceedings were about in get
Government Establishes 'Healing Fund' as Partial Recompense
underway-that led Burrell to halt the trial for two days
of conscitations with the defendant. In lawyers and
several outside attorneys.
ceremonial feather. Jane Stewart.
By Howard Schneider
people who was convicted of treason
Kacrynski. brilliant but troubled mathematician. has
Canada's minister of Indian affairs
and executed in 1885 for his role in a
been charged in a 10-count indictment with sending
-
and northern development read an
Saskatchewan uprising
bombs in the mail that killed two people and mained TWO
TORONTO. Jan. 7-The Canadi-
official "Statement of Reconciliation
Stewart said she hopes the state
others The government contends these actions were
an government apologized todav to
that acknowledged the damage done
ment will inaugurate new relation
part of an 18-year campaign that the Unabomber said ne
the country's Indian. Inuit and other
to native populations beginning with
ship between Canada and its original
was waging against the evils of an over technological
aboriginal peoples for decades of
the arrival of Europeans in the 15th
residents. and she piedged $250 mil-
modern society.
mistreatment. offering an emotional
century and running through mod
lion for "healing fund to help those
During this afternoon's proceedings Kaczynski was
atonement for policies that sought to
ern efforts 10 suppress native reli-
who suffered physical and mental
alternately scribbling on his legal parks, showing notes a
stamp out native culture and con-
gion and language
abuse at the government-run
his attorneys or whispering animatedly at them His
fined Indian children in often abusive
The statement dealt in broad
schools The not closed
brother David and mother Wanda attended the session
government schools.
terms with an array nf offenses.
until the 1970 and left a legney of
But Kacrynskidid not look at them
Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart hanos "Statement
Following an Indian drum and
including the hanging of Loins Rick
motional sears among generations
David his younger brother. was the one who first
of Reconciliation to indian leader Phil Fontaine.
dance performance and clutching a
leader of the French-indian Mens
SeeCANADA.A26,Col
KACZYNSKI.
INSIDE
D.C. Bonuses
Substandard Scores
Miami Mayor's Antics Are Talk of the Town
The DC schools paid
Must students in urban
signing bonuses
public schools the
Angry Telephone Message Left at Newspaper Is Latest Action to Inflame Critics
totaling
country are failing to master
their six figure salaries
in reading math
rather than heed his demand to fire a
METRO, 111
and report say
By Donald Baker
ing company. the mavor threatened
popular police chief warned the
10 "figure out every possible way of
NATION, Page Us
newspaper to the nicer In me. my
adver tising in any possible newspaper
The Post on the Internet
MIAMI lan the voice on
www.washingtonpost.com
Botha Subpoenaed
people, my citizens and my city of
except yours if he didn't Ket better
the answ ring machine at the Miami
face the LOSS of $200,000 year in city
treatment
After repeatedly defying
Herald been a Lamiliar one the
ads
the ewspaper. who h has shind
South Alrica with
caller left modoubt This IS the mayor
commission president
note that WI are subsidizing you
Suarez closely since he took
of Miami said Xavier 1.
and your newspaper with ... related
office Nov 14. the day after lie was
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED (NPR), JANUARY 7, 1998
that seeks not only to give working parents the peace of mind they need and
deserve, but also to give more of our children the kind of care they have to
have.
LIASSON: President Clinton said his goal is to make child care safer, cheaper,
and more accessible by using a combination of grants, tax credits, and direct
federal spending.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: To make child care more
affordable and available to all Americans, with increased block grants to
states, we will double the number of children receiving child care subsidies to
more than 2 million.
One of the reasons welfare reform has worked as well as it has is because of the
increased investment in child care. Now, we have to help the lower income
families, who've never been on welfare in the first place, but still struggle to
pay for child care.
LIASSON: The biggest portion of the president's initiative is the $7.5 billion
in block grants to states for child care subsidies. But the government would
also commit $5.2 billion in tax credits to families for child care expenses.
The credit is available to families earning under $60,000. If the president's
plan passes, it would eliminate all income tax liability for a family of four
with high child care expenses and with an income of $35,000 or less.
There are tax credits for businesses that establish on-site child care centers,
money to set up after school programs, and money to expand Head Start. White
House officials say they expect bipartisan support for the proposal. And
judging from the initial Republican reaction, they may get it.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DEBORAH PRYCE (R-OH) I don't think that we can be
obstructionist to something that is as important to most American families as
child care initiatives.
