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Draft 06/09/98 9:00am
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
REMARKS ON THE EQUAL PAY ACT
THE ROSE GARDEN
June 10, 1998
Acknowledgements: The First Lady; Rep. [TBD]; Sen. Boxer; VPOTUS and Mrs. Gore;
Dorothy Height
I want to begin by saying how pleased I am that Dorothy Height is able to join us this
afternoon. For six decades now, Dorothy Height has worked tirelessly for civil rights, the rights
of women, and the health and strength of America's families and communities. I was honored to
present her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom four years ago, and we are equally honored
by her presence here today.
America has come a long way in the thirty-five years since Dorothy Height attended the
signing of the Equal Pay Act. Just last week we learned that the American economy, the
strongest in a generation, has created 16 million new jobs in the last five years. Unemployment
is low, wages are high. That's good news for men and women. The rising tide of our surging
economy is, indeed, lifting all boats.
Equal pay has come a long way in thirty-five years. At that historic bill signing,
President Kennedy said that the Equal Pay Act is "basic to democracy" -- giving women "the
same rights at the working place
that they have enjoyed at the polling place."
Back then, women earned only 59 cents, on average, for every dollar men earned. Today,
I am releasing a report by the Council of Economic Advisers showing that the gender gap in
wages has narrowed considerably. Women now earn 75 cents for every dollar men earn.
The new numbers represent a significant step forward. But we are still miles from
completing the journey. It has taken us longer to get women three-quarters of the way to equal
pay than it did to send a man all the way to the moon.
The CEA study shows that the gender gap continues to narrow; but also that it will not
close of its own accord. There are many reasons for this, despite women's gains in education and
experience. Today I am also releasing a Labor Department review that paints a historical picture
of women's employment, showing obstacles overcome and challenges remaining. Balancing
family and work is one of those challenges for many women. But we cannot forget another
important factor in the wage gap: discrimination. Even with the economy booming and real
wages rising, there are many women whose work is not being fully valued by employers.
Equal pay is not a political issue. It is not even a gender issue. It is, at heart, a national
issue, a family issue, and a question of what kind of country we want America to be today and in
the 21st century, when our daughters will grow up and enter the workplace.
That is why our administration is working hard to close the wage gap, as the Vice
President explained. And that is why, today, I am personally endorsing the equal pay measure
introduced by Senator Daschle and Congresswoman DeLauro. This legislation would strengthen
enforcement of the Equal Pay Act, toughening penalties and making wage discrimination based
on gender as costly as wage discrimination based on race. It would also ensure that women who
face wage discrimination are fully compensated. This legislation is tough, it is fair, and
Congress should pass it today.
Americans have always believed in the value of work -- that anyone who works hard
should be able to provide for themselves and their family with dignity. More women than ever
now have that chance. But 75 cents on the dollar is not enough -- for women, for families, or for
America. As our nation moves forward into the 21st century, we must make sure that our age of
opportunity will not be remembered for opportunities lost. If we meet this challenge, if we value
the contributions of all America's workers, then we will be a more productive, prosperous and
proud nation in the 21st century.
EQUALPAY.REM
Page 1
REMARKS FOR MRS. GORE
EQUAL PAY ANNOUNCEMENTCONFERENCE
WHITE HOUSE
JUNE 10, 1998
Thank you. Our economy is the strongest it's been in a
generation and much of that good news can be attributed to the
impact of women in the workplace. Working women add more
than $2 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy annually.
Women-owned businesses contribute more to our economy and
employ more workers than the entire Fortune 500.
But the full story of women's impact on our economy cannot be
told until we close the wage gap between working men and
working women. For the fact remains, women still make only
74 cents to every dollar that men earn. One quarter of women
who work full-time, year round, do not earn enough to move
their families above the federal poverty threshold. Jean Crews,
a working mother from California, recently wrote us to say: "As
a divorced mother of three, I work so hard for just $12.28 an
hour. I am a senior office assistant with the county, working for
three years. I've seen men come off the streets and be hired for
higher paying jobs with less experience. The company just
trained them. My son's medication costs $130 a month,
something I can't afford to pay. I feel guilty that I can't provide
more for my family."
EQUALPAY REM
Page 2
The inequality that Mrs. Crews faces not only deprives working
women from earning a fair living, it also denies our children
adequate health care, it keeps thousands of young kids from
going to college, and it impacts the quality of life of many
families across our nation.
This Administration is the first in 35 years to declare firmly and
unequivocably that we will not allow that inequality to continue.
America's hard-pressed, hard working women should not have
to raise families in poverty. Our nation was founded on the
principle that all Americans deserve equal pay for equal work
and we are determined to see that promise through.
I am honored to introduce to you a man who is working to
ensure that his daughters have the same opportunity to earn a
fair wage as his son does. Please welcome my husband, Al
Gore.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS FOR BUFFALO, NEW YORK
FAMILIES AGENDA
JANUARY 20, 1999
THANK YOU, TIPPER, FOR THAT KIND INTRODUCTION --
AND FOR YOUR TIRELESS EFFORTS, OVER MANY YEARS,
EDUCATING US ALL ABOUT THE CRITICAL ISSUE OF
MENTAL HEALTH. I'M so PLEASED TO BE IN BUFFALO WITH
YOU, THE VICE PRESIDENT, THE PRESIDENT, AND EVERYONE
HERE TODAY, AS WE TALK ABOUT THE BOLD NEW AGENDA
FOR AMERICA THAT THE PRESIDENT UNVEILED LAST NIGHT
IN HIS STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS.
AS SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW, THE FOUR OF US
CAMPAIGNED IN THIS AREA BACK IN AUGUST OF 1992. IT
WAS A GOOD DEAL WARMER THEN -- AND WE WERE ALL A
GOOD BIT YOUNGER. BUT SOME THINGS HAVEN'T
CHANGED. THE PRESIDENT SPOKE THAT HOT SUMMER DAY
ABOUT THE VERY REAL CONCERNS OF AMERICA'S
FAMILIES.
2
HE SPOKE ABOUT HOW WE NEED TO RAISE WAGES FOR
WORKING AMERICANS; IMPROVE CHILD CARE;
STRENGTHEN OUR SCHOOLS; GIVE PARENTS TIME OFF FOR
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES; AND PROVIDE MORE
AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OUR CITIZENS.
AND I'M VERY PROUD THAT OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS,
MY HUSBAND HAS NEVER, EVER, TAKEN HIS EYES OFF OF
THOSE FUNDAMENTAL GOALS FOR AMERICA'S FAMILIES,
OR STOPPED WORKING -- WITH ALL HIS ENERGY AND
COMMITMENT -- TO FULFILL THAT VISION FOR THE FUTURE.
3
FOR THE PAST SIX YEARS, I'VE HAD THE HONOR OF
TRAVELING AROUND THIS WONDERFUL NATION OF OURS --
SOMETIMES WITH THE PRESIDENT, AND SOMETIMES ON MY
OWN -- TALKING WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELVES ABOUT
THE DAILY STRUGGLES WE ALL FACE TO BALANCE WORK
AND FAMILY.
WE'VE LEARNED -- FROM LISTENING TO YOU -- HOW
MUCH FAMILIES NEED TIME OFF FROM WORK TO CARE FOR
A NEW BORN CHILD -- OR AN AILING PARENT. THAT'S WHY
WE WERE ALL SO PROUD THAT THE FIRST PIECE OF
LEGISLATION MY HUSBAND SIGNED INTO LAW WAS THE
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT. MILLIONS OF
AMERICANS HAVE ALREADY BENEFITTED FROM ITS
PROTECTIONS.
4
AND, LAST NIGHT, THE PRESIDENT CALLED ON
CONGRESS TO EXPAND THE LAW TO COVER 10 MILLION
MORE WORKING AMERICANS.
AS A NATION, WE MUST HONOR THE COMMITMENT OF
PARENTS -- NOT PUNISH THEM. THAT IS WHY THE
PRESIDENT WILL SEND LEGISLATION TO CONGRESS THAT
PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PARENTS IN THE
WORKPLACE.
WE'VE ALSO LEARNED -- FROM LISTENING TO YOU --
THAT ONE OF THE GREATEST CONCERNS OF AMERICANS
TODAY IS FINDING AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE CHILD CARE.
AND RESEARCH UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF THOSE
EARLIEST YEARS TO CHILDREN'S ABILITY TO LEARN AND
GROW FOR A LIFETIME.
5
THAT'S WHY IMPROVING CHILD CARE HAS BEEN AT
THE HEART OF THE PRESIDENT'S FAMILIES AGENDA.
THE PRESIDENT IS SEEKING TO SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND
OUR INVESTMENT IN CHILD CARE -- TO MAKE IT MORE
AFFORDABLE FOR LOW-AND MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES,
AND TO STRENGTHEN ITS QUALITY SO THAT CHILDREN
COME TO SCHOOL READY TO LEARN.
THE PRESIDENT IS ALSO PROPOSING NEW TAX RELIEF
TO HELP OVER A MILLION PARENTS WHO STAY AT HOME
WITH THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN. THESE FAMILIES NEED
SUPPORT TOO.
6
WE'VE LEARNED -- FROM LISTENING TO YOU -- THAT
EVERY DAY AT 3 P.M., PARENTS ACROSS AMERICA LOOK UP
AT THE CLOCK, AND START WORRYING ABOUT WHETHER
THEIR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN ARE SAFE, AND WHETHER
THEY HAVE A SUPERVISED PLACE TO PLAY OR DO THEIR
HOMEWORK.
THIS PRESIDENT HAS ALREADY DRAMATICALLY
EXPANDED FUNDING FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
ACROSS THE COUNTRY. HE'S NOW PROPOSING TO TRIPLE
THAT INVESTMENT TO ENABLE OVER ONE MILLION
CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER
SCHOOL PROGRAMS.
7
THIS INITIATIVE WILL NOT ONLY GIVE WORKING
PARENTS THE PEACE OF MIND THEY NEED AND DESERVE.
BY PROMOTING ACADEMICALLY ENRICHED AFTER SCHOOL
AND SUMMER PROGRAMS, WE CAN HELP AMERICA'S
CHILDREN GET THE EXTRA HELP THEY NEED TO SUCCEED.
WE'VE LEARNED -- FROM LISTENING TO YOU -- THAT
TOO MANY FAMILIES ARE CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE
BETWEEN NURTURING THEIR GROWING CHILDREN -- AND
NURSING THEIR ELDERLY OR DISABLED PARENTS. so THE
PRESIDENT IS PROPOSING NEW LONG TERM CARE
ASSISTANCE THAT INCLUDES HELP FOR ELDERLY AND
DISABLED AMERICANS AS WELL AS THEIR THE CARE GIVERS
-- MOST OF WHOM ARE FAMILY MEMBERS ALREADY
STRUGGLING TO BALANCE FAMILY AND WORK.