LIASSON: Ohio Congresswoman Deborah Pryce has been assigned by Speaker Newt
Gingrich to put together the Republican position on child care. Republicans are
discussing a number of child care related tax cuts, but so far there is no
single Republican response. That has allowed the president to set the agenda on
this family friendly issue.
Congresswoman Pryce's reaction to the president's proposal is mostly positive.
PRYCE: I'm pleased to see that he seems to be fighting the urge to have the
federal government control child care, because he's providing that much of his
new spending go to the states in the form of grants. But nonetheless, it is new
spending. And we always have to be concerned when we're talking about
increasing the role of federal government. One glaring omission I think is --
in his initiative -- is assistance for stay-at-home moms.
LIASSON: Congresswoman Pryce favors more tax relief for mothers who stay at home
with their children.
The president's child care proposal, however, is hard for Republicans to attack,
because he has steered clear of the most controversial approaches. At one
point, the White House considered proposing federal standards but dropped the
idea for fear it would be attacked as government-run child care.
The vast majority of the president's child care initiative is in the form of tax
credits and block grants -- Republicans' favorite ways to use taxpayer's money.
Direct federal spending is at a minimum.
Some Republicans have criticized the plan as more big government, but the White
House is convinced, as long as the budget stays balanced, voters will be happy
to spend money on child care and other problems families face every day.
Mara Liasson, NPR News, the White House.
66TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Content and programming copyright (c) 1998 National Public
Radio, Inc. All rights reserved. Transcribed by Federal
Document Clearing House, Inc. under license from National
Public Radio, Inc. Formatting copyright (c) 1998 Federal
Document Clearing House, Inc. All rights reserved.
NPR
SHOW: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED (NPR 8:00 pm ET)
JANUARY 7, 1998, WEDNESDAY
Transcript # 98010709-212
TYPE: PACKAGE
SECTION: News; Domestic
LENGTH: 870 words
HEADLINE: Child Care Plan Proposed
BYLINE: Mara Liasson, Washington, DC; Jacki Lyden, Washington, DC
HIGHLIGHT:
President Clinton is proposing a $21 billion plan to hel working families bear
the cost of child care. A key part of the package would subsidize care for 2
million children over five years, through. a block grant to states. Mr Clinton
also would expand eligibility from "welfare-to-work" families to lower-income
workers as well. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.
BODY:
JACKI LYDEN, HOST: Today, President Clinton unveiled what the White House is
calling the nation's largest investment in child care. The president asked
Congress to approve a $21.7 billion package of tax credits and subsidies.
The plan is the latest in a series of family friendly initiatives the president
has been previewing before he presents them formally to Congress later this
month in his state of the union address.
NPR's Mara Liasson reports.
MARA LIASSON, NPR REPORTER: The White House has made child care one of its
priority issues for 1998. The president and first lady held a day-long
conference on child care last fall. Today, the president fulfilled some of the
commitments he made at that conference when he offered federal money to help
families pay for child care.
The president, the vice president, Mrs. Gore and First Lady Hillary Rodham
Clinton all took part in the ceremony today, to unveil what the White House is
confident will be an extremely popular initiative.
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: For too long, America's
parents have struggled with too little information, too few choices, and too
many worries. Today, the president announces an historic child care proposal
A
Welfare caseloads in Lawrence are
Three-quarters of the welfare pop-
Last III a scries of occasional articles
down 19.6 percent since 1995 and
ulation here is Hispanic. many from
1.200 recipients in the city have found
Puerto Rico and the Dominican Re
By Judith Havemann and Barbara Vobejda
jobs.
public. and more than 60 percent do
At the Oliver school. attendance is
not have high school diplomas They
LAWRENCE Mass-The atmosphere. is
up from an average of 88 percent to 93
have come here most often to be near
sizzling in Room 310 at the Henry K Oliver
percent since welfare reform went
relatives and live jammed into peeling
School. where the ancient boiler is overheat-
into effect. an improvement adminis-
wooden buildings converted into ir.
ing and the eighth-grade social studies class
trators link to a new regulation that
regular apartments on postage-stamp
is fired up. The topic is welfare reform.
docks a parent's welfare benefits if
lots.
-Why should some parents go to work
children are frequently absent.
The teenagers at the Oliver school
while others sit home not working?" asked
School officials also say discipline
know only the rough outlines of the
13-vear-old Maribel Lopez. "Some of them
problems have eased because SO
complex new law. But they are quite
could get a job. but they don't. They just wait
many welfare parents are volunteer-
certain of its effect on those around
for the check."
ing in the buildings to fulfill state
them.
The students thrust their hands in the air
requirements that they either find
jobs or do community service. And
"I know somebody. but I'm not
Children of Welfare Parents Feel Reform's Help, Hurt
wildly. competing for attention. "I don't
agree. in a kinda way." said Ivette Santana.
while half of the school's children
gonna say the name." said Teresita
also 13. "In my house. there are six children."
moved away each year in the past.
Suarez. a teenager whose jet-
Her family's food stamps have been cut from
that has dropped to one-fifth, adminis-
black hair is pinned carefully in place.
S500 every month to about $100 as a result of
trators say. because families either
"My parents. they work." she adds
reform efforts. "It's Christmas: My sister is
are avoiding the state's welfare re-
quickly. anxious to convey to her
not giving my mother money. Some people
quirements or are now tied to jobs
classmates that her family is motivat-
are just sitting down
but for others
a
here.
ed. The person she is thinking of also
lot of people have diseases. they sick. They
"In two years, I'll have a good job."
works. but still received food stamps
can't work."
said 19-year-old Shannon Montalvo.
worth $300 a month.
"I agree with Ivette." said Malvin Ayala.
who has taken advantage of one of
"Her rent was $150. She was never
chiming in from the back of the room. "Some
welfare reform's innovations, a teen
home, she would always go shop-
people don't speak English and don't have
living program that provides a stable
ping," Teresita said. But she lost her
the opportunity to study and can't find jobs."
home. high school education and
food stamps. a common experience in
The children in this depressed mill town in
training.
this community where many adults
northern Massachusetts know a lot about
Montalvo. who has two daughters
are subject to the food stamp cutoff
welfare. Half of them live in families on public
under the age of 2. dropped out of the
assistance. either food stamps or cash wel-
for legal but unnaturalized immi-
eighth grade and lived in a string of
fare. And with unprecedented changes tak-
grants. "Now. she have to work two
homes before moving into the spa-
ing place in the law. they represent a genera-
jobs. She only sleeps three hours.
cious two-bedroom apartment she
tion that could be altered forever by the
now shares with another teenage
Now she has no phone. no cable."
success or failure of that effort.
mother and her three children.
Maribel knows a lady who had to
These children and others like them
-I was real rebellious," she said.
return to Puerto Rico because she
See WELFARE. A8. Col. 2
"But I don't have regrets because
didn't have enough money for Tell
here I am. bettering myself."
and food when her benefits were cut.
WELFARE, From A1
But the same regulations that are
And what about the kids? Malvin
across the country were at the core of
pushing some families toward self-
Ayala asks confidently. -If the parents'
sufficiency are causing other more
aren't home" because they forced
the debate a year ago. when federal
lawmakers threw out the nation's
troubled families to unravel.
to work. he said. the children can't
60-year-old welfare system. They re-
Officials at a domestic violence
talk to them. They go to the streets.
placed it with a law that. for the first
program in Lawrence say they re-
They get in trouble on the streets
time. requires beneficiaries to work
ceived 416 calls for help in a three-
starting fires.
It's not their fault."
and limits the time any family can
month period this year. more than
receive aid.
double the 1996 figure. They said
'Helping My Mother'
The law was passed in the name of
they believe women are returning
Suddenly. after 17 years of raising
children. Its authors were driven by a
with their children to battering hus-
babies and taking care of a home.
determination to break the cycle of
bands and boyfriends because wel-
Yesenia Perez's mother has been
poverty so that a new generation
fare reform is making new demands
catapulted into the public world of
would grow up with a strong work
on them and the relatives they might
work. As Yesenia picks her way
ethic and aware that they could not
have turned to in the past.
through the litter on her. way to
rely solely on the government. Oppo-
Child protection officials in Law-
school every morning. welfare re-
nents were equally adamant about
rence say families on the verge of
form is sending her mother off in
protecting the young. defending the
losing their children because of
another direction-for job training. In
old system because it maintained a
abuse and neglect are worse off. in
all her 12 years. Yesenia has never
safety net for children no matter how
seen her mother go to school before.
their parents behaved.
part because their already dysfunc-
tional lives must now absorb the new
rarely heard her work on her English.
Already in Massachusetts, where
and not once known her to practice
The Washington Post has been
shock of working their way off wel-
office skills. Yesenia's mother has not
chronicling welfare changes that be
fare. And confirmed reports of child
yet landed a job, which means for now
gan a year before the federal reforms.
abuse and neglect in the city rose
there is no more money coming in
the effect on children has been tangi-
from 795 in 1995 to 968 last year.
than there ever was. But Yesenia
ble and personal.