8
THE PRESIDENT RECOGNIZES THAT AS MUCH PROGRESS
AS WE'VE MADE, WE MUST DO MORE TO SUPPORT
AMERICA'S FAMILIES. WHETHER IT'S RAISING THE
MINIMUM WAGE; STRENGTHENING MEDICARE AND
MEDICAID; EXPANDING FAMILY LEAVE; PASSING THE
PATIENT'S BILL OF RIGHTS; COVERING MILLIONS MORE
CHILDREN WITH HEALTH CARE; IMPROVING PUBLIC
EDUCATION; OR BOOSTING CHILD CARE AND AFTER
SCHOOL PROGRAMS, THIS ADMINISTRATION -- LED BY THIS
PRESIDENT -- IS COMMITTED TO HELPING FAMILIES MEET
THEIR OBLIGATIONS AS WORKERS, AND THEIR EVEN MORE
IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AS PARENTS.
9
TODAY, LET'S CELEBRATE HOW FAR WE'VE COME
SINCE THAT HOT AUGUST DAY IN 1992 -- AND REDOUBLE
OUR EFFORTS TO BUILD UPON THIS REMARKABLE RECORD
OF ACHIEVEMENT IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.
AND NOW, IT'S MY HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO
INTRODUCE A MAN WHO IS DEEPLY COMMITTED TO
AMERICA'S FAMILIES. A VISIONARY LEADER AND A DEAR
FRIEND: VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE.
10
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
EQUAL PAY EVENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
JUNE 10, 1998
It's a pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House -- particularly for
an event that speaks so directly to the concerns of women across our country, and
at every level of our society. I want to pay special tribute to those here today --
from the AFL-CIO; the National Committee On Pay Equity; and leading members
of Congress -- who have contributed so much over the years to the advancement of
equal pay.
As many of you know, this year marks the 150th anniversary of the
women's rights movement -- which was sparked when a group of women in
Seneca Falls boldly declared: "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men
and women are created equal."
Much of America's history is the story of that ongoing struggle to gain
equal justice and opportunity for every citizen. Since that statement was made a
century and a half ago, each generation has produced its own visionary leaders,
and experienced both the disappointment of failure and the exhilaration of
progress. And each generation has worked together to move this nation forward -
- by lifting up the lives of its families and children.
Today, we come together to commemorate one of those milestones in
America's history: the 1963 signing of the Equal Pay Act by President John F.
Kennedy, which outlawed wage discrimination on the basis of sex. At the time,
women were entering the workforce in record numbers -- yet were facing far
higher barriers -- and dramatically lower wages -- than men. We're here to
celebrate President Kennedy's historic step toward equal opportunity for women
-- and to celebrate the progress women have made in the workplace since that
time. But we're also here to recommit ourselves to fulfilling that promise made 35
years ago today.
In this photograph of that White house ceremony -- we see President
Kennedy with some of the great women leaders of that generation who had
dedicated their lives to improving wages and working conditions for women and
people of color. One of those women was Dorothy Height -- who at the time was
president of the National Council of Negro Women -- an organization she still
leads. We are truly honored to have her with us today.
Because without the courageous leadership that she and so many others have
provided, and without the drive and tenacity of working women who have
struggled for so long for better conditions, higher wages and respect -- we would
not be standing here today. We owe them all an extraordinary debt of gratitude.
When I entered the workforce 25 years ago, I found far greater opportunities
and choices than my mother and the women of her generation. And today, women
are making important contributions in every sector of our society -- taking pride
and satisfaction as breadwinners for their families, and as vital members of
America's workforce.
Yet when I meet with working women across the country, I also sense great
frustration and worry. Women talk about how hard it is to balance the demands of
work and families, and be good mothers and good workers; and how tough it is to
find decent child care they can trust and afford; and how they don't feel their
work is valued. And what I've learned from these many conversations -- and what
has been confirmed by a recent AFL-CIO report -- is that equal pay is at the top of
working women's agenda. And it's a concern that cuts across every income level,
every generation, every race, and every region of the country.
Equal pay is about fundamental fairness. It's at the heart of the American
dream. And while it's a woman's issue, it's also a family issue. If we close the
pay gap, family incomes will rise; and working parents will have more to spend
on groceries, education, and retirement security. Equal pay also means that
parents could spend more time with their families -- instead of taking on another
part time job to help make ends meet. In other words, everyone benefits.
This nation's most enduring challenge is to ensure that each one us has the
tools and the opportunities we need to live up to our fullest potential. To meet
that challenge -- and fulfill the promise of equal pay -- we will draw strength and
inspiration from those who have gone before us. And as we have done so many
times at critical moments in our history, we will move forward together.
And now, I'd like to introduce Eleanor Holmes Norton -- who has done so
much to bring us together.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS AT WLF NEW YORK EVENT
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
MARCH 3, 1999
AS DELIVERED
1
Thank you very much. Thank you all. Thank you. You know I
was asked a few months ago if I would come to New York for a WLF
event with a few of my friends and it is just an amazing sight to behold
all of you and there is an over flow room that I will visit, I want to tell
everybody who's there, which is nearly as big as this room. It gives me
just a great boost to see all of you here and supporting causes and
concerns that we share. There are many people to thank. Like Laura, I
wish that I could single out many of you whom I know personally and
have worked with, have become friends of mine. But I want to start by
thanking Laura for extraordinary leadership and commitment. She is
legendary in her willingness to work hard on behalf of causes and
candidates that she believes in and I am very grateful to her. I also want
to thank Roy Romer, who is here, the DNC General Chair, the former
long serving Governor of Colorado. I am delighted that Chuck Schumer
could have been with us and I understand why he needs to hurry back to
Washington to be there for whatever vote needs to take place. I am also
told that the Attorney General, landslide Spitzer, is here with his wife,
Sylda. And I am delighted they could be with us. I think that Judith
Hope, the New York State Party Chair, is here as well and I am glad to
greet Judith. And also I believe that Public Advocate Mark Green is
here and Mark, somewhere. The City Council Speaker, Peter Valone. I
2
think Peter is with us as well. There are other members of the New York
City Council, I don't have names but I want to thank you and maybe you
could stand and we could recognize you and express our appreciation
that you would come today. The Manhattan Borough President,
Virginia Fields is here, thank you Virginia for coming. And the Bronx
Borough President Freddy Forar is here somewhere and I want to thank
President Forar for being with us. The DNC Vice-Chair, Bill Lynch,
DNC Finance Chair Beth Desortz, I think the first woman to hold that
position which makes me very pleased indeed. The WLF National
Chair, Cynthia Freedman, I want to thank Cynthia and their board
members including my friend Shahara Amad Llewellen who is here in
the crowd. And the WLF Connecticut Chapter Chair, Ronnie Gonaad is
here as well. As I said though, I mean literally I could identify and point
out so many of you in this room. There is one person I want especially
to thank. Her tireless committment and her vision about the kind of
country we want to be as we move toward a new century has helped to
fill this room with people who are both activists and donors. She is a
remarkable woman and a real example and I want to thank Pat Pepper
for her leadership and her friendship over the years.
(NOT SURE IF ANY CUT OFF)
3
You might ask why is this an important event? Why are we all
gathered here? Well, I was told that there were some who thought that I
might have an announcement to make but I don't. But I do have a lot
on my mind that I'd like to share with each of you because your being
here speaks volumes to me about the kind of politics and the sort of
society that we all want to see.
It has been an interesting time in the last six years to see the
progress that we have been able to make as a nation. And that is
progress that is really the result of the hard work and dedication of
countless millions of Americans. Every time a businessman or woman
made a decision to reach down deep and take a risk and employ more
people and try to expand, to go into new markets and really make a mark
for him or herself, that was a decision that helped move us forward.
Every time a teacher looked out at a diverse group of students and said,
"You know, I'm going to do everything in my power to give these
young boys and girls the chance they deserve." That was also a decision
for the kind of future we want. Every time a doctor or a nurse said to
themselves, "You know I'm just going to do what I need to do for this
patient and I'm going to fulfill my obligations and I'm going to try and
make this health care system work for people and not just for
4
accountants or bureaucrats. And that moved us forward as to the kind of
country we want to be.
There are countless examples, people whose names might be in a
headline and people who would never be in the newspaper but you and I
know, people who are doing the very best they can every single day to
make a contribution and to try to make a difference. Now I know that
some people, when we talk about politics or public service, you know
you can see that they are put off, they don't know quite how to think
about what it is that makes our democracy vibrant.
And I am often asked as I've told some of you before, "You know,
what do you really think about politics" or in a slightly more biased
tone, "How can you stand politics?" And whenever someone asks me
that I pause for a minute and I say, "Well, you know have you ever been
a member of a family or a church or a synagogue or a civic organization
or anything else where you had to work with people to make decisions
by consensus, by majority vote, by working out the likes and dislikes of
all the people who you were working with?"
Because really politics, with a small p, is how in a democracy we
5
get along with one another. And we make decisions that we think are in
our best interest as well as the larger society's or a family's or a group.
And when we think about it that way, more in the line of de Tocqueville
and others we can see how unique this great American experiment is,
how lucky we are that we have for more than 200 plus years now
understood that politics, in the good times and the bad times, is really the
life blood of a democracy.
And so when I stand before all of you, I am really impressed that
you are willing to make a contribution, not only of your financial
resources but of your time and your energy to something political,
something that really we hope stands for something greater than each of
us could achieve on our own. And it is especially important, and the
reason why the WLF was formed in 1993, it's especially important that
women feel connected to the political process. Because there are so
many decisions made at the local, state and national level that truly do
effect how we live, how good the schools are that we send our children
to, the kind of heath care that's available to our parents.
I was especially reminded of that last summer when, with some of
you, I took a bus trip that led me from Newburg, New York to Seneca
Falls. And I was able to see a lot of places and visit with people because
6
we were attempting to, in the spirit of the Millennium, think about
saving America's treasures. And you know it's not just the big treasures
that we know about, the Star Spangled Banner, it's the quieter places.
It's the monument in a city center, it's a building that has stood the test
of time, it's a document that might be in an attic somewhere. But as I
traveled on that bus, stopping and talking and listening, I could see and
feel that maybe we don't think often enough about all of the sacrifices
that have gone before and all of the blessings we take for granted.
Now I couldn't help but be reminded of that by the time I got to
Seneca Falls for the 150th anniversary of the first women's rights
convention. Think for a minute of the courage it took, some of you were
there, thousands of people were there, to pay tribute to these women and
some hardy men who thought differently about what was possible. And
I read some of the individual stories about some of the participants.
And one young woman in particular made an impression on me.
She was a glove maker. You know I am always a little bit taken aback
when people in today's world talk as though women have only worked
for the last ten or fifteen years when we know that women have always
worked both in the home and outside, sometimes for wages, sometimes
7
and mostly not but have always made a contribution through their hard
work. And certainly in Seneca Falls and in the surrounding area with the
industrialization that was building up in the early part of the nineteenth
century, there were a lot of women who were working. And one young
woman, just nineteen years old,heard about this convention that was
aimed at talking about the rights that women should have because then
women couldn't own property in their name, they had no rights to their
children if there were a divorce. There were many many ways in which
they were legally prevented from claiming their full citizenship.
And this young glove maker read about this convention and went
from door to door in her community encouraging people to come with
her and they did. And they met like-minded women and men who
understood what the convention was attempting to do, which was to
claim the rights of women to be full human beings, to make the choices
that were the ones they thought were best for them.
Now advocating for those rights at that time caused a lot of
controversy and the women who were there were called all kinds of
names, "fanatics"and "old maids" and everything else you can imagine.
But they understood something that we also have to understand and that
8
is that those who advocate for progress and change will often pay a price
but if we persevere, if we see that kind of commitment through the
changes that can happen, will benefit maybe us but more likely our
daughters and our granddaughters.
Now today when we think about what is happening in the world
around us we can see that women have begun to take their rightful
places in the political landscape, not only as candidates who run for or
hold office but as contributors, as people who actively participate in the
political process as many of you do. And for all of us who are able to
participate, who can be here in this glorious room, just like those first
women at Seneca Falls, we are standing in for countless other women
who cannot be here, who couldn't afford the ticket, who wouldn't think
they had anything to wear or anything to contribute, who wouldn't see
themselves as a political person at all.
And one of our great challenges in the next years is to make sure
that o apathy, indifference, fear and insecurity, don't. One of the goals of
9
the last six years has been to try to open up politics and make public
service available to as many people as possible. That is part of the
reason the WLF began. And for all of us who are asked the question I'm
often asked, "Why would we be involved in politics?", let me give you a
few answers from just the last six years.
It makes a difference in the lives of men and women but
particularly women that the Earned Income Tax Credit and the minimum
wage have helped to lift families and children out of poverty. That
didn't happen by accident, it happened because people like the President
and the Vice President and others in the administration and members of
Congress understood that if we were a society built upon individual
initiative then we needed to reward work, not penalize it. And for all the
people who are working at minimum wage, all the people who are
striving to make ends meet, we wanted to send them a message, that
your work is not in vain. You can get a stake in this society if you are
willing to pay the price, if you are willing to work hard.
2
Our streets are safer in city after city and in neighborhood after
neighborhood throughout America. The Crime bill of 1994 helped to
put a strategy for dealing with crime in the forefront of our national
10
consciousness. All during the 1980s people gave speeches against
crime, didn't they. They pointed their fingers, they built more prisons
and the crime rate kept going up. But when this administration came
into office there was a different attitude. We needed to do something
about guns, we needed to put more police on the street, we needed to
encourage ideas like community policing. And as a result crime has
decreased for five years in a row around our country.
Now that is the kind of difference, that is the kind of difference
that politics can make. That was a bitterly fought battle in Washington.
One of the untold stories about the 1994 elections and all the Democratic
losses is that many Democratic members of Congress who were
persuaded to vote for the Crime bill and the Brady bill lost their seats
because of the incredible lobbying of the gun lobby against them when
they were up for election but they did the right thing and every time we
can breathe a little easier we should thank people who had the courage to
make that decision.
Another set of issues that have been a real problem for us in our
country, the economic front. Think about where we were in 1992 when
there were other countries lecturing the United States about our
11
economic house not being in order. Now here we are after some tough
decisions and some tough votes that cost a lot of good people their jobs,
including a very brave Congresswoman from outside of Philadelphia. I
don't know if you remember this but remember when the President's
deficit reduction plan was being voted on, it won by one vote in the
House and one vote in the Senate, thankfully the Vice President's vote.
But in the House, Marjorie Margolis Medzvinsky, who came from an
affluent district and who knew that it would be a tough sell for her
because we all know that the taxes were raised as well as spending was
cut and other things were done that had to be done. When Marjorie
walked up that aisle and the Republicans on both sides were waving at
her "Goodbye Marjorie" she knew she was putting her seat at risk and
she did it anyway because it was the right thing to do and now we can
look back at that historic vote and we can thank her and the other brave
members of Congress who stood with the President to do something
about our economic situation in this country.
We've also seen some good news on some of the social indicators.
We've seen both teen pregnancy rates -- and abortions finally going
down. And that was under a pro-choice President who refused to back
down on a woman's right to choose.
12
You know it is one thing to deplore a problem and it is another
thing to try to solve it and sometimes it is a lot easier just to point fingers
isn't it? Not to take responsibility but to just keep saying look at what
those people are doing or look at that problem and what we've tried to
do and what I think you can fairly say has happened in the last six years
is that this administration and many citizen allies like you out in the
country have tried to deal with problems, not put them under rug, not
ignore them, but to try to come up with strategies to solve them.
And there are many more examples that I could point to but the
issue is not, as we stand here on the brink of a new century, what we
have done but what we will do. What kinds of decisions are we willing
to make now as we move forward? We are living in good times and
we're proud that we are.
We see the United States as the indispensable nation, we see our
economy continuing to grow, we see a lot of progress being made. And
so we have to ask ourselves is now the time that we retreat into our own
worlds where we say I'm fine, my family's fine, my business is fine, I
don't have to worry about anybody else. Or do we take these good times
that we have carefully created and have the resources to husband and
13
make good decisions about and try to continue confronting problems and
making it possible for us to say that we are together creating progress in
our country.
Well now obviously I believe it's time for us to deal with
remaining problems that we confront. I think what drew many of us into
the WLF or into politics in general is that we do believe we have a social
contract with one another, that we do believe that our country can
continue to become better and better if but only if a critical majority of
people are willing to do what needs to be done when the times arise.
You know, I'm always amused when occasionally I hear that the
President or I or someone in the administration are advocating issues
that are women's issues or that are not really big significant issues,
issues like child care, or issues like choice, or issues like education, or
issues like health care. And you know I've always been amused when I
hear somebody say that all of this talk about these issues were leading to
'The feminization of politics.' Now, the commentator who said that I
think meant it as maybe insulting I don't want to make any
conclusions about that but I've never considered issues like health care,
education, child care as women's issues.
14
I've met lots and lots of fathers and husbands and sons who were
just as concerned. The point is that we are attempting to humanize
politics. We are attempting to give people the belief that the political
actually can work for them. And so when someone asks you to get
involved with the WLF or the Democratic party think about what it
means for all of the people who aren't here today that you would have
made a contribution and staked yourself out on the side of issues that are
humanizing American politics.
You know a few weeks ago I was in Brooklyn at a wonderful event
at the YMCA there and I met with a group of women who talked to me
very personally about their lives. A single mom who makes $30,000 a
year, which is too much for any kind of subsidy, but after she pays
everything she has to pay she doesn't know where to leave her son while
she goes to work and we all want her to work and $30,000 is a good
salary. But she can't figure out what to do about child care.
I met another mom who's working with three small children and
she doesn't know what to do with them after school. And for her that is
not a trivial issue, it's a critical one about how she can have peace at
work and try to make sure that her family has a good income but know
15
that her children are well taken care of. And she needed after school
programs and thanks to increased funding in the President's budget she
now has a place for at least one of her children to go after school.
I met a woman whose daughter was in a very serious automobile
accident last Spring. And if it were not for the Family and Medical
Leave Act she doesn't know what she would have done. She was able to
take twelve weeks of unpaid leave and have a job waiting when she went
back. Imagine how you would feel, you're a working mom, your child's
in an accident, that child needs to be in a hospital then needs
rehabilitation and physical therapy and you have to make a choice
between taking care of your child or losing your job. This mom
understood clearly how important the Family and Medical Leave Act is
and I would like to see its provisions, which remember are unpaid leave,
extended to even more employers so that more employees would have a
right to do that.
So just there in that one encounter child care, after school care,
Family and Medical Leave, those were not abstract issues to the women
I spoke with. They were the stuff of real life. And because of politics
each of them had better options than they ever could have had before.
16
And we are also confronting some very big issues when it comes to
Social Security and Medicare. And again these are not just concerns for
a certain group of Americans but should be concerns for all of us. If we
have older parents, as I am still fortunate to have my mother, we know
that Social Security and Medicare are essential. But we sometimes
forget that Social Security is also available to young people who suffer
diseases or accidents and can't go on working.
I remember hearing about one young man who had an
incapacitating stroke in his early 30s -- something we don't imagine
happening to young people. His health problems left his wife and his
children to fend for themselves. But because of Social Security he was
able to have disability insurance for the children and he knew that they
at least would have some measure of financial security.
It truly is a family protection system for America's families. It's
also the single reason why half of all American women over 65 are not
living in poverty. That is a stunning statistic and I've taken in my own
mind as I travel around or go to church or go visit people or look out the
window of a car as I drive by, I'm thinking to myself that for every
woman, every two women over 65 whom I see on the street, one of them
17
would be impoverished were it not for Social Security. So this debate
about Social Security that is going on in the Congress and I hope
throughout the country is important for every American but it is
especially important for women and it has special meaning for those
millions of Americans who depend upon SSI and other benefits that we
often don't think of and we just say Social Security.
It's also critical that we look at what to do to save Medicare. And
this is also a problem not just for older Americans but for those of us
who have older relatives or feel responsible for someone over 65. I
don't know how many friends of yours have had to quit a job or cut back
on hours or go to extraordinary lengths to take care of an older relative
or friend or in some way make a contribution to the well being of
somebody over 65. But I've met countless Americans who are in that
position.
A few weeks ago in the White House we had a woman whose
mother is in a very advanced state of Alzheimers. They couldn't afford
to put her in a home, they really didn't want to. So she quit her job so
she could become the full time care taker. That meant that her husband
had to take on more work to try to maintain their standard of living. You
18
know, one of the hopes that we have in this session of Congress is that
the President's proposal to help families with long term care will be
successful. Because especially when families are trying to do the right
thing, keep somebody at home, make the sacrifices, let's give them the
support that they need so that they can continue doing what they know is
right for themselves and their families.
There are many examples of where political decisions have made a
difference in the lives of real Americans. And this decision that we are
confronting about Social Security and Medicare will be one of the most
important we face. I happen to think that the President's proposal to
dedicate the surplus, 77 percent of it to Social Security and Medicare, is
the responsible action to take.
I told a group earlier today that a friend of mine had a great line,
she said, "You know if Roosevelt's line was that 'This is a generation
that has a rendezvous with destiny' ours is a generation which has a
rendezvous with responsibility." And that means that for all of these
issues, if we don't confront them and try to deal with them now they will
only get worse. And as those of us in the so called baby boom
generation age the choices we face will be incredibly draconian. And
19
people like you and me, most of us in this room, we can probably figure
out a way to take care of ourselves but do we really want to live in a
society where the vast majority of Americans are rendered insecure,
where their health care is up to the choice of whatever insurance
company gets their business. I think not.
I think part of what we have to face is how we in this time of
dynamic change have enough security and confidence in the future that
we are able to encourage every American to live up to his or her God
given potential. As we look at the future, one of the efforts we are trying
to make in the White House to help frame our thinking is through the
Millennium Council that we've set up. We've adopted a slogan "Honor
the past and imagine the future". And if one thinks about it that's a
pretty good idea that we can bring not only to saving America's
treasures or thinking about the great accomplishments of the past and
what might happen in the future, but it's a pretty good definition for
citizens of any democracy.