Putting people to work is a chai-
glows with happiness. She stands up
Taken together. the experiences of
lenge in Lawrence. where the unem-
awkwardly from homework she has
hundreds of children here add up to
ployment rate. at 8.3 percent. is more
propped on the couch cushions that
this: New welfare rules have exacer-
than twice the statewide figure. Some
serve as her desk in this barren
bated the problems of families whose
welfare recipients have found jobs in a
apartment. She brushes off her blue
lives were already chaotic. And they
local textile mill. The bulk have gone
and white school uniform. front and
have magnified the strengths of those
to work for low wages, as nurse's
sides. Welfare reform. she says after a
who were strongly motivated and
aides. in restaurants. supermarkets
moment of proud hesitation. is help-
abie to take advantage of new pro-
and light manufacturing
ing my mother."
grams. For this group with the psy-
chological stamina to push them-
selves. the new system has provided
job training. child care and other
The Washington Post
1997
1/3
"None of them believe in Santa."
For Yesenia's mother. Elizabeth
-I don want to go to day care." she
Wolders said. "They know they aren't
Perez. the new welfare rules have
whimpers in a tiny mumble.
going to get Christmas presents."
ignited her latent abilities and fierce
"I wish I could stay home." says
One little boy has arrived late to
commitment to building a better life
Elvin. He wants to play with his
school every day this year because
for her children. When she arrived in
Batman toys, be home with his moth-
Lawrence from Puerto Rico in 1995.
er. But she goes to school in the
his mother is now in a training pro-
gram to get off welfare and she can't
fleeing an abusive husband. she
evening. thanks to welfare reform.
take him to school anymore.
turned to welfare for help. But soon
and Elvin and his sister are off to day
"She's' overwhelmed." said Kara-
Massachusetts caseworkers called
care. from 4 to 9 each weeknight.
her in and told her that her benefits
They bother me when I'm doing
mourtopoulos. "He's tired of being
would run out in two years and she
my homework." Elvin mutters about
late. He's crying in the hall because
should prepare to go to work. They
the other children. many of them
he knows he's going to get a deten-
offered her special courses to obtain a
much younger. "And 1 never went to
tion."
high school diploma, job training
day care before."
programs and free day care. Eliza-
While they're at the center. their
Failure to Comply
beth Perez took advantage of it all.
mother. Ana Estrella, is taking cours-
Less than two miles south of the
Yesenia. poised on the edge of
es at the local community college to
school. five children wait patiently for
adolescence. once had little reason
prepare to be a day care worker
their mother in a bleak apartment
for pride in her family's bleak circum-
herself. Her welfare checks run out a
with a smashed-in door and belong-
stances. Now she sees her mother as
year from now, and Ana is diligently
ings piled in plastic bags around the
smart and competent. somebody suc-
trudging through the steps she's
room.
cessful. Once battered and poorly
been told she must take: getting a job.
This is one of Lawrence's most
educated. Elizabeth Perez has recent-
trying to learn English. preparing for
troubled families. It was troubled
ly obtained her high school equiva-
the day when her check stops com-
before welfare reform. and it is more
lency diploma. She now speaks fluent
ing
troubled now. Selene Diaz is facing
English. and will graduate in Febru-
And so as the sun is setting, she
drug charges by the police and child
ary from a state program designed to
takes her children to day care, when
train welfare recipients in office skills.
other families are preparing dinner or
neglect allegations before the Depart-
Yesenia looks up from her social
settling in for the evening.
ment of Social Services, and recently
her welfare check fell from $832 to
studies unit on Mexico. The other day
at school. she volunteers shyly. she
Talking About Jobs
zero when she failed to comply with
the laws new requirements.
was talking with a friend about Christ-
From the suffocating classrooms
Though she had two short-lived
mas. Her friend was bragging a little
on its third floor to a frigid basement
jobs. Diaz hadn't sent in the required
about what her mother was going to
storage room where parents on pub-
proof that she was working and how
give her for Christmas and about her
father's job.
lic assistance are learning computer
much. When she complied after near-
Yesenia told her friend that she too
skills. the Henry K Oliver School is a
ly two months without funds, her
would be getting presents this year.
laboratory of welfare reform.
benefits were fully reinstated.