We honor the past when we recognize the sacrifices that went
before us. We honor the past when we recognize that my mother was
born before she could vote. We honor the past when we say to ourselves
20
that this country for all of its difficulties has gone further in giving to
every person who is a part of the American experience an opportunity to
be whatever that person has the guts and the hard work and the
willingness to make of himself or herself. So we can honor the past in
lots of ways. But we do a disservice to ourselves, our children, and our
future if we think we can live in the past.
There are many people who believe they can turn the clock back,
shut our borders, tell people how to live, point fingers at one another,
instead of extending a helping hand and saying I will help you on your
journey if you help me on mine. And what we as Americans have to
recognize is that we cannot drop out of the political process and leave
the arena to those with very specific agendas. We cannot say I won't be
involved in politics because I don't like the negativity, I don't like all of
the ads on television, I don't feel comfortable thinking about or talking
about politics and the way it has become.
I can certainly understand why someone might feel that way but it
is not a feeling that you should act on. It is a feeling that should be
trangent. You could say all you want about the flaws of our political
system but when it comes right down to it somebody is going to make
21
Y our childr
Rights? Will we or will we not be fiscally responsible with the surplus
and begin to deal with Social Security, Medicare, and our savings deficit
through USA accounts?
Those are not decisions that we should leave to someone else,
some other organized group. Those are decisions each of us have a stake
in. And so I begin to think about the future in political terms because
I've always believed that we are at our best as a nation when everybody
understands their obligations as a citizen. And that is what you are
doing here today.
I've had a lot of wonderful experiences in the last six years. I've
been able to travel around the world representing our country, both with
my husband and on my own. I've looked into the faces of countless
people here and abroad, I've listened to their stories, I've shared their
hopes and their anguish from everything that might happen in their
families here in the United States to the political dilemmas they face
abroad. And every time I do go out, either to another country or to
another part of our country, I am struck time and time again by how
blessed we are at this point in our history.
The women at Seneca Falls could never even have imagined the
freedoms and the rights we take for granted. The real challenge for us is
to decide whether all the sacrifices that were made in the past should just
be honored by rhetoric or honored by action. And whether we can be
part of imagining a kind of future for our country that keeps faith with
all the people who went before. This is a great great time to be a woman
in America. We are so blessed and we should be so grateful no matter
what our personal circumstances are that we live at a time in a society
where we do have the opportunities that we have before us today.
But among our obligations and among the debts we owe to those
who came before are to be involved in the political process that makes
the American democracy work. And I want to thank all of you for being
part of making that happen. Thank you very much.
23
02/15/99 MON 12:48 FAX
002
Orszag
[70r3
203
Paul Glachs John
785
Remarks of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Americans Discuss Social Security Teleconference
7402
Jazshe
Washington, D.C.
y
January 23, 1999
nields
I want to thank Carolyn and "Americans Discuss Social Security," and I want to thank
40
Rebecca Rimel and the Pew Charitable Trust, for engaging so many citizens from every walk of
life throughout our nation in this conversation: "What Every Woman Should Know About Social
Security."
coken
I'm glad we opened this event with the video of women talking about their concerns,
fears, hopes and what they think about the future of Social Security. Because that's what I hear
all over the country as I travel. And that's why we're here today. To talk, and listen, and
hopefully learn from one another.
The future of Social Security is, without a doubt, one of the most important issues facing
our country and facing women in America today. Yet many of us are just beginning to get
involved in this debate, and we are just starting to learn about how Social Security affects us as
women.
We all have a lot of questions and concerns. And that's why forums like this one are so
valuable.
I know that for many of you, I am like you. I have heard about Social Security all my life.
I got a Social Security card as a teenager when I got my first job. And I've seen firsthand how it
serves as a lifeline not only for our parents and grandparents as they retire and grow older
but for generations, Social Security has been a rock-solid guarantee of lifetime benefits. It's been
our nation's historic commitment to ensuring that Americans can grow old with dignity.
And as we look at the people who are on Social Security now, we have to remember that
they are not the only recipients. The more I've learned about Social Security, the more I
understand what a critical role it plays in all of our lives --whether we're young or old. working or
disabled. The majority of those receiving Social Security benefits are the elderly. But, by no
means, the only recipients. Because Social Security is more than a retirement system. Nearly
one-third of its beneficiaries are either disabled or survivors or their dependents. And almost
four million are young people. Social Security in a very real sense is America's family
protection system.
One of the reasons why Social Security is critical for everyone is because anyone's life can
change overnight. Let me tell you just a few of the stories I have heard:
About a young man from Miami who had an incapacitating stroke in his early 30s - not
something you think of happening to young people. He left his wife and four children to
1
02/15/99 MON 12:49 FAX
003
fend for themselves. He could no longer support them. But Social Security was there to
provide disability insurance for the children - enabling them to grow up healthy and
cared for.
Or a young girl in Oklahoma who lost her mother when she was only 15 years old. Social
Security enabled her to continue on to college, where she's now a sophomore majoring in
Psychology.
Or the retired cafeteria worker from Tennessee who lost her husband eight years ago. Her
benefits were replaced by his, and now she can live a more comfortable life.
We never know when something catastrophic will happen to any of us. How many of us
have seen tragedies and thought to ourselves: "There but for the grace of God go 1?" But today,
we know we can count on Social Security to help hold our families together, and protect us
against the unexpected hazards of life.
At this conference, we will learn more about how women in particular are affected by
Social Security, and how we have a particular stake in its future. Women represent the majority
of all aged recipients. Without it, as we've heard, the poverty rate among elderly women would
be more than half. I want you to think about what that means. When you go the supermarket,
when you go maybe to church or the synagogue, when you're walking down the street, I want
you to think that every other woman you see who is over 65 would be living below the poverty
line if it were not for Social Security. And for a quarter of our older women, Social Security is
the only income they receive. It's all that stands between them and the ravages of poverty.
As women, we also rely on Social Security because of our unique life patterns. We do live
longer than men. And, while we're making progress, we still have lower lifetime earnings, and we
reach retirement with smaller pensions and other financial assets.
Our mission today is not only to educate ourselves about the values and benefits of
Social Security, but to talk about ways of ensuring that it will be preserved for future generations.
As my husband explained in his State of the Union address just a few days ago, bold steps must be
taken now to make sure Social Security remains solvent well into the 21st century.
The question is: how should we respond to this historic challenge? As many of you know,
the President has put forward a framework to save Social Security
He believes that the best way to keep Social Security a rock-solid guarantee is to avoid
drastic cuts in benefits, not to raise payroll tax rates, and not to drain resources from the system in
the name of saving it. He's proposing instead to commit 62 percent of the budget surplus for the
next 15 years to save Social Security, and to invest a small portion in the private sector to enable
that to earn a higher return.
2
004
02/15/99 MON 12:49 FAX
I'm very pleased that Republican leaders have embraced the President's call to reserve 62
percent of the budget surplus for Social Security, as we all work together to devise a plan to save
and strengthen this critical program.
But it is essential that Democrats and Republicans alike answer the President's challenge
to preserve enough of the surplus also to protect Medicare into the next century. Health security
and retirement security should go hand in hand.
While we must protect the special provisions in Social Security that are particularly
beneficial to women, the President also recognizes there is even more we can do. There are
inequities in the system that can be fixed. And I want to underscore his commitment to reducing
poverty among elderly women, who are still nearly twice as likely to be poor as other seniors.
The President also believes that once we've saved Social Security and Medicare, we
should create universal savings accounts -- so-called "U.S.A. Accounts" -- to give working
families tax relief for their retirement savings. He believes that we can help all Americans --
especially those with lower incomes -- to save and invest their earnings to build nest eggs for their
own retirements.
The difference between the President's proposals and other proposals is that the President
believes we can empower Americans to save, without creating risky and untested individual
accounts within the Social Security system.
Clearly these issues are far too important for any of us to stay on the sidelines. Women's
concerns -- like all America's concerns -- must be an integral part of the public debate about the
future of Social Security. If we want to save Social Security as a family protection system we can
count on into the next millennium, our voices must be heard -- in town halls, in the halls of
Congress, and in forums like this
Today, I hope all of us will stay involved after this conference and keep this national
conversation going -- by encouraging discussions in our homes, our workplaces, our churches,
everywhere we gather. And above all, we must continue to educate ourselves so we can achieve
Social Security reforms that truly benefit women.
I regret I won't be able to be with you for this entire conference. But 1 know you're
going to hear some very good information and discussion. And I'm pleased that a member of the
Social Security Administration will be here to answer your individual questions. I look forward to
hearing of the reports and ideas that come from this conversation. Never forget: your voices do
matter. And we're all very grateful for the time you are taking today to be sure those voices are
heard.
Thank you all very much.
3
MAR-08-99 13:24 FROM CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID:202 508 6902
PAGE
American reseration 01 LaDOr and Congress 01 Industrial Organizations
EXECUTIVE COUNCR
PEDICATION OF LADOR OF LABOR
815 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
JOHN J. SWEENEY
RICHARD L. TRUMKA
LINDA CHAVEZ-THOMPSON
Washington, D.C 20006
PRESIDENT
SECRETARY-TREASURER
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
(202) 637-6000
http://www.aficia.org
Vincent R. Sombrone
Geraid W. McEntee
John T. Joyce
Morton Bahr
AFL
Rebert A. Georgine
Gene Upshaw
Jay Mazur
John J. Barry
Mos Biller
Frank Manley
James J. Norton
Michael sacco
Ron Carey
Arthur A. Coia
Frank Hurt
Gloria T. Johnson
Douglas H. Dority
George F. Backer
Stephen P. Yokich
J. Randoiph Babbitt
OF INDUSTRIAL
Clayola Brown
M.A. "Mac" Flaming
Pat Friend
Michael Goodwin
Joe L. Greene
Sonny Hall
Sumi Haru
Carroll Haynes
James La Sala
William Lucy
Leon Lynch
Douglas J. McCarron
Arthur Moore
Anuro S. Redriguez
Robert A. Scardelletti
Rebert E. Wages
Jake West
Alfred K. Whitenead
Andrew L. Stern
Edward L. Fire
Martin J. Maddaichi
John M. Bcwers
Sandra Feldman
R. Thomas Buffanbarger
Boyd D. Young
Dennis Rivera
Bobby L. Harnage, Sr.
Stuart Appelbaum
John W. Wilhelm
Elizabeth Bunn
Michael E. Monroe
Embargoed until February 24, 1999
For Information:
Naomi Walker, AFL-CIO
202/637-5093
Amanda Gordon, IWPR
202/785-5100
Average Family Loses $4,000 Annually
to the Wage Gap Between Men and Women, New Study Finds
State-By-State Data Shows Working Families
Pay Heaviest Price in Ohio, Fare Best in Alaska
AFL-CIO Launches Campaign to Introduce New State Equal Pay Legislation
Washington, D.C., February 24 - The average working family loses more than $4,000 each year because of
the wage gap between women and men, according to "Equal Pay for Working Families: National and State
Data on the Pay Gap and Its Costs," a new study released today by the AFL-CIO and the Institute for
Women's Policy Research. Overall, America's working families lose a staggering $200 billion each year.
The national AFL-CIO also launched a campaign to introduce new equal pay legislation in over 22
states this year. The legislation is designed to close the wage gap between men and women as well as
workers of color.
"Equal pay would make a world of difference for working families. For many families, it could
mean living above the poverty level, decent health care, a college education for the kids, and a secure
retirement." said Linda Chavez-Thompson, AFL-CIO Executive Vice-President.
According to Heidi Hartmann, President of the Institute for Women's Policy Research, working
families in Ohio. Michigan, Vermont, Indiana, Illinois, Montana, Wisconsin, and Alabama pay the
heaviest price for unequal pay to working women, losing an average of roughly $5,000 in family income
each year. Family income losses were calculated taking into account differences such as education, age.
annual hours worked and geographic location.
Statewide family income losses due to unequal pay for women range from $326 million in Alaska
to $21.8 billion in California.
Over 50 percent of two-earner and single mother households across the country would be lifted out
of poverty if equal pay were enacted and enforced the state level.
-more-
MAR-08-99 13:25 FROM:AFL CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID 202 508 6902
PAGE
7/7
The analysis found that both women and men who work in "female-dorninated" jobs (those in
which at least 70% of the workers are women) pay a steep price a total whopping $113 billion
annually The 26.5 million women who work in traditionally fernale-dominated jobs lose $88 billion and
the four million men working in these jobs lose $25 billion each year.
Looking simply at annual earnings for full-time workers, women are paid the least, compared with
men, in Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming - where women
earn less than 70 percent of men's weekly earnings. Women of color fare especially poorly in Louisiana,
Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah. Wisconsin and Wyoming -- earning less than 60 percent
of what men earn.
The study found that even where women fare best compared with men - in Arizona, California,
Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island - women earn little more than 80 percent as
much as men. Women earn the most in comparison to men - 97 percent — in Washington, D.C., but the
primary reason women appear to fare so well is the very low wages of minority men. For women of color,
the gender pay gap is smallest in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Florida, New York, and Tennessee,
where they earn more than 70 percent of what men overall in those states earn.
"One of the best ways to help close the wage gap between men and women is to join a union," said
Gloria Johnson, President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women.
Unions help raise wages for their members. On average, full-time women workers represented by
unions earn 38 percent more per week - $157 - than non-union women. Unionized minority women
also earn 38 percent more - $135- than women of color who don't belong to unions. Minority men
who are represented by unions bring home a hefty 44 percent more - $177- each week than non-
unionized men of color. Gender and minority wage gaps are smaller, too, among unionized workers:
women represented by unions earn almost 84 percent as much as union men, while unionized workers of
color make about 81 percent as much as unionized white workers.
Equal pay is one of the key legislative priorities for the AFL-CIO in 1999. In addition to working
to pass state equal pay bills, the AFL-CIO supports both the Fair Pay Act, sponsored by Senator Tom
Harkin (D-Iowa) and Representative Eleanor Holmes (D-District of Columbia), and the Paycheck Fairness
Act, sponsored by Senator Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-
Connecticut).
"Over the next two years, we are going to work hard to make sure elected officials and candidates
hear from working families at the state and federal level and take real action on equal pay," said Karen
Nussbaum, Director of the AFL-CIO's Working Women's Department.
in September, the AFL-CIO launched a new website [www.aflcio.org/women/equalpay.htm]
which allows users to find out how much unequal pay costs them over the course of their careers. The
average 29-year old woman with a college degree will lose almost a million dollars throughout her
lifetime.
For more information on the national report and state-specific data, please call Naomi Walker in
the national AFL-CIO Public Affairs office at 202/637-5093.
###
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
WOMEN'S EVENT
National Education Association
MARCH, 1999
Acknowledgments: (300 people) Shalala, Kennelly; women's advocacy groups; activists;
Without all of you here today, and without the countless women and men who are not
here but who work every day to strengthen and support America's working families, we could not
have made the progress we've made over the past six years. What we've accomplished together
is making a very real difference.
It makes a difference in the lives of Americans but particularly for women -- that the
earned income tax credit and an increased minimum wage continue to help lift families and
children out of poverty. It makes a difference but particularly for women that the Family and
Medical Leave Act enables millions of working parents to care for an aging parent or sick child;
or a newborn baby and keep their jobs. It makes a difference that our streets are safer, and that
there are more police officers in our neighborhoods, thanks to the passage of the crime bill of
1994, and the Brady Bill. It makes a very real difference in people's lives that we've lowered the
deficit, and created millions of new jobs. And it makes a difference to all of us but particularly
women that teen pregnancy rates are down; and abortion rates are down -- all under a pro-
choice President who refused to back down on a woman's right to choose.
These strides forward have demanded courageous and committed leadership; and hard
work at the grass roots level. And we have much to be proud of. But as this group knows so
well now is not the time to let up, or sit back; or walk away. Now is the time to redouble our
efforts to complete the unfinished business before us, so that we can become the kind of country
we want to be in the 21st century.
we also knew SS
Perhaps among the greatest challenge facing all of us today - particularly women is to
ensure
our economic security. And that means first and foremost saving Social Security. For
generations, it's been America's rock-solid guarantee of lifetime benefits. And while we all know
that the majority of the beneficiaries of Social Security are the elderly - that it is far more than a
retirement program. Nearly one third of its beneficiaries are either disabled or survivors - or
their dependents. And almost four million are young people. Social Security --- in a very real
sense - is America's family protection system.
preces
and fall apart
I've heard so many stories lately about how anyone's life can change - and how Social
Security helps put those lives back together. I've heard about a young man from Miami who had
an incapacitating stroke in his early 30s; not something you think of happening to young people.
His health problems left his wife and four children to fend for themselves. But because of Social
Security, he was able to provide disability insurance for his children -- and he knew that they
would have some measure of financial security. I've heard about a young girl in Oklahoma who
lost her mother when she was only 15 years old. Social Security enabled her to pick up the
pieces, and get the support she needed to go to college, and be successful.
560kned
Results ve pals
62%
surph
55
77%
15% machene huld senpot
We never know when something catastrophic will happen to any of us. But today, we
know we can count on Social Security to help hold our families together, and protect us against
the unexpected hazards of life. And women - in particular - have a stake in saving Social
Security for the future. Women represent the majority of all aged recipients. And it's the single
reason why half of all American women over 65 are not living in poverty. That's a stunning
statistic and one that I think about as I travel around or go to church or visit people or look out
the window of car - and realize that of every two women I see - one of them would be
impoverished if it were not for Social Security.
So this debate about Social Security that is going on right now in Congress - and I hope
around the country - is important for every American. But It is especially important for women.
But when we talk about strengthening the economic security of women today - we can't
stop at Social Security. We have to save Medicare as well. And again, this is a problem not just
for older Americans but for all of us who have older relatives, and feel responsible for someone
over 65. So many people I know, or who I've met over the years - have had to quit a job, or
cut back on hours they can work - or go to extraordinary lengths to take care of an older
relative or friend.
A few weeks ago at the White House, I met a woman whose mother is in a very advanced
state of Alzheimers. She and her husband couldn't afford to put her in a home, and they really
didn't want to anyway. So she quit her job so she could be a full time caretaker. That meant her
husband had to take on more work to try to maintain their standard of living. And when people
are making those kind of sacrifices, and doing the right thing, then we need to give them the
support they need to continue to do what they know is right for themselves and their families --
including financial and other help for those providing long term care to their parents and other
relatives. And we know that the majority of those providing that care are women.
One of the most important things we can do to help keep our families economically
secure, and to help parents meet their many obligations both to their children and to their aging
parents - is to once and for all - close the pay gap between men and women. To once and for
all - guarantee equal pay for equal work. Just last week, the AFL-CIO released a new report
that confirms
Family Agenda
Child Care
After school care
long term care
family medical leave act
This is a time of great promise for the women of America. We are so blessed; and we
should be so grateful - no matter what our own circumstances are - that we live at time and in
a society where we do have the opportunities that we have before us today. But we must ask
ourselves. With all of this progress and prosperity, is this the time to retreat into our own worlds,
MAR-08-99 13:22 FROM: AFL CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID : 202 508 6902
PAGE 2/7
EQUAL PAY
FOR
WORKING
FAMILIES
NATIONAL AND STATE DATA
ON THE PAY GAP AND ITS COSTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A Joint Research Project of the
AFL-CIO and the
Institute for Women's Policy Research
MAR-08-99 13:23 FROM: AFL CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID:202 508 8302
PAGE
3/7
Executive Summary
qual pay is a bread-and-butter
E
techniques to explore the dimensions, and
issue for working families. More
the full cost, of unequal pay.
than two-thirds of all mothers in the
United States work for pay. Two-earner
Working Families Pay a Steep
families are today's norm among married
Price for Unequal Pay
couples, and a growing number of single
women provide most or all of their families'
America's working families lose a stagger-
support. Altogether, almost two-thirds of
ing $200 billion of income annually to the
all working women and slightly more than
wage gap-an average loss of more than
half of married women responding to the
$4,000 each for working women's families
AFL-CIO's 1997 Ask A Working Woman
every year because of unequal pay, even
survey said they provide half or more of
after accounting for differences in educa-
their families' incomes.
tion, age, location and the number of hours
Little wonder, then, that 94 percent
worked.
of working women in the Ask A Working
Woman survey-almost every one-
If married women were paid the same as
described equal pay as "very important;"
comparable men, their family incomes
that two of every five cited pay as the
would rise by nearly 6 percent, and their
"biggest" problem women face at work;
families' poverty rates would fall from
and that one-third of all women and half of
2.1 percent to 0.8 percent.
African American women said that, despite
If single working mothers earned as
its importance. they do not have equal pay
much as comparable men, their family
in their jobs.
incomes would increase by nearly 17
To better understand the wage gap for
percent, and their poverty rates would be
women and people of color in the United
cut in half, from 25.3 percent to 12.6
States and to better measure the price that
percent
wage inequality exacts from families and
If single women earned as much as com-
individual workers, the AFL-CIO and the
parable men, their incomes would rise
Institute for Women's Policy Research
by 13.4 percent, and their poverty rates
(IWPR) jointly underlook a national study,
would be reduced from 6.3 percent to 1
including state-by-state breakouts, to ana-
percent.
lyze recent data from the Census Bureau
and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Working families in Ohio, Michigan,
The study confirms many recent analy-
Vermont, Indiana, Illinois, Montana,
ses, finding that women who work full-
Wisconsin and Alabama pay the heaviest
time are paid only 74 cents for every dollar
price for unequal pay to working
men earn-or $148 less each week.
women, losing an average of roughly
Women of color who work full-time are
$5,000 in family income each year.
paid only 64 cents for every dollar men
overall eam-or $210 less each week.
Family income losses due to unequal pay
Going further, the study uses more refined
for women range from $326 million in
Alaska to $21.8 billion in California.