Dozens of parents fulfilling re-
The Diaz family is the kind of
"It made me feel good" to have
quirements that they either work or
family the critics of welfare reform
something to say back. Yesenia said
volunteer have come through these
are most worried about. Although
later. "I told her that my mother is
halls to offer their free services. They
Selene Diaz. 23. has kept her family
going to get a job just like her dad."
scrape garbage off lunch plates in the
together so far. she has a sporadic
Because of welfare reform. she said.
cafeteria. help students learn to read
work history and a large family to
"my mother is going to be a secre-
and guard the playground at recess.
care for in the face of impending
tary."
When they're off duty. they head to
homelessness. Conceivably. the new
the basement to learn English. be-
law could push her to find permanent
Day Care at Night
come familiar with computers and
employment and to do what it takes to
For some children. the new law has
trade tips on where to find a job.
convince the child welfare authorities
registered in very concrete ways.
"For the first time in a long time
that she is caring properly for her
Ten-year-old Evelyn Santiago and
people are talking about jobs and
children. Or. as welfare authorities
her brother, Elvin. 9. have been
parents are having jobs." said princi-
have already done once, it could
dropped into a realm of childhood
pal Rick Parthum. "Now a kid will say.
threaten her only steady income. fur-
reality they hadn't known existed:
My mom works. My father works..'
ther endangering her children. and
nighttime day care.
Carl Derubeis. the school counsel-
possibly push them into foster care.
Although it was rare before welfare
or. said that last year three children in
See WELFARE, A9, Col. 1
reform. such care is now available
one family had missed dozens of days
through a handful of centers and from
of school before Christmas. He called
women who take children into their
the parents repeatedly. but they
homes round the clock. For families
wouldn't come in, they wouldn't copie
moving off welfare. it is paid for by
in. they wouldn't come in."
government funds. drawing dozens of
Eventually. when be warned their
children who eat their dinners and fall
welfare benefits could be cut, the
asleep away from home. while their
parents got the children to school.
parents work or. like Evelyn and
They missed just two days over the
Elvin's mother. take classes.
second half of the year.
From the minute Evelyn comes
Teachers Michele Wolders and
home from school and wiggles out of
Cristen Karamourtopoulos have felt
her backpack. she begins pleading
the ripples of welfare reform even at
with her mother.
the tiny desks in their first- and
second-grade classrooms. The chil-
dren talk about how little money their
moms receive each month. the teach-
ers said. and they know their parents
are nervous that checks will end next
year.
SALE RDAY. DECEMBER 27. 1997
WELFARE, From A8
reason." she said. "I had these black-
Diaz's children-Jose. 8. Rene. 7.
outs and I used to hit them hard:"
Roberto. 6. Tanya, 6. and Maria Me-
She dropped out of school in the
jia. 3-do not utter a syllable of
seventh grade and seems almost pas-
complaint as they wait for their moth-
sive in the face of breathtaking prob-
er in the growing darkness on this
lems. -I get stressed out with all these
afternoon of their latest family calami-
kids." she said.
ty. They don't ask when their mother
Jose. the oldest. looks worried too.
will return. They don't ask for toys.
He rubs a pillow against his cheek as
They don't demand attention. They
he sucks his thumb surreptitiously.
He is the only one who has asked his
don't even beg to watch television.
mother for anything expensive this
They entertain each other quietly
year. a pair of Nike shoes like other
by tumbling together on the floor as
children have.
their mother ferries their belongings
"That is more money than we can
to a relative's apartment for storage.
pay," she said. "He was sad, but he
She finally exhausted the patience of
understood."
her landlord when the police raided
The children talk glowingly of the
her apartment for drugs a second
nearby Hennessey public school.
time. She says she has done nothing
where they get meals and presents,
wrong. Even so, she is being evicted
attention and help with reading. Tan-
and she is preparing to camp out with
ya likes happy books. Roberto likes
her sister or her mother temporarily
ghost books. Rene likes books about
until she can find someplace else to
money. and Jose likes Charles Dick-
live.
ens.
After breakfast and lunch at school.
His favorite story. as he thinks
it is unclear whether the children
ahead to a Christmas spent moving
have had dinner. They said they ate
from relative to relative without mon-
hamburgers at school. and now they
ey or toys. is "A Christmas Carol."
are snacking on sweetened chocolate
powder from a can. They lick their
FOR MORE INFORMATION
fingers and dip them into the can.
To read Post articles about the
over and over. At about 7:30 p.m., they
impact of welfare reform, click
find a glass jar of pickles and pound
on the above symbol on the front
on the lid to try to open it. Their
page of The Post's Web site at
www.washingtonpost.com
babysitter. a friend of their mother's
who is busy cleaning the kitchen
floor, helps the children pry it open
and hands each a pickle.