MAR-08-93 13:23 FROM: AFL CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID: 202 508 6902
PAGE 4/7
The Size of the Pay Gap
For women of color, the gender pay gap
Varies by State
is smallest in the District of Columbia,
Hawaii, Florida, New York and
While the wage gap is much smaller than
Tennessee, where they earn more than 70
the national average in some states, the
percent of what men overall in those
numbers do not automatically signal
states earn.
improved economic status for women. The
primary reason for women's relatively
Unequal Pay Hurts Men, Too
improved status in many states is that the
wages of minority men are so low. This is
As the percentage of women in an occupa-
particularly true for the District of
don rises, wages tend to fall. Workers who
Columbia, Arizona, California, New York,
do what traditionally has been viewed as
North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
"women's work"-clerical workers,
cashiers, librarians, child care workers and
Women who work full-time are paid the
others in jobs in which 70 percent or more
least, compared with men, in Indiana,
of the workers are women-typically earn
Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, North
less than workers in jobs that are predomi-
Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming,
nately male or are integrated by gender.
where women earn less than 70 percent
of men's weekly earnings.
Both women and men pay a steep price
for unequal pay when they do "women's
Women of color fare especially poorly in
work": The 25.6 million women who
Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon,
work in these jobs lose an average of
Rhode Island, Utah, Wisconsin and
$3,446 each per year: the 4 million men
Wyoming, earning less than 60 percent
who work in predominately female occu-
of what men earn.
pations lose an average of $6,259 each
per year-for a whopping $114 billion
Even where women fare best compared
loss for men and women in predomi-
with men-in Arizona, California,
nately female jobs.
Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New
York and Rhode Island-women earn
At the state level, women who work in
little more than 80 percent as much as
female-dominated jobs could increase
men.
their salaries from $2,112 per year in
Missouri to a high of $4,707 in Delaware
Women earn the most in comparison to
if they had equal pay. Annual wage gains
men-97 percent-in Washington, D.C.,
for women in these jobs would exceed
but the primary reason women appear to
$3,000 on average in 36 states. In 34
fare so well is the very low wages of
states, wages would increase by at least
minority men.
$2,500 for women of color in female-
dominated jobs.
MAR-08-99 13:24 FROM AFL CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID 202 508 6902
PAGE
5/7
For men in female-dominated jobs, state
Minority men who belong to unions
average increases would range from
bring home 44 percent more-$177-
$3,533 annually in the District of
each week than nonunion men of color.
Columbia to $8,958 in Delaware if pay
inequality was eliminated. Minority men
Unions also help close the wage gaps
would see increases ranging from $1,918
based on gender and minority status for
in Colorado to $7,996 in Alaska.
their members. Women represented by
unions earn almost 84 percent as much
Unions Mean Big Pay Gains,
as union men, while unionized workers
Smaller Pay Gaps
of color make about 81 percent as much
as unionized white workers.
Union representation is a proven and pow-
erful tool for raising workers' wages, partic-
In the 35 years since the equal employment
ularly for those most subject to labor mar-
laws passed, women and people of color
ket discrimination: women and minorities.
have made significant strides into the
mainstream of the American workplace.
The typical female union member earns
But lingering unequal pay robs women and
38 percent more per week-$157-than
their families of economic security, dou-
a woman who does not belong to a
bling poverty rates for today's workers and
union.
threatening reduced retirement income
and greater poverty tomorrow
Unionized women of color eam almost
39 percent more-$135-than nonunion
There are three clear routes to ensuring
women of color. In fact, minority union
that women receive equal pay. vigorous
women earn $45 a week more than
enforcement of current equal pay laws,
nonunion white women.
passage of stronger and better equal pay
laws and greater protections for workers'
right to organize together into unions.
AFL-CIO
Institute for Women's Policy Research
Working Women's Department
1400 20th St., N.W.
815 16th St., N.W.
Suite 104
Washington, D.C. 20006
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-637-5064
202-785-5100
www.aflcio.org/women
www.iwpr.org
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
WOMEN'S EVENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
MARCH, 1999
Acknowledgments:
Shalala, Kennelly; women's groups without whom we would not be here;
advirary
Without them, without all of you here today, and without the countless women and men
who are not here but who have worked toward the advancement of women in our society-- we
could not have made the progress we've made over the past six years,
Together
We've made a difference in the lives of ordinary people's with the earned income tax credit
and the varsing minimum wage: has helped lift women and families and children out of poverty; we've
made a difference in people's lives with the Family and Medica Leave Act which has enabled
millions of working parents the chance to care for an aging parent or sick child; or a newborn
baby; and keep their jobs; we've made a difference in people's lives by making our streets
agenda; we've made a difference in people's lives by lowering the deficit, and creating millions of
safer, with the crime bill of 1994, and put dealing with_crime in the forefront of our national me
new jobs; we've made a difference by bringing down teen pregnancy rates; and abortion rates; all
parene
under a pro-choice President who refused to back down on a woman's right to choose.
Cree
on
neededs
These strides forward have demanded courageous and committed leadership; and hard
work at the grass roots level. And we have much to be proud of. But as this group knows so
well now is not the time to let up, or sit back; or give in. Now is the time to complete the
unfinished business before us, and become the kind of country we want to be in the 21st
Century.
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing all of us today is to safe Social Security.
Women's Economic Security
Social Security
Medicare
Equal Pay when we leb about
Ecenam
Strengluss wemen serves we
Family Agenda
Child Care
what to person Cant endy
After school care
and an expet to
long term care
TSS +M. Wc must
family medical leave act
also now that
me 9 the met
ways
This is a time of great promise for the women of America. We are so blessed; and we
should be so grateful - no matter what our own circumstances are - that we live at time and in
a society where we do have the opportunities that we have before us today. But it's our
obligation to ensure that promise is fulfilled not only for all women today - but for our daughters
the do eve
20 to fat gut
new N, was grow
MAR-08-99 13:22 FROM: AFL CIO WORKING WOMEN
ID:202 508 6902
PAGE 1/7
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR AND
CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS
815 16th STREET, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20005
(202) 637-5000
(202) 508-6902 (FAX)
Telecopier Transmission
Monday, March 8, 1999
DATE:
TO:
Christy Mason
The First Lady's Office
The White House
FAX Number
456-5709
410-664-1406
FROM
Working Women's Department
Comments
There is/are 7 page(s) following this sheet. This telecopy material has been sent via
XEROX 7024. If you have any questions or problems, please call:
AFL-CIO
Working Women's Department
(202) 637-5064
We can receive transmissions via FAX 24 hours a day.
andarbe 313 4121
man
04/30/98 THU 12:35 FAX 2024567311
WH Womens Office
001
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OFFICE FOR WOMEN'S INITIATIVES AND OUTREACH
TO:
Christy Macy
FAX: 6-5709
DATE: 4130
NUMBER OF PAGES (INCLUDING COVER SHEET): 5
FROM:
Audrey Tayse Haynes, Director
Sondra Seba, Agency Representative
Robin Leeds, Agency Representative
X
Tania Lopez, Special Assistant to the Director
Other
NOTES: I'll pull SOME MORE things
together for you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
OFFICE FOR WOMEN'S INITIATIVES AND OUTREACH
OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 15
WASHINGTON, DC 20502
PH: (202) 456-7300
FAX: (202) 456-7311
The information contained in this facsimile message is CONFIDENTIAL and intended for
the recipient ONLY. Please call if there are anv problems with this transmission
04/30/98 THU 12:36 FAX 2024567311
WH Womens Office
002
EQUAL PAY
Vice President announced Administration's support for legislation, introduced by Senator
Daschle and Congresswoman DeLauro, to strengthen the laws that prohibit wage discrimination
against women.
1)
Legislation to Improve Enforcement Wage Discrimination Laws
The Daschle Bill was introduced to improve the enforcement of wage discrimination against
women and to strengthen the remedy provisions in the Equal Pay Act (EPA) to allow for
compensatory and punitive damages.
The legislation includes:
Increased Penalties for the Equal Pay Act (EPA). The bill Amends the EPA to allow for
full compensatory and punitive damages
Non-retaliation Provision. Currently, employers can take action against employees who
share information on pay. The bill amends the EPA to prohibit employers from
penalizing employees for sharing info about salaries with co-workers.
Class Actions. The bill amends the procedures for filling class actions under the EPA to
conform with the procedural rules for filing federal class actions in other areas.
Training, Research, Education, and Outreach. The bill requires the EEOC to provide
training for its employces, subject to the availability of funding, on matters involving
discrimination in the payment of wages. The bill also requires DOL to undertake
research in the area of sex-based pay disparities; provide information on mcans of
eradicating such disparities; assist State and local information and educational programs;
recognize and promote the achicvements of employers that have made strides to eliminate
pay disparities; and convene a national summit to discuss and highlight the issue of sex-
based pay disparities.
Pay Equity Award. The bill establishes "The National Award for Pay Equity in the
Workplace," to bc administered by DOL, to recognize and promote the achievements of
employers that have made strides to eliminate pay disparities.
Why is the legislation is necessary?
More than 3 decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act, women and people of color continue to suffer the consequences of unfair pay
differentials.
Average woman works a full year +3 months to earn the same pay that men earn in one
year
04/30/98 THU 12:36 FAX 2024567311
WH Womens Office
003
white women earn .74 for every $1 men earn
black women earn .63 for every $1 men earn
Hispanic women carn .53 for every $1 men earn
Women hold over 45% of all executive and managerial jobs, their wages are only
approximately 70% of the average pay of men
2)
Administration Initiatives
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between EEOC and DOL.
10-Step Voluntary Self-Audit for Businesscs and Employees. To help employers who
would like to improve their pay and hiring practices, DOL will place on the Internet a 10-
step package that gives companies guidelines in determining whether they offer equal
pay, hiring, and promotional opportunities
Increased Data Analysis on Pay Equity, DOL will publish an annual report on pay
differences by gender. Purpose of report --to highlight the important issue of wage
disparities.
Guide to Recruitment and Retention of Women in the Federal Government. OPM is
publishing a new Guide on Recruitment and Retention of Women in the Federal Govt.,
which contains information to make agency managers aware of career opportunities for
women and to provide guidance on recruitment and career development for women.
Federal Contractor Best Practices. DOL will publicize successful programs of federal
contractors by placing them on DOL's web site.
04/30/98 THU 12:37 FAX 2024567311
WH Womens Office
004
CHILD CARE
The President's FY 1999 budget will include approximately $20 billion over five years for child
care, the largest single investment in the nation's history.
The President's proposal will help working families pay for child care, build the supply of good
after-school programs, improve the safety and quality of care, and promote early learning.
Doubles the number of children receiving child care subsidies--to more than 2 million
by the year 2003 by increasing funding for Child Care and Development Block Grant by
$7.5 billion over 5 years.
Increases tax credits for three million working families to help them pay for child
care--by investing $5.2 billion over 5 years in the Child and Dependent Tax Credit. Will
also provide tax credit for businesses that offer child care services for their employees.
Provides after-school care for 500,000 children per year by expanding the 21st
Century Community Learning Center program by $800 million over 5 years to provide
funds to school-community partnerships to establish or expand programs for school-age
children.
Improves child care safety and quality and enhances carly childhood development--
by establishing a new Early Learning Fund as well as supporting enforcement of state
child care health and safety standards, providing scholarships to up to 50,000 child care
providers per year, and investing in rescarch and consumer education.
The initiative is an important part of the President's agenda to strengthen America's families.
Because of the President's leadership, we have already seen the following:
1)federal funding for child care has increased by nearly 70% since 1993
2)the 1996 welfare reform law increased child care funding by $4 billion over 6 years
3)the Healthy Child Care America Initiative is ensuring that children in child care are in safe
healthy environments
4)Head Start funding has increased more than 57% since 1993, serving more than 830,000
children and their families
5)the first ever White House conferences on child care and early development were held in 1997
04/30/98 THU 12:37 FAX 2024567311
WH Womens Office
005
EDUCATION
K-12
President's balanced budget proposal includes historic investments in K-12 education:
1)
Modernize Schools
For students to learn and compete in the global economy--schools must be well-cquipped
and able to accommodate smaller class sizes
The President is proposing a federal tax credits to modernize and build more than 5,000
new schools--1/2 of this will be allocated to the 100 school districts with the largest # of
low-income students
2)
Reduce Class Size
The Presidents budget includes a $12.4 billion initiative over 7 years to help local schools
provide small class sizes
Hire an additional 100,000 teachers
3)
Achieve High Standards
Balanced Budget includes proposals to ensure that all students attend schools where high
standards are taken seriously
School Construction
The problem: is deteriorating schools and growing enrollment; The American Society of Civil
Engineers gave our schools an "I" in its infrastructure report card this year. 1/3 of our schools
need major repair. Enrollment is surging, we need to build 6,000 new schools in the next decade.
1)
Legislation--Moseley-Braun School Modernization Amendment to H.R. 2646, the
Education Savings Act for Public and Private Schools
The School Modernization Amendment is designed to address a nationwide school
facilities crisis.
Amendment leverages our money by creating zero-interest bonds for states and school
districts to issue to finance improvements
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS TO THE NEW YORK WOMEN'S AGENDA STAR BREAKFAST
NEW YORK CITY
NOVEMBER 30, 1994
[Acknowledgements: Elinor Guggenheimer, Mrs. Cuomo, Mrs.
Guiliani, Gloria Steinem (chair of the breakfast) ]
It is a great privilege for me to be with all of you this
morning, and also to be in the company of John Mack Carter, Coy
Ecklund, and Howard Rubenstein, who have done so much to support
women over the years.
I think it's important not to underestimate their
contributions, nor the contributions that all of you have made in
furthering the women's agenda here in New York, because
ultimately progress depends on a cooperative effort involving
women and men working together. Not just making token efforts but
really getting involved, giving time and energy and resources,
and being willing to stand up for the causes you believe in.
Ellie mentioned a range of issues that NYWA will be working
on in the coming year. The fact that women from 53 organizations
have come together to make their voices heard on such issues as
economic empowerment, child care, elder care, foster care,
domestic violence and so many others, speaks to the universality
of women's concerns.
You are involved because you have a sense of the challenges
and struggles we face -- not only as women, but as a society. And
you share a vision of how we might meet those challenges to
become the kind of society we ought to be.
At a time when the world is undergoing dramatic change, when
there is a rise in insecurity and anxiety caused by rapid
economic and social transformation, we have to rebuild. We have
to rebuild how we see the world, and how we see ourselves. We
have to overcome cynicism, discrimination, and hatred.
But we must also work to alleviate the legitimate pain of
people -- men and women -- who are struggling to make their way
in our society. People who are working hard for seemingly fewer
rewards. People who are squeezed from inside and out --
financially, personally, and professionally. People who have lost
faith in the concept of the American Dream.
And I think it's useful at times like this to turn to the
real experts -- people like you, who are leaders in the
professions and know first-hand the kinds of challenges women
face every day in our society.
1
You know that the path to rebuilding our families, our
communities, and our most vital institutions requires us not only
to value the work women do, but also their vision. The vision
that comes from being the primary caretaker in a family --
whether caring for children, aging parents, or siblings. The
vision that comes from working against the odds to succeed in a
profession that was once off-limits to women. The vision that
comes from having to weigh day-in and day-out the balance between
career and family.
One of the most interesting pieces of research I've seen
recently was a survey released earlier this month by the Women's
Bureau at the Department of Labor. In an unprecedented outreach
effort, this Administration asked more than 250,000 women to fill
out surveys about their lives.
What we heard is that women who are in the workforce --
outside the home -- want the same things all of us want. They
want respect. They want equal pay for the work they do. They want
the opportunity to balance their work and family
responsibilities. And they don't think they are getting enough of
those choices now.
When the results of this survey, called Women Count, were
announced in Washington a few weeks ago, three women spoke about
their personal experiences. One woman had joined the workforce
late in life and talked about how important work was for her
because it provided health insurance for her family. Another
woman spoke about how difficult it was to go home at the end of
the day and take care of her children's needs, particularly to
help with homework, to listen, to be there for them. And the
third woman had been in a non-traditional job, raised three
daughters as a single mother, and all she really wanted was the
chance to compete for promotion and job opportunities she thought
she deserved.
As I listened to each of these women I knew that, at one
time or another, I had been in every situation they found
themselves in -- and I think most of us can say that. I knew the
feelings they described. The conflict. The guilt. The excitement.
The confusion. The hopes and dreams.
All my life, since I started with part-time jobs or sought
part-time jobs [name some of them], I had known how difficult it
would be to do what I wanted to do. At every turn, it seemed
there was someone who was willing to dispense advice to me --
usually advice discouraging me from taking an uncharted path.
But I think all of us in this room, and all of the women who
stay at home with their children, know that there is only one
person who really knows what path is appropriate for a woman --
and that is the woman herself, Each of us must make choices that
2
fit the particular circumstances of our individual lives. And
those choices must be respected, rather than labeled or
categorized or judged by some irrelevant or out-of-date standard.
I think about the choices I've been able to make. I was able
to take some time off when my daughter Chelsea was born. For the
most part, I've been able to work in jobs that allowed me to go
to her school activities and be at home most nights and weekends.
In my office at the White House we've tried to be sensitive
to women with small children and other family obligations by
enabling our colleagues to work from home when they needed to or
arrange their hours in ways that maximize their flexibility. One
woman even brought her baby into the office with her, which
worked remarkably well because everyone was anxious to help her
succeed at a point in her life and career when there were
extraordinary demands on her time and energy.
We can also make progress on a larger scale, and the
President has begun to do that -- not only by signing the Family
and Medical Leave law and working to pass the Earned Income Tax
Credit -- but through the appointments he has made.
He has appointed some of the most qualified people ever to
sit on the federal bench. And it just so happens that those
appointments include more women and people of color to the
judiciary than ever before. The same is true for the senior
levels of government.
Hopefully, in the jobs they do, those appointees will
reflect the choices and experiences -- in short, the vision --
that comes from being a woman in our society. That might mean
inspiring a sense of cooperation and community to help resolve
conflicts. Or it might mean being demanding and aggressive --
even pushy -- when it comes to issues affecting children and
families.
And that is true for all of us, no matter what jobs or roles
we're in, or what choices we make for ourselves. Whether you are
Madeleine Albright, Laura Tyson, the President of the Nurses
Association, the head of the PTA, the neighborhood mom who knocks
on doors registering people to vote, or the grandmother who sits
on the porch and tells stories to kids on the block, your voice
and vision as a woman are essential to our progress as a society.
7*
I look around this room and there is so much excitement
here. Excitement about the jobs you do, the causes you believe
in, the contributions you make in your personal and professional
lives.
And I'm reminded of the wonderful words of Madam C. J.
Walker, who laid the foundation for the black hair care business
3
in this country. She said: "I got myself a start by giving myself
a start
And I think the same can be true for all of us
collectively, if we continue to share our energy, spirit, and
vision so that our voices as women are heard, our vision is
respected, and our choices remain ours alone to make.
Thank you very much.
###
4
01/18/99 MON 15:26 FAX
001
To Christy. 3098
bolsa
Fourth, we must empower parents, with more information and more choices. In too
many communities, it is easier to get information on the quality of local restaurants than the
quality of local schools. Every school district should issue report cards on every school.
And parents should have more choice in selecting their public schools. When I became
President, there was one independent, public charter school in all of America. With our
support, there are 900 today. My budget assures that early in the next century, there will be
3000.
Fifth, all states and school districts must adopt discipline policies to ensure our
classrooms are places of learning.
Let's do one more thing for our children. Today, too many of our schools are so old
they're falling apart, or so overcrowded students must learn in trailers. Last fall, Congress
missed the opportunity to change that. This year, with more than 53 million children in our
schools, Congress must not miss that opportunity again. I ask you to pass our program to build
or modernize 5000 schools.
If we do these things - end social promotion, turn around failing schools, build
modern ones, support qualified teachers, and promote innovation, competition and discipline --
we will begin to meet our generation's historic responsibility to create 21st Century schools.
21st CENTURY SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES
We must do more to help the millions of parents who give their all every day at home and
at work.
The most basic tool of all is a decent income. Let's raise the minimum wage by one
dollar an hour over the next two years.
And let's make sure women and men get equal pay for equal work by strengthening
enforcement of equal pay laws.
improved child care quality so
that kids are safe and VEOLY
school ready to learn
Working parents also need quality child care.
Again, I ask the Congress to support our
plan for tax credits and subsidies for working families. training for child care providers, and
expanded after school programs. Our plan also includes a new tax credit for stay-at-home
??
parents. The need support too. These families
Soundi like he thinks of them as "they" --not us.
01/18/99 MON 15:27 FAX
1
002
The Family Medical Leave Act -- the first bill 1 signed into law -- has helped millions of
Americans care for a new baby or an ailing relative without risking their jobs. We should extend
Family Leave to 10 million more Americans working in smaller companies.
Parents should never face discrimination in the workplace. I will ask Congress to
prohibit companies from refusing to hire or promote workers simply because they have children.
America's families deserve the world's best medical care.
Thanks to federal support for medical research, we have begun testing the first drugs to
prevent cancer, and introduced the first effective drugs to treat AIDS. With new discoveries
about the process of aging itself, we are on the verge of new treatments to prevent or delay
diseases from Parkinsons to Alzheimers to arthritis.
As we continue our advances in medical science, we cannot let our health care system lag
behind.
Managed care has transformed medicine in America driving down costs, but
threatening to drive down quality as well. Every American should have the right to the best care,
not just the cheapest. The right to see a specialist. And the right to emergency care.
I am now extending these rights by executive authority to the 85 million Americans
served by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health plans. But only Congress can enact the
Patients' Bill of Rights for all Americans. Last year, Congress missed that opportunity. This
year, for the sake of our families, Congress must not miss that opportunity again.
As more of our medical records are stored electronically, the threats to our privacy
increase. Either by an act of Congress or by executive authority we will protect the privacy of
medical records, this year.