At the same time Diaz lost her
welfare check. she said, she lost her
food stamps. Although both were
reinstated. she said she struggled to
feed her children and keep them
clean.
Racist neighbors. she charges. re-
ported her to the Department of
Social Services for child neglect. The
anonymous letter accused her of fail-
ing to clean her house. allowing her
children to go unfed and sending
them to school dirty.
She has now received family coun-
seling in how to discipline her chil-
dren without hitting them. She has
learned about "time out" and how to
The Washington Post
SATT RDAY. DECEMBER 27. 1997
talk through problems without physi-
cal violence. "My kids used to be
scared that I would hit them for little
3/3
Flawed Day-Care Plans
The Clinton Administration is drawing up plans
school programs, model day-care centers and train-
to increase day-care subsidies for working parents
ing for day-care workers. These are useful ideas.
as a central element of next year's domestic agen-
The tax cuts are not. One would cut taxes for
da. The goal is worthy, but only if the subsidies are
corporations that create day-care centers - despite
directed where needed - to low-income families.
the fact that many corporations are already creat-
The Administration no doubt agrees, but it is
ing centers, without any nudge from Washington, as
trapped by a Republican leadership that has no
a recruiting device in a tight labor market.
intention of going along. So the White House is
The other would expand a provision in the
thinking of including a tax cut for working parents.
current tax code that provides up to $1,400 in tax
The cut would direct very little relief to the truly
credits for day-care expenses for a family with two
needy, but the Administration hopes that it will help
or more children. But few families collect anywhere
sell more worthwhile parts of the package. This is a
near the maximum benefit because most of them
risky strategy because it invites the G.O.P. to pile on
are too poor to owe much tax in the first place. The
tax cuts of its own, forcing Congress to trim other
expanded tax credit would mainly help families
domestic spending programs.
earning $30.000 or more a year.
Day-care subsidies help low-wage workers
The bigger danger is that the White House will
keep more of what they earn and help parents place
inadvertently create a launching pad. for more tax
children in the best environment. Many low-wage
cuts. The cuts could conceivably be paid for by
parents ask relatives to care for children. often with
temporary surplus revenues that flow from a hot
unsatisfactory results. Targeted subsidies would
economy. But when the economy slows. Congress IS
allow them to purchase better day care.
far more likely to cut already strained discretion-
The Administration is also considering in-
ary programs that are essential to poor families
creased grants to states, more money for after-
than it is to eliminate the new tax breaks.
The New York Times
SATURDAY EMBER 27.
Day Care I nproves Wi.h Staff Trainir g
Fewer 3/7/98 Children Per Teacher Also Beneficial in Study of Fla. Centers
By BARBARA VOBEJDA
including a $21.7 billion, five-year
mediocre at best. A 1995 study by the
Washington Post Staff Writer
plan offered by President Clinton.
Families and Work Institute, for
The White House initiative would
example, found that 40 percent of
A four-year study of day-care cen-
help parents pay for child care and
infant and toddler care was potential-
ters has concluded that children learn
provide funds that states could use to
ly harmful to the children's intellectu-
more and behave better when teach-
improve the quality of care, as well as
al and emotional development.
ers have more training and fewer
scholarships to train teachers.
One of the biggest challenges is
youngsters to care for.
When Florida engaged in a similar
reducing turnover, an issue the Flori-
The study, released yesterday by
debate in 1991 over whether to
da laws did not address. Just 2
the Families and Work Institute, a
upgrade requirements for day-care
percent of the teachers who had been
New York-based research organiza-
centers, there was skepticism about
at the centers in 1992 were still there
tion, studied 150 licensed child-care
whether the tougher requirements
when researchers returned in 1996.
centers in Florida from 1992 to 1996
would actually improve quality or
And while many centers did not
after the state enacted laws requiring
affect children's development, said
adhere to the teacher training re-
centers to improve teacher training
Ellen Galinsky, president of the Fami-
quirements, the level of education
and reduce the number of children
lies and Work Institute. The laws
nevertheless improved. The study
each staff member must oversee.
required centers to provide one
found that, in 1992, 47 percent of
Researchers found that the new
teacher for every four infants and
teachers had only a high school
requirements led to several improve-
every six toddlers. Previously, the
diploma, but that had fallen to 39
ments: Children in smaller class-
ratios were one teacher to six infants
percent in 1996.
rooms were more securely attached
and one to eight toddlers.