Two years ago, we extended health insurance that will cover up to 5 million children.
Now, we should make it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance, and give people
between the ages of 55 and 65 who lose their health insurance the chance to buy in to Medicare.
No one should have to choose between keeping health care and taking a job. Wc should
pass the historic bipartisan legislation, proposed by Senators Jeffords, Kennedy, Roth and
Moynihan, to allow people with disabilities to keep Medicaid health insurance when they go to
work.
Many employers and working families still can't afford health insurance. We need to
enable community health centers and public hospitals to provide basic, affordable care for
families without coverage. My budget makes a down payment toward that goal.
And we must continue to ensure access to family planning and reproductive health care --
free from the fear of violence.
7
01/18/99 MON 15:27 FAX
003
We must step up our efforts to treat and prevent mental illness. No American should ever
be afraid to recognize and treat this disease. This year, we will host a White House Conference
on Mental Health. With sensitivity and commitment, Tipper Gore is leading our efforts here --
and I thank her.
As everyone knows, our children are targets of a massive media campaign to hook them
on cigarettes. I ask this Congress to resist the tobacco lobby. Together, let's reaffirm the FDA's
authority to protect children from tobacco, hold the tobacco companies accountable, and protect
tobacco farmers.
In all these areas -- minimum wage, family leave, child care, health care and the safety of
our children -- we can begin to meet our historic responsibility to strengthen our families for the
21st Century.
A 21st CENTURY ECONOMY
Today, America is the most dynamic, competitive, job creating economy in history. A
century ago, the average American had to work a week to earn what the average American now
makes in a day.
But we can do better - if we act to build a 21 st Century economy for all Americans.
Today's income gap is largely a skills gap. Because of a law I signed last year, workers
now can get a skills grant to choose the training they need. This year, I call for a half a billion
dollar investment for training Americans who lose their jobs and a national campaign to increase
adult literacy for the millions of working people who read at less than a fifth grade level.
In the last six years, we have cut the welfare rolls nearly in half. Two years ago, from
this podium, I asked five companies to lead a national effort to hire people off welfare.
Tonight, our Welfare to Work Partnership includes 10,000 companies who have hired hundreds
of thousands of people. My budget provides funds to help another 200,000 people move from
the dependency of welfare to the dignity and pride of work.
We also must bring the spark of private enterprise into inner cities, remote rural areas,
[and Indian reservations], with more support for community development banks,
8
Steven A. Cohen
02/11/97 05:17:56 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Alison Muscatine/WHO/EOP
CC:
Subject: Mrs. Clinton's remarks at Working Women Mag. luncheon
Forwarded by Steven A. Cohen/WHO/EOP on 02/11/97 05:15 PM
SUNTUM M @ A1
02/11/97 05:08:00 PM
Record Type: Record
To:
Steven A. Cohen
CC:
Subject: Mrs. Clinton's remarks at Working Women Mag. luncheon
(Names spelled phonetically.)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 10, 1997
REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY
AT LUNCHEON FOR WORKING MOTHERS MAGAZINE
The East Room
12:45 P.M. EST
MRS. CLINTON: I want to welcome all of you and tell you
how pleased we are to have you here. There will be a program after
lunch, but for now, just enjoy the lunch and have a chance to talk
with each other. And I'm so grateful for this opportunity to have
you all here. (Applause.)
Well, thank you again for joining us for this luncheon.
I particularly want to thank those who are responsible for us being
able to have this time together. Working Mothers Magazine has been a
very important source of information, support, comfort for many
working mothers, and you'll hear in a little while from the editor in
chief, Judson Colbrath* And I wanted to also introduce and thank
Jay McDonald who is the CEO of McDonald Communications which owns
Working Mothers and Working Women and Ms Magazine. And their
deciding to honor women who work both in the home and outside the
home has been a real breakthrough, and we're delighted that so many
of the honorees could join us.
I also want to thank Betsy Myers, of the White House
Office on Women and Women's Affairs, for helping to organize this.
And I also want to thank the magazine for working so closely with
Betsy and others in the administration on a number of issues that are
important, we think, to working parents. Many of those initiatives
have been supported by this magazine, including advocating for family
friendly workplaces, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, and
increased access to affordable and quality child care, and retirement
equity, and breaking the glass ceiling, and issues as were discussing
at our table concerning children's education and development and
health and well-being.
So this is a meeting of minds of many people who have
worked on issues of importance to parents, with particular attention
to the challenges faced by women who work in the home and outside the
home.
I have, in the last four years, had the privilege of
speaking with many working mothers around the country -- in Atlanta,
and Santa Fe, and Boston, and Chicago, and Pittsburgh, and Los Vegas,
and Denver, and many other cities. Their names are not public, as
many of you are because of your success and position in the world of
work, but they often balance gracefully the challenges of their daily
duties. And they have been and have become a driving force in our
country, politically, socially, and economically, as we struggle to
determine how we're going to promote stronger families, encourage
productivity in the workplace, and achieve a greater sense of balance
in our personal and collective lives.
I
invited some of the women who I have met around the
country to join us in this luncheon because each of them represents
millions of other women women who won't be invited to the White
House, but who I wish could be because I want all women, particularly
working women who feel at the end of the day, as I often used to feel
and still do, that I just can't get anything else done. And yet,
keep going and get up and do it again. And I'd like to just take a
minute to introduce these women whom I've invited.
Tina Garcia is a properties management company owner in
Virginia. I met her at a discussion in Silver Spring. She grew up
on welfare, was a single mother for eight years. She couldn't afford
child care, so she improvised by literally working around the school
schedule and bringing her children to work when school was out. She
also did something that I hope more and more women will be encouraged
to do and that we help them do, and that is she shared duties with
another single mother who didn't drive. She created a village; she
created a mutually supportive network. Tina would leave her children
with that woman and in return run errands and do grocery shopping for
her. Despite all of the obstacles that she faced, she was determined
to succeed, and she has.
And Tina, will you just stand up for a minute and let me
introduce you to our audience. (Applause.)
I have thought a lot about the next woman whom I met
also in Silver Spring. Pamela Kieger* is a single mother of three.
She lives in Maryland. She holds two jobs, one as an administrative
assistant during the day, and the second working as a caterer several
nights a week. She wants her children to have the chance to go to
college, but most of her salary goes to rent and child care costs.
If it were not for her teenage daughter who looks after the two
younger children while Pam works at night, she doesn't know what she
would do.
She also regrets very much that her work schedule
prevents her from attending school functions or even meeting with her
children's teachers. She doesn't get time off to do tasks like that.
And she, I remember, said, you know, parents should have the option
of influencing their children in school, but I don't have that.
I think often about Pam. I saw her today when she came
to this lunch and asked her how her children were doing, particularly
that teenage daughter who does so much to help her. And she told me
they were doing well and she's hoping that they'll be able to scrape
the money together so that her daughter can go to college as she
deserves to do.
Pamela, where are you? Will you stand up? (Applause.)
Beatrice Rudder* broke the glass ceiling when she became
the first woman firefighter in the District of Columbia, and she was
recently promoted to battalion chief. She's also pursuing a master's
degree and she spends every minute that she can with her eight year
old son. She worries, though, as many of us do, about being in the
sandwich generation, and she will soon be facing the costs of college
tuition for her son, as well as helping to care for her aging
parents.
When we talk about working mothers it's important, I
think, for all of us in our mind not just to think about the children
we care for, but also about our older parents as well. And,
Beatrice, will you stand, please? (Applause.)
Now, Lisa Thomas is somebody I met in Pittsburgh, and
she drove all the way to be here today. She got time off from work.
She's a single mother of four children, and she came up with an
innovative way to care for her own children, by working as a teacher
at a child care center that gives her a discount. She earns $6 an
hour, works five days a week, relies on the state of Pennsylvania to
help her cover the costs of her children's health care, dental costs,
and provide food stamps for them. Her health care benefits for her,
personally, are provided through her employer.
And I think it's important for all of us as we change
the way our government works to keep not just the abstract statistics
in mind, but the real people. Lisa is working as hard as she knows
how to work and is doing the best she can for her children and she
needs to know that there are those of us who want her to succeed and
want her children to succeed.
So, Lisa, would you stand, too? (Applause.)
You know, the concerns of Tina and Pam and Beatrice and
Lisa are the same all over our country -- how do we get enough time,
how do we deal with the challenges that we face in the workplace, how
do we make sure that women are paid what they deserve to be paid.
The statistics are still pretty daunting -- that four out of five
Americans women work full-time, many out of economic necessity, and
nearly 75 percent of working women earn less than $25,000 a year.
Women still earn about 72 cents to a man's dollar, and even less as
they age.
Child care can cost between $4,000 and $5,000 a year.
That means, for a single mother working on the minimum wage, nearly
half of her annual income will be taken up by child care. And 10
million children still lack health insurance.
Now, these issues that are talked about in Working
Mothers Magazine and talked about among all of us are real issues on
people's minds and need to be part of our political debate. Some of
you may recall that during the last presidential campaign some of
these issues were described by commentators as the feminization of
politics. Well, that's an unfortunate term, as I have said before,
because after all, I think most fathers also worry about whether
their children are in safe, dependable, affordable child care. Most
men, as well as women, want to be able to take time off when a family
member is gravely ill. And most sons want to ensure that their
elderly parents have health care coverage in the later stages of
their own life.
Instead of the feminization of politics, I prefer to
think of this phenomenon as the humanization of politics. And what
we have seen being played out in the political arena is what we have
seen being played out in our own lives. The gender gap, which we
heard a lot about, is simply a measure of how women who are, after
all, experts on the hazards and vicissitudes of life, vote their
self-interest and their values.
So I think that we should begin to value the concerns
that we bring not only to the public arena, but the marketplace as
well, and start thinking about how to create the balance in our lives
and in our society that will enable working mothers, such as the ones
we honor today and the millions who will never be honored, to feel
that they can succeed both at home and at work.
For those of you who are in politics and cover politics,
we've always heard about real politic, which describes the balance of
power among nations. But I think what we're hearing about now is
real life politic, how do we create the right balance in our own
lives and in our larger collective life. And regardless of political
affiliation or economic standing, we all have a stake in making sure
that balance works, so that women are able to make the choices that
are right for them at the various stages of their life.
We honor some women today who have clearly shown that
they know how to strike that balance, but behind every smile you will
see you can imagine there's been a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of
juggling, a lot of challenges that have been balanced as best as any
of us could.
And also, I wanted to be sure to bring the four women
who 1 highlighted today because those of us in this room, and
particularly those of us being honored, are very lucky, indeed. We
have had supportive families, good educations, being in the right
place at the right time, a lot of hard work, and can afford many of
the aids that enable us to keep some sane balance in our own lives.
That is not the case for millions and millions of other women.
So as we honor those who will be here today, I think if
we really want to do working mothers honor we should think about ways
we can help every woman be successful at home and at work.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
ORT A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL SURVEY FROM THE
WORKING WORKING:WOMEN'S WOMEN'S DEPARTMENT OF THE THE AFL-CIO
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