Despite concerns that Florida's
to their teachers. They were more
But after the law was imposed,
stricter standards would impose un-
proficient with language and engaged
said Galinsky, "we found that things
reasonable financial burdens on pro-
in more "cognitively complex" play,
in Florida got better.
You can
viders, the study found that, while
an indication of greater intellectual
make changes in a way that affects
centers did raise their fees, the in-
development. And they were less
quality."
crease was no higher than those at
likely to show aggression, anxiety
Child-care advocates believe im-
home-based day-care facilities—
and hyperactivity.
proving quality is critical, given re-
which were not covered by the new
The researchers, who graded
search showing that most care is
regulations— in the same period.
teacher and student behavior based
on classroom observations, also
found that teachers were more sensi-
tive and responsive to children.
The study is likely to be cited as
Congress debates several child-care
proposals in the coming months,
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Day-Care Cer er 1 at Strar ded Toddler Had L'cer se Der ed
By Wendy Melillo and Peter Finn
Center was previously cited for al-
for the Virginia Department of So
said there were explanations for all
1991, applied for a new license after
Washington Post Staff Writers
lowing a 4 year old to get into an
cial Services, which regulates day-
of the alleged violations. She said
its previous one expired June 16,
unlocked car, shift into neutral and
care centers, said yesterday that
she had listed her reasons in her
and the state denied the application
A Fairfax City day care center
roll down a hill failing to call 911
because of the most recent incident,
appeal but had not heard back from
July 3, said Martin Brown, a spokes-
here a 14 month old girl was acci
after a child had a seizure; and
the state is considering going to
the state.
man for the social services depart
entally left locked inside one night
permitting young children to play
court to shut down the facility
Our parents have been with us
ment
ist week lost its license in June
the video game Mortal Kombat
Our concern is the safety of the
so long they know mistakes hap
The tale of the toddler left alone
ecause of several lapses in supervi-
which has violent content and is
children at the center, Brown said.
pen. But they are happy with the
touches a nerve with many working
on, but it was allowed to operate
intended for older teenagers.
Jyotsna "Judy" Goda, co-owner of
service, Goda said.
parents in the Washington area,
hile it appealed, state regulators
Jane Brown, operations director
the center, at 3711 Jermantown Rd.
The center, which opened in
where there is a higher proportion
uid yesterday.
of couples with two careers than
The ABC Children's' Learning
In the evening dash from work to pick up the kids, a red light can signal trouble for a mom on the run.
Page CI
See DAY CARE, A7, Col. 1
1/14/98
PRESERVATION
PHOTOCOPY
A4 MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 1998
THE WASHINGTON POST
Child-Care Initiative Triggers 'Mommy Wars'
To the Surprise of Advocates, Republicans Focus Instead on Stay-at-Home Parents
Coats (R-Ind.). "Do we want to en-
dren, either with tax breaks or more
By Barbara Vobejda
conservative research organization
Washington Post Staff Writer
courage the kind of child care the
flexible work-force policies.
in New York.
president is encouraging?"
But the issue also touches a nerve.
Still, Republicans in Congress are
It would be among the most ex-
This line of argument by a range
among those who have sought ways
ambivalent. Many remain fearful of
pensive social initiatives of his presi-
of columnists and groups has de-
to improve child care and help low
alienating working mothers, and
dency and the centerpiece of his
lighted many Republican leaders on
income parents pay for it.
others are genuinely committed to
domestic program this year, but the
Capitol Hill. They had scrambled to
"Child care has always been
trying to help make child care bet-
debate over President Clinton's
formulate a response to Clinton's
bipar issue, said Helen Blank,
ter and more affordable
$21.7 billion child-care proposal is
proposal, fearing opposition to it
director of child care at the Chil-
"What we have to do is recognize
not shaping up as a battle over
could widen the gender gap and
dren's Defense Fund. "It is a signifi-
as a party that there's a problem out
spending. Instead, it's becoming
further establish the image of Dem-
cant issue for millions of families,
there," said Rep. Marge Roukema
Washington's version of the "mom-
ocrats as the party most concerned
and they struggle with it daily." She
(R-N.J.). "Contrary to the opinion of
my wars."
about families and children
does, not object to helping stay-at
many, most women are not working
Critics have charged that the ad-
Now Republicans have embraced
home parents, she said. "I don't
simply out of personal or profession-
ministration initiative unveiled earli-
the theme that any child-care pro-
think they competing issues."
al ambition. Many are single moth-
er this month would effectively help
posal must provide help to families
But Blank points to the "pressing
ers. But even with two workers, it is
working mothers at the expense of
with a stay at home parent.
need": 5 million children are home
an economic necessity to work.
those who stay home to care for
Child-care" advocates are dis-
alone after school; families earning
They are not running away from
their children. And, they say, the
mayed by the twist in the debate.
less than $14,000 annually pay one-
their children:"
proposed incentives would encour-
"We're in a period of diversion
quarter of their incomes for child
Roukema plans to introduce a bill
age parents to put their children in
right now," said Faith Wohl, presi-
care; and more than one-third of
that would provide federal money to
harmful "commercial day care.
dent of the Child Care Action Cam-
child care providers leave their jobs
local communities to help establish
The plan, announced well before
paign, a New York based group.
each year, primarily because of low
child-care facilities.
Tuesday's State of the Union ad-
"The president was talking about
wages.
dress to ensure that it received
Advocates are also quick to re-
Sen. John H. Chafee (R-R.I.) plans
real issues the cost [of child
ample attention, includes an ambi-
mind members of Congress that
to announce today that he will spon-
care} for parents and the quality for
sor a bill with fellow GOP Sens
tious set of programs to expand and
they recently enacted a welfare re-
children." But opponents. she said,
form law requiring millions of poor,
Orrin G. Hatch (Utah) and Pat
improve the quality of child care,
"are blowing a smoke screen.
single mothers to find work and
Roberts (Kan.) that would increase
help parents pay for it and encour-
Should, women be working and is
age businesses to provide day care
leave their children in the care of
federal funds so more low-income
child care good for children? These
for their employees: It would double
others. "Haven't we already decided
families could receive child-care
are very visceral, ideological, class-
we don't want to pay women to stay
subsidies. But it would also help
the number of children whose par-
based issues."
ents receive child-care subsidies,
home with children by repealing the
parents by extending
Even with more than 70 percent
increase tax credits to help cover
old welfare law?" asked Wohl.
to them the dependent care tax
of mothers in the work force, child
In fact, child care in this country
credit now available only to families
the cost, and expand Head Start and
care remains a subject of enormous
is much broader than the standard
that pay for child care.
after-school care.
ambivalence in American society.
The announcement prompted im-
image of a day care center.
Republican leaders in the Senate
The current debate resonates pow-
mediate praise from child-care advo-
Of children under age 5 whose
are organizing support for their own
erfully among a range of families,
cates, who have long complained
mothers work, 43 percent are cared
legislation, which would also in-
including single parents, dual-earn-
that quality care is hard to find, and
for by fathers, grandparents or oth-
clude relief for non-working par-
ers and mothers who have given up
er relatives, 29 percent are in orga-
ents Sen. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho),
even mediocre care is too expensive
lucrative careers to raise their chil-
nized child-care centers and 21 per-
chairman of the Senate Republican
for many working families.
dren.
cent are cared for in a babysitter's
Policy Committee, has suggested
But to the advocates' surprise, the
Like many other political debates
home or by nannies in the child's
an "income splitting" plan to allow
ensuing debate has focused very
in Washington, it gains intensity
home, according to the Census Bu-
stay-at-home parents to claim half of
little on the particulars of the admin-
both because it touches so many
reau.
the income of their spouses, putting
istration plan. Instead, a flurry of
lives-10 million children under age
"Because these subsidies [in the
both parents into a lower tax brack-
voices has raised a more emotional
5 have mothers that work-and be-
president's plan} are available only
et.
subject: whether so many mothers
cause it touches a nerve. Families
to parents who use commercial
"The president had a lot to say
should work.
that have given up income to allow
child care, they in effect punish
about mothers who work outside
"Some fundamental questions
one parent to stay home, for exam-
parents who want to spend more
the home," Craig said in a recent
need to be asked about the impor-
ple. have long felt ignored by policy-
time with their own children," said
radio address. "Let's get it straight,
tance of the mother-child attach-
makers and the child-care advocacy
David Blankenhorn, president of
Mr. President. All moms work. No
ment, particularly in the very early
groups.
the Institute for American Values, a
one should be left out."
months and years," said Sen. Dan
"Members of Congress on both
sides are scared of the feminists:*
Child-care ideologues are very or-
ganized, and they control this is-
sue," said, Heidi Brennan, public
policy, director for, Mothers Gat
Home, at national organization
based in Vienna, Va What they
don't realize that grass-roots
Americans don see fit the same
"vay. She argues that Congress
help parents find ways te
ore time with their chil-
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION