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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. fax
re: political (6 pages)
06/29/2000
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 23249
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC Accomplishments [binder] [1]
2013-0534-S
rc1715
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Files of Melanne Verveer,
Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Box 3: Miscellaneous
Archived from OEOB 100 by Bonnie Brady on January 12, 2001
Reinhold, Niebuhr: A Biography, Richard Fox (autographed)
The Book of Lights, Chain Potok (autographed)
Years of Promise, Carnegie Corporation of New York (autographed)
On the Edge: The Clinton Presidency, Elizabeth Drew (autographed)
The Essential Haiku, Robert Hass (autographed)
Heading South, Looking North, Ariel Dorfman (autographed)
Interoffice Memorandums, 1993
President Clinton's Statements on the Arts
- Arts
U.S. Olympic Team Media Guide, Lillehammer '94
The Official Olympic Program, Lillehammer '94
HRC Accomplishments Binder
Residence Notebook
The English Country House, Fred Maroon
The Supreme Court of the United States, Fred Maroon
HRC Correspondence, copies of letters (2 binders)
Enclosures Oversize Attachments filed in # 23249
19632
HRC
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OAH d S S I
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
HRC Record
Divider Title:
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. fax
re: political (6 pages)
06/29/2000
Personal Misfile
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 23249
FOLDER TITLE:
HRC Accomplishments [binder] [1]
2013-0534-S
rc1715
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
10/06/00 08:06 FAX
NATL ECONOMIC COUNCIL
US 003
BACK-UP FOR HILLARY'S TOP TEN
1)
Adoption and Foster Care - (also see attached narrative)
Passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 - Prevents children from
languishing in foster care, speeds up adoptions, removes institutional barriers to
adoption, and rewards states that do a good job moving children from foster care to
adoption. Result: This year, more than 40,000 children will move from foster care to
adoption- a 46 percent increase in adoptions off of the foster care roles since 1996.
Passage of Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 - Assists older teens as they
transition into independent living by providing them with tools to succeed, including
access to health care, better educational opportunities, training and housing
assistance, and counseling
Made Adoption More Affordable In 1996, the First Lady helped to pass an
adoption tax credit for families who adopt.
Passage of Multi-Ethnic Placement Act- Works to remove race or ethnicity as a
barrier to adoption.
2)
Child Care - (also see attached narrative)
Doubled the Number of Working Families Receiving Child Care Subsidies -Expect
to receive President's full budget request of $2 billion in FY 2001. If Congress does
indeed appropriate the President's request, the program will be able to serve 2.2
million children in 2001 combined with child care funds in welfare reform.
Welfare reform- The First Lady was the Administration's most vocal advocate for
ensuring that child care was part of the welfare reform bill. As a result, child care is
an allowable expense under TANF and the Child Care Development Block Grant has
more than doubled.
Ensured after-school opportunities for thousands of children - This year the 21st
Century Community Learning program received $453 million and is serving 850,000
children. The President has requested $1 billion for FY 01, which will help
communities to serve 2.5 million- far exceeding the goal of one-half million children
per year.
3)
Health Care - Expanding Coverage
Passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Kennedy-
Kassebaum) Ensures that all Americans can move form job to job without losing
their health insurance and can receive health insurance despite pre-existing
conditions.
Enactment of Mental Health Parity- Helps eliminate discrimination against those
with mental illnesses by prohibiting health plans from setting separate lifetime and
annual limits for mental health coverage.
4)
Gulf War Veterans - Health Issues (also see attached narrative)
Investigated the government's efforts Met with veterans and government officials to
determine if the government was doing all it could to address the veterans' serious
health needs.
Helped Create an independent advisory committee The First Lady's
recommendation led to the appointment of the Presidential Advisory Committee on
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, and she testified at its first meeting.
1
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NATL ECONOMIC COUNCIL
004
Made the federal government responsive to the needs of Gulf War veterans-
Improved the health care they receive, expanded access to compensation, and ensured
that the lessons learned are implemented for future deployments. Her work has
resulted in 192 research projects to identify possible causes of the undiagnosed
illnesses, determine appropriate treatments, and develop ways to protect personnel on
future deployments. Gulf War veterans have received more than 117,000 free
medical exams, and more than 143,000 disability claims have been approved.
5)
CHIP
Enactment of the Children's Health Insurance Program - CHIP is the single largest
investment in health care for children since 1965 and now provides health insurance
for two million low income children who would otherwise be uninsured and will
reach 5 million children when fully enacted.
Improved Outreach to Insure More Children - The First Lady recognized that one
of the key reasons that so many eligible children go uninsured is a lack of awareness
of Medicaid and CHIP options and has been leading efforts to improve outreach to
parents and enroll more children. She worked with the public and private sector to
develop and launch Insure Kids Now, an outreach campaign.
6)
Mammograms - (see attached narrative on Breast Cancer)
Chaired the Medicare Mammography Campaign- The First Lady traveled the
country, conducting "listening sessions" with older women to learn about the barriers
they faced to getting mammograms. She worked with the public and private sector to
increase awareness of the Medicare benefit and to encourage women to obtain
mammograms.
Expanded Medicare Coverage of Mammograms- Because of Hillary's strong
leadership, the President proposed, and Congress adopted, the expansion of Medicare
coverage to help pay for annual mammogram screenings for all Medicare
beneficiaries age 40 and over. Under this new benefit, which was enacted as part of
the Balanced Budget in 1997 and became available January of 1998, Medicare waives
the Part B deductible for screening mammograms.
Helped to Ensure that Mammograms are Reliable As a result of the First Lady's
work, the Administration is developing new regulations to ensure the safety and
quality of mammograms.
7)
Childhood Immunization
Launched the Child Immunization Initiative- This initiative ensures that that vital
children's vaccines are available and affordable. As a result, childhood immunization
rates for 1999 are at an all-time high- 90 percent for toddlers.
8)
Research on Diseases
Focused Attention on Pediatric AIDS- The First Lady inaugurated a public outreach
campaign.
Promoted Research and Funding on Specific Children's Health Issues - The First
Lady worked to secure increased funding for Epilepsy and Juvenile Diabetes.
Developed a comprehensive childhood asthma initiative- The First Lady launched
this initiative to study the environmental causes of asthma, improving treatments, and
promoting awareness.
Championed breast cancer research- The First Lady has been the Administration's
chief advocate for increased research on breast cancer. During this Administration,
2
10/06/00 08:07 FAX
NATL ECONOMIC COUNCIL
0 005
funding for breast cancer research has more than doubled - from $283 million to a
projected $660 million in Fiscal Year 2001.
9)
Community Service- (see attached narrative on youth)
Advocated for and Advised on the Administration's National Service Initiative- -
The First Lady's key policy advisor at the start of the Administration headed the
effort to develop the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, which
included the successful AmeriCorps program.
Launched the Successful AmeriCorps Program - Since the launch of AmeriCorps
five years ago, more than 150,000 Americans have served on the front lines in hard-
pressed neighborhoods- tutoring in schools, responding to natural disasters, helping
to make our streets safer, building homes, and more. In fact, more Americans have
served in AmeriCorps in the-last five years than have served in the entire history of
the Peace Corps.
Raised Visability and Supported Funding for Service Learning in Schools-
Created a National Leader Schools Initiative awarding schools with exemplary
service learning programs and expanded funding for service learning through the
Corporation for National Service.
10)
Historic Preservation - Save America's Treasures
Launched Historic Effort to "Save America's Treasures - - For the past two years,
the First Lady has worked hard to gain public and private funding to save some of
America's greatest treasures in order to preserve the nation's heritage and culture for
future generations. This hard work has led to over $200 million in investment for
historic preservation - 60 percent public money, 40 percent private money. Save
America's Treasures is the largest, single historic preservation effort in the history of
the United States.
Grants in New York have Saved Historic Sites - Thousands of dollars in grants to
projects in New York have: (1) saved and restored the Harriet Tubman Historic Site;
(2) the Tenement at 97 Orchard Street in New York City, which is a museum that
interprets the home and community life of urban, working class and poor immigrants;
(3) the Metropolitan Opera Radio and Television Archives in New York City; (4) the
Babe Ruth Scrapbooks, National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown; (5) and the
Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty restoration project.
3
WHAT HAS HILLARY DONE TO HELP NEW YORKERS?
I.
SUPPORTING NEW YORK'S WORKING FAMILIES
Hillary has been a voice for all of America's working families and New York's
families have benefited:
Expanded Head Start to serve More of New York's Children. Hillary Clinton
has been one of the most vocal advocates for expanding Head Start and her work
to push for increased funding has paid off. Since 1993, funding has doubled for
this national program which provides comprehensive developmental services for
America's low-income preschool children ages three to five and social services
for their families. Over 45,000 New York Children were enrolled in Head Start in
1999 alone. And, this year, New York will receive $344.6 million in Head Start
funding, an increase of $162.5 million over 1993.
Improved Access to Affordable and Quality Child Care. Hillary Rodham
Clinton has fought hard to make sure that working parents receive support so that
they have access to quality child care opportunities for their children. The Child
Care and Development Block Grant and child care funds provided through
welfare reform enable States to provide federal child care subsidies for families,
thereby enabling low-income parents to work. This year, New York received
more than $245 million in federal funds to provide New York's working families
with greater access to affordable child care.
A $500 Child Tax Credit to Help Families Raising Children. To make it
easier for families to raise their children, the Administration fought for and won a
$500 per-child tax credit for children under 17. This child tax credit is benefiting
1,727,000 families in New York.
More New Yorkers Have Access to After-school Opportunities for their
Children. Since 1993, the Administration's budget has moved from $1 million
for after school and summer school opportunities to $453 million this year and a
proposed $1 billion in FY 01. Hillary Rodham Clinton has continually called
attention to the fact that with more working parents, we need more opportunities
for children to participate in safe and enriching after-school opportunities. This
year, New York is receiving nearly $18 million in new grants to fund 22 new
after-school programs to keep New York's children safe and engaged in the after-
school hours.
II.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR NEW YORK'S
CHILDREN AND SUPPORTING NEW YORK'S MOST VULNERABLE
CHILDREN
Hillary has been a champion for providing high quality public education for all
children and New York's children have benefited:
More High-Quality Teachers with Smaller Classes for New York's Schools.
Last fall, Hillary went to Capitol Hill to send a message that the Administration
would not accept a budget that did not include critical funding to reduce
overcrowded classrooms. Thanks to the Class Size Reduction Initiative, New
York received $104.5 million in 1999 to hire approximately 2,688 new well-
prepared public school teachers and reduce class size in the early grades. This
year, with Hillary's leadership, the Administration secured funding for a second
installment of the plan, giving New York an additional $113.2 million in 2000.
Opening the Doors to College for New York's Young People. This year,
Hillary called on the Administration to expand efforts to make college affordable
for more Americans by calling for a $30 billion College Opportunity Tax Cut.
This tax cut would build on the Administration's HOPE scholarships to help make
the first two years of college as universal as high school and the Lifelong
Learning 1 ax Credit to help working American's continue to learn and grow.
Already, 344,000 students in New York have received HOPE Scholarship tax
credits and 414,000 students in New York have received the Lifelong Learn tax
credits.
Supporting Children in Foster Care and Encouraging Adoption. Hillary has
been the Administration greatest champion on efforts to make foster care work
better, to find and assist adoptive families, and to break down barriers to adoption.
From 1996 to 1998, the number of adoptions nationwide rose 29 percent - from
28,000 to 36,000 - and is on track to meeting the Administration's goal of 56,000
adoptions in 2002. In 1997, the President signed the Adoption and Safe Families
Act, which expedited permanent placement decisions for children, ensured health
insurance coverage for all special-needs children in subsidized adoptions, and
created an incentive program for states to increase adoptions. New York was one
of the States that received the first reward for increasing adoptions from foster
care. Hillary also fought hard to make sure that young people who leave foster
care get the tools they need to make the most of their lives. Championed by
Hillary, the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 was signed by the President in
December. It empowers those leaving foster care by providing them with better
educational opportunities, access to health care, training, housing assistance,
counseling and other services.
III.
INVESTING IN NEW YORK'S HEALTH
Making Sure New York's Children Receive Health Care. In 1997, the
Administration passed the largest single investment in health care for children
since 1965 - an unprecedented $24 billion over five years to cover as many as
five million children throughout the nation. This investment guarantees the full
range of benefits that children need to grow up strong and healthy. Two million
children nationwide have health care coverage thanks to the President's plan,
including 521,301 in New York.
Supporting the Nutritional Health of New York's Women and Children.
Hillary has fought long and hard to raise awareness about the importance of
improving the nutrition of low-income mothers and their children. Through the
Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nearly
480,000 New York women, infants, and children received critical health and food
assistance in 1999 through the $274 million in total WIC grant funding.
More Toddlers in New York are Being Immunized. As a result of the
Administration's 1993 Childhood Immunization Initiative, spearheaded by Hillary
Rodham Clinton, childhood immunization rates have reached an historic high.
According to the CDC, 90% or more of America's toddlers received the most
critical doses of each of the routinely recommended vaccines in 1996, 1997, and
again in 1998 -surpassing the Administration's 1993 goal. In New York in 1998,
96% of two-year olds received the vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis; 93%
received the vaccine for pono, 95% received the Vaccine for measles, and 95%
received the vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae B, the bacteria causing a form of
meningitis.
No Patients Bill of Rights Means Over 7 Million New Yorkers Cannot Be
Assured of Patient Protections. Even if New York enacted all the protections in
the Patients' Bill of Rights, 7,570,000 people in New York cannot be assured they
have the comprehensive patient protections recommended by the President's
Advisory Commission. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act (ERISA) may preempt state-enacted protections. That is why Hillary Rodham
Clinton has called on Congress to pass a federally enforceable patients' bill of
rights so that everyone enrolled in managed care may have a basic set of
protections. Notably, 3,800,000 New York women are in ERISA health plans and
are therefore not necessarily protected. Women are particularly vulnerable
without these protections because they are greater users of health care services,
they make three-quarters of the health care decisions for their families, and they
have specific health care needs addressed by a patients' bill of rights.
TO: Neern
FROM: Ann OL
Neem-
Attached pls. find instial tulhong
points ch that HRC has done for
New whinks Children and funilies. I'm
sure we could add more but
these are programs and policis directly
tied to HRC.
Pls. let me nnw it this is helpful
w if you was to add mor.
Thinks
-AOL
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Biographical Data
Born: October 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois
Husband: President William Jefferson Clinton
Daughter: Chelsea Victoria Clinton
First Lady of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
EDUCATION:
B.A. Wellesley College, 1969
J.D. Yale Law School, Yale University, 1973
LAW PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
Admitted to Arkansas Bar, 1973
U.S. District Court (eastern and western districts), 1973
U.S. Court of Appeals (8th Circuit), 1973
U.S. Supreme Court, 1975
Children's Defense Fund, Cambridge, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., and Carnegie
Council on Children, New Haven, Connecticut, 1973-74
Counsel, Impeachment Inquiry Staff, Judiciary Committee, United States House of
Representatives, Washington, D.C., 1974
Chair, American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession, 1987-91
Chair, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C., 1978-80, Member, Board of Directors,
1977-81
Partner, Rose Law Firm, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1977-92
LAW TEACHING:
Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Legal Aid Clinic, University of Arkansas School
of Law at Fayetteville, 1974-76
Assistant Professor of Law, University of Arkansas School of Law at Little Rock, 1979-80
For internal use only - not for public distribution
2
PUBLICATIONS:
"Children Under the Law," Harvard Educational Review, January, 1974
"Children's Policies: Abandonment and Neglect," 86 Yale Law Journal 1522 (1977) (review of
Gilbert Y. Steiner: The Children's Cause, 1976)
"Handbook on Legal Rights for Arkansas Women," Carolyn Armbrust [et al.], a project of the
Governor's Commission on the Status of Women, 1977, 1987 editions
"Children's Rights: A Legal Perspective," Children's Rights, Teachers College Press, New York,
1979
"Teacher Education: Of the People, By the People and For the People," Beyond the Looking
Glass: Papers from a National Symposium on Teacher Education Policies, Practices, and
Research, March, 1985 and Journal of Teacher Education, January-February, 1985
"In France, Day Care is Every Child's Right," Editorial, The New York Times, April 7, 1990
"Hillary: What plan will do for you," USA Today, September 21, 1993
Foreword, The First Ladies, by Margaret Klapthor and Allida Black, White House Historical
Association, 1994, 1995, and 1999 editions
Foreword, The White House: An Historic Guide, White House Historical Association, 1994,
1995, and 1999 editions
"The President Says, 'We Must.' We Will. Seize the Moment: Provide Health Coverage for All,
Guaranteed," Roll Call, June 13, 1994
"Life Lessons...; Memories of Virginia Kelley, President Bill Clinton's Mother," Redbook, July
1994
"Raising Chelsea," Child Magazine, October, 1994
Interview, A Woman's Place: The Freshman Women Who Changed the Face of Congress, by
Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky and Barbara Feinman, 1994
"The Fight over Orphanages," Newsweek, January, 1995
"Spirit of Compassion for Children Attacked," Editorial, The Arizona Republic, March 16, 1995
"What Can We Do, What Must We Do," Parenting Magazine, June/July, 1995
"Investing in Sisterhood; An Agenda for the World's Women," Outlook, The Washington Post,
May 14, 1995
Remarks by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton: United Nations Fourth World Conference on
Women, September 5-6, 1995
"Talking It Over," Syndicated column, 1995-Present
Opening Statement, The White House Collection of American Crafts, by Michael Monroes,
Harry Abrams, Inc., 1995
It Takes A Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us, Simon and Schuster,
January 1996
"Time to Act on Behalf of Women Everywhere," The Journal of Intergroup Relations,
Summer 1996
"Giving Every Child A Chance," Exceptional Parent, June 1996
Foreword, Smithsonian Book of First Ladies, edited by Doris Faber and Edith P.
Mayor, Henry Holt & Company, Inc., 1996
For internal use only - - not for public distribution
3
"Comfort and Joy: The First Mom Suggests Reading as an Easy Way to Help a Baby's Brain
Grow," Viewpoint, Time Magazine, February 3, 1997
Remarks and commentary by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton: Africa, March 1997
"Doing the Best for Our Kids," Your Child's World Special Issue, Newsweek, Spring/Summer
1997
"Our Chance for Healthier Children," Op-Ed, The New York Times, August 5, 1997
"Report from the Road," Newsweek, November 24, 1997
Remarks and commentary by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton: Central Asia, Russia, Ukraine,
November 1997
Remarks by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in commemoration of the 50ᵗʰ Anniversary of
the United Nations General Assembly Adoption and Proclamations of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, December 10, 1997
Remarks and Commentary by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton: Vital Voices, 1997-1999
Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets, Simon and Schuster, 1998
"Remembering Virginia," Ladies Home Journal, May 1998
"Going Private: Vouchers are not the answer to public-school woes," Op-Ed, The Charleston
Gazette, June 15, 1998
"Holding up the sky; Hillary Clinton's Views on the Chinese Women," Harper's Bazaar,
October 1998
Introduction, We Remember: Women Born at the Turn of the Century Tell the Stories of Their
Lives in Words and Pictures, by Jeanne Marie Laskas, William Morrow & Co., 1999
Foreword, The Person Who Changed My Life: Prominent Americans Recall Their Mentors,
edited by Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Carol Publishing Group, 1999
"Let's Celebrate Together the 200th Anniversary of the White House," Parade Magazine, July 4,
1999
"50 Years Of Progress: Moving Toward Full Human Rights And Economic Empowerment For
Women," Chicago Policy Review, Volume 3, Number 1, Fall 1999
"A Tribute to Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu and Dr. Alexander L. Boraine," Annual Survey of
American Law, 1999 Volume, Issue 1
Foreword, National Landmarks, America's Treasures: The National Park Foundation's
Complete Guide to National Historic Landmarks, by S. Allen Chambers, Jr., John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., 2000
"To the Reader" Message, Common Interest, Common Ground, by Shirley Sagawa and Eli Segal,
Harvard Business School Press, 2000
Foreword, Witness to Genocide: Children of Rwanda: Drawings by Child Survivors
of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, by Richard A. Salem, Friendship Press, 2000
Afterword, Beatrice's Goat, by Page McBrier, Simon and Schuster, 2000
"Parenting a Teen. Newsweek, May 8, 2000
HONORS AND AWARDS:
For internal use only - not for public distribution
4
Honorary Doctor of Law:
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 1985
Arkansas College, Batesville, Arkansas, 1988
Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas, 1992
University of Michigan, 1993
University of Pennsylvania, 1993
University of Sunderland, England, 1993
University of Illinois, 1994
San Francisco State University, 1995
University of Minnesota, 1995
Goucher College, 1998
Howard University, 1998
National University of Ireland, Galway, 1999
Honorary Doctor of Public Service:
George Washington University, 1994
University of Maryland at College Park, 1996
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters:
Drew University, 1996
Ohio University, 1997
Honorary Professorship:
American University in Kyrgyzstan, 1997
Honorary Associate in Child, Family and Community Service:
Lincoln Land Community College, 1996
Who's Who in the World, 1998
Who's Who in America, 1994-2000
Who's Who in American Law, 1994-95
Who's Who in Emerging Leaders in America, 1993-94
Who's Who of American Women, 1993-98
International Who's Who, 1993-2000
In Appreciation, Legal Services Corporation of Alabama, March 1979
Distinguished Service as Counsel, State Judicial Council of Arkansas, 1979
Woman of the Year, Arkansas Democrats, 1983
Headliner of the Year, Arkansas Press Association, 1983
Phi Kappa Phi Honors Lecture, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 1984
Phi Delta Kappa Award for Outstanding Layman of the Year for Contributions to
For internal use only - not for public distribution
5
Education, 1984
Arkansas Press Broadcasters Newsmaker of the Year, 1984
Arkansas Honor Young Mother of the Year, 1984
Esquire Magazine Register, "The Best of the New Generation, Men and Women Under Forty
Who Are Changing America," 1984
Public Citizen of the Year Award, Arkansas Chapter, National Association of Social
Workers, 1984
Friend of Education Award, England Education Association, March 1984
Service Award, National Organization of Child Care Workers Associations, Inc., March 1984
Outstanding Service, Pi Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Division of
Education at University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, September 1984
Arkansas Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Foundation Award: "To recognize outstanding
achievements as a lawyer and role model," 1985
In Honor of Contributions to Education, Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and
Admissions Officers, February 1986
Pulaski County Bar Association Lawyer-Citizen Award, 1987
Woman of Distinction Award, Arkansas Professional Women of Distinction,
Presented by Worthen Bank, November 1987
Woman of Destination, Selfless Leadership in Community Activities, Florence Crittenton Home,
1987
The Best Lawyers in America, 1987, 1989-90, 1991-92, 1993-94
Friend of Pediatrics, Arkansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1988
Recognition of Distinguished Accomplishments in Professional and Civic Affairs, Who's Who
in Society, 1988
Gayle Pettus Pontz Award, "For outstanding excellence and achievement in the legal
profession," Women's Law Student Association, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville,
1989
Thanks for Vision and Leadership in Bringing HIPPY to Arkansas, HIPPY USA, September 10,
1990
Honorary Citizen, Blytheville, Arkansas, October 1990
Paul Harris Fellow, "Recognizing service above self," Rotary Club of Little Rock, 1991
Director's Choice Award, National Women's Economic Alliance Foundation, 1991
Outstanding Shape of Arkansas Lawyer-Citizen Award - recognition of contribution to the legal
profession, Arkansas Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Foundation, 1991-92
100 Most Influential Lawyers in America, National Law Journal, 1991, 1997
Bess Chisum Stephens YWCA Woman of the Year, "Arkansas First Lady," For Outstanding
Leadership and Dedication to the People of Arkansas, 1992
Glamour Women of the Year Award, "For bringing our country's First Relationship into the
nineties," One of ten women honored, 1992
ROSE (Recognition for Outstanding Service to Education) Award, University of Southern
California School of Education, 1992
Outstanding Lawyer-Citizen Award, "In recognition of outstanding participation in
For internal use only - not for public distribution
6
and excellent performance of civic responsibilities, and for demonstrating high standards of
professional competence and conduct," Arkansas Bar Association, 1992
Commendation for Outstanding Record of Achievement, Senator Diane Watson, March 26, 1992
Honorary Secretary of State of Alabama Award, Secretary State of Alabama, May 14, 1992
President's Medal, Bank Street College, October 1, 1992
Lifetime Membership Certificate, Girl Scouts of America, December 1992
Citizen of the Year, Arkansas March of Dimes, 1993
Lewis Hine Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Commitment to the Well-being of
Children and Youth, National Child Labor Committee," January 26, 1993
Life Membership, Arkansas Business and Education Alliance Resolution, February 5, 1993
Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award, "In recognition of leadership in guiding and motivating
youth," Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation, May 10, 1993
Friend of Family Award, American Home Economics Association, June 26, 1993
The Iris Cantor Humanitarian Award, University of California at Los Angeles, "For Commitment
to Women's Health Issues," July 19, 1993
Charles Wilson Lee Citizen Service Award, Committee for Education Funding, 1993
Awareness Achievement Award, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1993
Recognition of Vision and Unwavering Commitment to Achieving National Health Care
Reform, Service Employees International Union, Fall 1993
Key to the City of Rochester, Minnesota, September 17, 1993
Claude D. Pepper Award, The National Association for Home Care, October 19, 1993
1993 National Humanitarian Award, American Friends of Jamaica, Inc., November 13, 1993
Distinguished Service Award, National Center for Health Education, November 18, 1993
Healthcare Advocacy Award, National Symposium on Healthcare Design, November 19, 1993
Distinguished Service Award, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, November 20, 1993
First Humanitarian Achievement Award, El Banquete del Millon y del Amor, Inc., Saint
Anthony Catholic Church, November 27, 1993
National Public Service Award 1993, The Bar Association of the District of Columbia,
December 4, 1993
Fannie Lou Hamer Human Rights Award, Clergy and Laity Concerned, December 16, 1993
Special Recognition for Tireless Leadership on Health Care Reform, National
Farmers Union, 1994
Award for "Making a Difference for Women's Health," National Women's Law Center, 1994
Lyman J. Gage Award for Civic Achievement, The Civic Federation, 1994
OHEL's Humanitarian Award, Children's Home & Family Services, January 15, 1994
First Save Our Youth Award, Save Our Youth, January 23, 1994
Commitment to Life Award, AIDS Project Los Angeles, January 27, 1994
Distinguished Service Health Education & Prevention Award, "For efforts in focusing the
nation's attention on health care and emphasizing the relationship between education and
proper health care" National Center for Health Education, February 2, 1994
"Cerviel" Achievement Award, "For efforts as a woman in corporate America and
For internal use only - not for public distribution
7
barrier-breaking efforts from which others have benefited," Vista magazine, February 15,
1994
California Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award, February 24,
1994
Vision in Education Award, Columbus School for Girls, February 25, 1994
National Association of Cuban American Women, New Jersey Chapter, March 1, 1994
Distinguished Service in Aging Award, American Association of Homes for the Aging, March
15, 1994
First Award on Distinguished Humanism, Bragg Symposium on Humanism, All
Saints Unitarian Church, March 18, 1994
First Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Freedom Fighter Award, Alachua County Democratic Executive
Committee, March 21, 1994
Social Justice Award, "For efforts to ensure that every American receives proper health care,"
United Auto Workers, March 22, 1994
Friend of Education Award, Buffalo Teacher's Federation, Inc., March 22, 1994
Brandeis Award, School of Law, University of Louisville, April 1, 1994
Benjamin E. Mays Award, A Better Chance Inc., April 4, 1994
Ernie Banks Positivism Trophy, "Given to the First Lady for her efforts as a most productive
contributor to life in America," Emil Verban Memorial Society, April 6, 1994
Humanitarian Award, Alzheimer's Association, April 11, 1994
Elie Wiesel Foundation Humanitarian Award, April 14, 1994
Leadership Award, Regional Aid for Interim Needs (RAIN), Inc., Bronx, New York, April 21,
1994
International Broadcasting Award, "For contributing to the betterment of radio and television,"
Hollywood Radio and Television Society, April 26, 1994
Ellen Browning Scripps Award, "To a pioneering women who has made a significant and
positive difference in the life possibilities available to women," Scripps College, April 26,
1994
Legislator of the Year Award, The American Physical Therapy Association, April 27, 1994
Dr. Edward C. Mazique Memorial Award, Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club, April 27,
1994
Ollie Randall Award, National Council on the Aging, April 27, 1994
Montclair Yale Bowl Award, Yale Club of Montclair, May 1, 1994
Women of Distinction Award, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc., May 2, 1994
Coalition of Labor Women United, May 2, 1994
HIPPY USA Award, May 6, 1994
Women of the Year Award, Yad B'Yad Award, May 7, 1994
Distinguished Citizen Award, Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois, May
16, 1994
C. Everett Koop Medal for Health Promotion and Awareness, American Diabetes Association,
May 17, 1994
Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, May
For internal use only - not for public distribution
8
17, 1994
Humanitarian Award, Chicago Chapter, Hadassah Medical Organization, May 26, 1994
Coalition of Labor Union Women 20th Anniversary Award "For tireless dedication on behalf of
National Health Care Reform," May 20, 1994
Women of Distinction Award, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders,
June 2, 1994
Women of Achievement Award, Women's Project and Productions, June 6, 1994
Girl Scouts of Illinois Crossroads Award, Girl Scouts, June 10, 1994
Barnert Hospital Award, "For outstanding service for health care reform," Board of
Trustees, Barnert Hospital, Paterson, New Jersey, June 11, 1994
Mary Hatwood Futrell Award, "The award commends her efforts on behalf of
education opportunity, especially for women and girls," National Education Association,
June 14, 1994
Women of Achievement Award, B'nai B'rith Women, June 15, 1994
The Ellington Shield Against Hopelessness, The Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts,
June 15, 1994
Claude Pepper Award, "For recognition for her dedication to health care reform and long term
care," National Association for Home Care Board of Directors, June 19, 1994
Women's Legal Defense Fund Award "Commending her work in advancing the status of women
in society," June 23, 1994
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Medallion of Honor, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, July 13, 1994
William S. Hall Award, South Carolina Association of Residential Care Homes, July 25, 1994
Shining Star Award, "In recognition of her work on behalf of children, especially those with
terminal illnesses," Starlight Foundation, August 2, 1994
Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., August 12, 1994
Women of Achievement Award, Westchester Association of Women's Business Owners,
September 24, 1994
Non-Profit Advocacy Award, Illinois Association of Non-Profit Organizations, October 28, 1994
Brass Ring Award, Children's Diabetes Foundation, October 28, 1994
Women's Media Group Award, "For Outstanding Leadership," Women's Media Group,
November 1, 1994
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Medal, November 2, 1994
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyer's Family Advocate of the Year Award, Greenfield &
Murphy, November 4, 1994
Dr. Frederick D. Patterson Memorial Award, United Negro College Fund, November 5, 1994
Delta Spirit Award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Los Angeles Chapter, November 10, 1994
Woman of Distinction Award, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, November 13, 1994
First Leila Robinson Award, Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts, November 17, 1994
30th Anniversary of Women at Work Award in Public Policy, National Commission on Working
Women, December 6, 1994
Public Service Award, Modell's Sporting Goods Executive Offices, December 8, 1994
Boehm Soaring Eagle Award for Excellence in Leadership, National Women's
For internal use only - not for public distribution
9
Economic Alliance Foundation, December 12, 1994
Pre-inaugural Award in Honor of First Ladies in Washington, Diamond Designs, December 30,
1994
Child Health Day Life Line Award, American Health Foundation, 1995
National Woman's Law Center Award, Annual Awards Dinner 1994 "For Making a Difference
in Women's Health, Family Circle Woman Who Makes a Difference Lifetime Achievement
Award," 1995
Top Lady of Distinction Award 1995, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center Support Group of
Southeast Texas, Inc., January 16, 1995
Award for Excellence in Communication, Capital Speakers Club, January 18, 1995
National Federation of Black Women Business Owners Black Women of Courage
Award "For outstanding commitment advocacy, and support of women-owned businesses,"
February 8, 1995
Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award, California Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, February 24,
1995
Woman of the Year Award, Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, March 1, 1995
Greater Washington Urban League Award, March 8, 1995
Golden Acorn Award, Child Development Center, Bronx, New York, March 9, 1995
Servant of Justice Award, New York City Legal Aid Society, March 23, 1995
Health Educator of the Year Award, The Ryan White Foundation, April 8, 1995
Golden Image Award, Women At Work, April 9, 1995
1995 Outstanding Mother Award, National Mother's Day Committee, April 13, 1995
Eleanor Roosevelt Award, Citizen's Committee For Children of New York, Inc., April 24, 1995
1994 Annual Survey of American Law Dedication to Hillary Rodham Clinton, New
York University School of Law, April 25, 1995
Certificate in Recognition of Outstanding Efforts for the People of this Country, Hadassah,
Florida-Broward County Region, April 30, 1995
United Cerebral Palsy Humanitarian Award, 1995
World Health Award, American Association for World Health, World Health Day, 1995
Presidential Medal, Brooklyn College, June 1, 1995
Recognition for Efforts on Behalf of Children and Families, Upper Peninsula Children's
Coalition of Escanaba, Michigan, June 2, 1995
Write Women Back Into History Award, National Women's History Project, August 26, 1995
Save the Children Service Award, September 1995
Miss America Woman of Achievement Award, September 1995
Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal, October 1, 1995
The National Breast Cancer Coalition Leadership Award, October 26, 1995
Sisterhood Award, NAACP, November 28, 1995
Jane Matilda Bolin Award, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, December 9, 1995
Paul Harris Fellow, The Rotary Foundation, 1996
ADRA's Humanitarian Award, January 29, 1996
1996 NICHE Humanitarian of the Year Award, The Rosen Group's Buyers Market of
For internal use only - not for public distribution
10
American Craft, February 11, 1996
Catherine Dunfey Award, New England Circle, February 22, 1996
Friend of Education Award, Buffalo Teachers Federation, March 6, 1996
Faith in Humanity Award, National Council of Jewish Women, March 9, 1996
Outstanding Communicator, Los Angeles Advertising Women, April 25, 1996
Anniversary Leadership Award, Center for Policy Alternatives, May 10, 1996
Key to the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, May 11, 1996
"Thank you for your commitment to America's children," National Parent Teacher Association,
June 24, 1996
National Association of Elementary School Principals Distinguished Service Award, July 28,
1996
Commendation by the County of Los Angeles for supporting and recognizing an American
Heritage: Crafts and their artists, September 11, 1996
Mayor's Orchid Award, West Palm Beach, Florida. "For your efforts in helping to
Sculpt a Capital City." October 1, 1996
First Annual Amy Center Award, Mount Vernon, Illinois. "For your tireless efforts on behalf of
children everywhere." October 9, 1996
Sticking Your Neck Out Award, Pima Council on Aging, Tucson, Arizona, October 15, 1996
Washington International School Award for Advocacy on Behalf of Young People, Washington,
D.C., October 26, 1996
Outstanding Contribution Award, Florida Agricultural Mechanical University, October 30, 1996
The Diamond In The Rough Award, Young Women's Council of the Florida Agricultural
Mechanical University, October 30, 1996
25 Most Influential Working Mothers, Working Mother Magazine, February 10, 1997
Grammy Award, Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Album, National Academy of Recording
Arts & Sciences, February 26, 1997
National Family Advocate Award, Parents' Plus/The Boston Parents' Paper, March 1, 1997
Public Spirit Award, American Legion Auxiliary, March 2, 1997
"Bully Pulpit" Award, The National Council for Adoption, "For advocacy on behalf of adoption
especially through the Adoption 2002 Initiative." April 16, 1997
National Family Advocate Award, Parents' Plus Newspaper, April 21, 1997
Judge Lois Forer Child Advocacy Award, Support Center for Child Advocates, April 28, 1997
"Parents - As They Grow - Award: Hillary Rodham Clinton 1997," Parents Magazine, May 22,
1997
The President's Award for Distinguished Public Service, American Society for Public
Administration, July 29, 1997
Honorary Title of Control House Operator, The Panama Canal Miraflores Locks, October 9,
1997
1997 Beacon Award, Trustees' Council of Penn Women, October 22, 1997
Distinguished Service to Education award, The College Board, October 28, 1997
Lifetime Achievement Award, Big Sisters Guild/Big Sisters of Los Angeles, October 30, 1997
Distinguished Service Award, Columbia University National Center on Addiction
For internal use only - not for public distribution
11
and Substance Abuse, November 21, 1997
Commitment to Children Award, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, December 1,
1997
Eleanor Roosevelt Living World Award, Peace Links, December 9, 1997
Friend of Children Award, Children's National Medical Center, December 16, 1997
Ronald H. Brown Bridge Builder Award, Ronald H. Brown Foundation, 1998
Lincoln Medal, Ford's Theatre, February 8, 1998
Decade of the Brain Award, Society for Neuroscience, March 18, 1998
T. Berry Brazelton Leadership Award, Brazelton Foundation, March 28, 1998
1998 Great Friend to Kids Award, Association of Youth Museums, May 8, 1998
United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize, World Health Organization, May 14, 1998
Friend of Education Award, Educational Press Association of America, June 5, 1998
1998 Eleanor Award, Woman's National Democratic Club, June 10, 1998
The Burst: Energy, innovation, excitement turned into ACTION, Jumpstart, June 18, 1998
Top 10 Most Influential Women, Civil Service Employees Association, Seneca Falls, New York,
July 16, 1998
Beverly Minkoff Award, Women's American ORT, July 17, 1998
Honored for "all your extra efforts on behalf of the American Cancer Society," American Cancer
Society, September 10, 1998
Edmund S. Muskie Distinguished Public Service Award, Center for National Policy,
September 17, 1998
"Parents 1998 Child Care Awards," Parents Magazine, September 23, 1998
Honored for "exemplary leadership on behalf of children and families," National Committee to
Prevent Child Abuse, October 6, 1998
Foreign Policy Association Medal, Foreign Policy Association, October 19, 1998
Annual Award of the New York Council on Adoptable Children, November 18, 1998
Model of the Order of Sovereign Congress, Grade of Great Cross, Congress of the Republic of
Guatemala, November 18, 1998
Advocacy Award, New York University Child Study Center, December 1, 1998
Lifetime Achievement Award, Life Directions, December 3, 1998
Humanitarian Award, America's Buffalo Soldiers Re-Enactors Association, February 1999
Rock the Vote Award, MTV, February 19, 1999
Award of Excellence 1998-1999, United States Committee for UNIFEM, March 4, 1999
Shalom Chaver Award for International Leadership (received jointly with the President), Yitzhak
Rabin Center for Israel Studies, March 18, 1999
1999 Lifetime Humanitarian Award, Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, April 19, 1999
Jill and Ken Iscol Lecture Series, Teachers College, Columbia University, April 19, 1999
Certificate of Recognition for outstanding contribution to the welfare of children, Syosset
Council of PTAs, April 20, 1999
John F. English Award Public Service Award, Hofstra University, April 20, 1999
Albert Shanker Award, New York State United Teachers, April 22, 1999
Ellis Island Medal of Honor, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, May 8,
For internal use only - not for public distribution
12
1999
Humanitarian Award, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, May 11, 1999
Friend of Playboard, PlayBoard of Northern Ireland, May 20, 1999
Arts Advocacy Award, Americans for the Arts, May 24, 1999
Friend of Education Award, National Education Association, July 5, 1999
Henrietta Szold Award, Hadassah, July 27, 1999
1999 W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award, National Democratic Institute for International
Affairs, September 23, 1999
Public Leadership Award, National Breast Cancer Coalition, September 28, 1999
Aesculapius Award of Excellence for the Video PSA recorded for the National Colorectal Cancer
Roundtable, Health Improvement Institute, October 1999
Honored for her Tireless Efforts on Behalf of Children Everywhere, African Ambassadors'
Spouses Association, October 14, 1999
Award of Appreciation, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, October 15-17,
1999
1999 Public Interest Advocate Award, National Association for Public Interest Law,
October 29, 1999
Lelia J. Robinson Award, Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts, November 3, 1999
Leadership Award, New York University Global Law School Program, November 20, 1999
Most Distinguished Woman of Vision Award, American Committee of the Weizman Institute of
Science, January 26, 2000
Irish American Peace Prize, Irish American Democrats, February 14, 2000
Woman of Distinction Award, Continental Societies Inc., New York Chapter,
March 11, 2000
Honored by the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, March 16, 2000
Honorary Member, National Association of Women Business Owners, New York City Chapter,
March 21, 2000
Winning Spirit Award for Commitment, Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer,
March 28, 2000
Village Banking Award, Foundation for International Community Assistance, April 6, 2000
Champion for Children Award, Child Abuse Prevention Services, April 6, 2000
Millennium Special Recognition Award, Brooklyn Democratic Party, April 13, 2000
Honored for commitment to the families of those individuals affected by Autism, The Autism
Coalition of the Empire State, June 11, 2000
Oliver Project's Humanitarian Award, Orphan Foundation of America, June 12, 2000
Leadership Award, Hispanic Democrats of Westchester, June 16, 2000
Honorary Carpenter, New York District Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Journey Level
Retraining Program, June 22, 2000
Citizen of the Year Award, Temple Adath Yeshurun, June 27, 2000
MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS:
For internal use only - - not for public distribution
13
Member, Arkansas Bar Association
Member, Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association
Member, Arkansas Women Lawyers Association
Member, Pulaski County Bar Association
Honorary Life Member, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Founder and President, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Founder, President and
Member of Board of Directors, 1977-84
Chair, Arkansas Rural Health Committee, 1979-80
Chair, Board of Directors, Children's Defense Fund, Washington, D.C., 1986-91, Member, Board
of Directors, 1976-92
Chair, Arkansas Education Standards Committee, 1983-84
Yale Law School Executive Committee, New Haven, Connecticut, 1983-88, Treasurer, 1987-88
Southern Governors Association Task Force on Infant Mortality, 1984-85
Member, Commission on Quality Education, Southern Regional Education Board, 1984-92
Honorary Membership, American Association of University Women, since 1984
Honorary Membership, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, since 1985
Chairman, Honorary Mathcounts, Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, 1985-86
Member, Youth and America's Future: The William T. Grant Foundation Commission on Work,
Family, and Citizenship, 1986-88
Board of Directors, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1986-92
Board of Directors, Child Care Action Campaign, New York, New York 1986-92
Board of Directors, Southern Development Bancorporation, 1986-92
Chair, Board of Directors, New World Foundation, New York, 1987-88, Member
Board of Directors, 1983-87
Board of Directors, National Center on Education and the Economy, 1987-92
Co-Chair for Implementation, Commission on Skills of the American Workforce
Board of Directors, "I Have a Dream" Foundation, 1988-89
Board of Directors, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1988-93
Board of Directors, New Futures for Little Rock Youth, 1988-92
Member, HIPPY USA Advisory Board, 1988-92
Board of Directors, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, 1988-93
Charter Member, Business Leadership Council, Wellesley College, 1989-Present
Board of Directors, Children's Television Workshop, 1989-92
Board of Directors, TCBY (The Country's Best Yogurt) Enterprises, Inc., 1989-92
Board of Directors, National Alliance of Business Center for Excellence in Education, 1990-91
Board of Directors, Public/Private Ventures, 1990-92
Board of Directors, Lafarge Corporation, 1990-92
Arkansas Business and Education Alliance, 1991-92
President, Board of Directors, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Program, 1990-92
Chair, National Board of the Claudia Company 1991-93
Honorary President of the Girl Scouts of America, 1993-Present
For internal use only - not for public distribution
14
American Workforce, 1991-92
Member, Visiting Committee, University of Chicago Law School, 1991-92
Alumnae Trustee, Wellesley College, 1992-93
Chair, President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform, January-May 1993
Honorary Chair, President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, 1993-Present
Honorary Member, American News Women's Club, 1994
Honorary Chair, U.S. Delegation, United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women,
September 1995
Honorary Chair, President's Interagency Council on Women, 1995-Present
Honorary Member, The Pen & Brush, Inc., 1996
Honorary Life Member, Women's Council of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1996
Honorary Member, National League of American Pen Women, Inc., 1997
Honorary Chair, White House Millennium Committee to Save America's Treasures, 1997-
Present
Founding Member, The President's Circle of Habitat for Humanity International, March 10, 1998
For internal use only - not for public distribution
00/11/00
ГАЛ
In Shift, Mrs. Clinton Stresses
start talking to her."
Although much of Mrs. Clinton's
work at the White House was the
Behind-the-Scenes Influence
Iraditional advocacy and speech-
making of modern first ladles and
of Eleanor Roosevelt. her role model
- Mrs. Clinton said that on many
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
ISSUES she was directly Involved in
As Hillary Radham Clinton tries to
the business of government. She said,
rebut the (avorite attack line of Rep-
sand Dan McLagan, the congress.
for example, that the Clinton admin-
resentative Rick A. Lazio, mar she
man's chief spokesman. "The bot-
istration program to guarantee free
has never held public office and has
com line la, she's never lifted a finger
immunizations for poor and unin-
no record for a Scnate campaign, she
for New York and is now trying to
sured children, passed In 1993, "was
and her husband and their staffs are
create an Imaginary record."
basically drafted in my office under
acgressively trying to reverse the
Agency heads, other administra-
my supervision." The program was
reclusive image that she projected
tion officials, Democrate and some
a precursor to health care and its
after her failure on health care re-
Republicans on Capitol Hill general-
policy was largely rejected by Con-
form. Now Mrs. Clinton says that
ly confirm Mrs. Clinton's assertions,
gress. DUE the Clinton administration
rather than retrearing. as the White
but say that her role was kept quiet
did get $585 million for vaccines.
House maintained. she was in fact
ID avoid the kind of vilification she
Mrs. Clinton also reaid that her
working hard behind the scenes pro-
had attracted over her central part
staff had a large DATE in the develop
posing writing and lobbying for cer-
in health care policy,
mont of the Corporation for National
tain legislation, budget appropria.
As Mrs. Clinton put it: "People
tions and administration policies.
were saying, 'We don't care If you
Service. the Clinton administration's
Her record, she said, Includes
exercise Influence as long as we
domestic version of the Peace Corps.
work on amajor Clinton administra-
don't know about It' In any case,
"I hired Shirley Sagawa. who had
don child-care Initiative, a hugo fed-
she said, "I wasn't Interested in get-
been Ted Kennedy's person on ne-
crai-state. children's health Insur-
ting credit for these things."
tional service. and SO basically it was
No longer does she consider that
ance program, adoption and foster
my staff that was Involved in draft.
care bills and foreign aid appropria-
tactic politically helpful to her. "If
Ing that legislation," she said. Eli J.
tions for small loans overseas.
somebody's going to say, 'Well, she's
Segal, the first chief executive of the
"The record's there, and whar 1
never done anything." Mrs. Clinton
Corporation for National Service and
did is sort of soll-ovident I think, bur
SRIC. "I'm going to say, 'Well, you
the 1992 Clinton campaign chief of
know, I WRDE to tell you what I did,
If may come as new information to a
staff. called the first lady's assertion
lor of Deople," Mrs. Clinton said in a
and you can make your own Judg-
"100 percent correct"
ments.' 1 think that's a fair and accu-
recent interview, acknowledging the
Among her other accomplish-
rate way to have somebody evaluate
contradiction between the years or
ments. Mrs. Clinton said she helped
what I could do in the Senate."
stressing more traditional first lady
to initiate and promote the Chil-
Mrs. Clinton described her White
duties and/the role she claims now,
dren's Health Insurance Program,
House Issues staff, which has offices
The president joined in this week
created by Congress in 1997 to pro-
in both the West Wing and the old
at a fund-raising dinner for his wile,
vide 32-1 billion over five years to
Executive Office Bullding, "as part
states to Insure children.
listing various issues and saying,
of the domestic policy operation in
"She was a one-woman army in-
"She basically had an unprecedented
the White House." Although she also
side the White House to ger this
Icvel of activity in her present posi-
has a small staff In the East Wing to
done," Mr. LittleGeld of Senator Ken-
cion over the last eight years."
handle first lady social responsibil-
nedy's committee said. He said chat
In the Interview, Mrs. Clinton ac-
Itles, Mrs. Clinton said that "I real-
Mr. Kennedy. the Massachuserts
knowledged that she had learned to
tacd very soon that, you know, if had
Democrat who was the mejor force
take a more subtle approach in Dush-
some first Indy STAM over here, I
behind the DILL enlisted Mrs. Clin-
ing her projects because of the
wouldn't be able to get things done."
ton's help in the spring of 1997 when
health care debacle in 1994, a humili-
She said that she and her policy
the president became "skittlsh"
ating defeat for the administration
staff had the responsibility for push-
that banished her from a public poll-
Lng logislation and programs that
about the program. Mr. Littlefield
said the Senate majority leader,
cy role next to her husband. But
would benefit children, women and
Trent Lott. was threatening that it
when sho was asked if, by speaking
health care Insues that have con-
was a "deal Duster" on the balanced
50 openly. she might allenate voters
corned her, she said, for the last 30
disturbed by her deep involvement in
years. Several of Mrs. Clinton's staff
budget agreement that he and Mr.
her husband's administration, she
members had the title of assistant to
retorted: "Well, that's why you nev-
the president and were officially on
cr knew about It.
the staff of Bruce Reed, the prest-
Pressed later about whether her
dent's domestic pollcy adviser, but
new descriptions of acting B5. in es-
generally reported to the first lady.
sence, a senior presidential adviser
Mrs. Clinton's Democratic aup-
went beyond the job of first lady,
porters on Capitol Hill echo her
Mrs. Clinton laughed out loud and
claims. "Her office and ber in partic-
said: "I'm|not going to have It any
ular were key allies of ours-and the
more. And the next first lady doesn't
progressives in the Senate who were
have to do It."
trying TO pursue an agenda in the
areas of children, education, health
Mr. Lazio's campaign dismissed
care and job training," SRID Nick
Mrs. Clinton's efforts to establish a
Littlefield, the staff director at the
legislative history, "If she were run-
time to Senator FAward M Kenne-
ning in MassachuseTTs, che'd take
dy's Health. Education and Labor
credit for the Boston Tea Party."!
Committee. Re added that that "once
1/2
we discovered that Mrs. Clinton was
running a public advocacy organiza-
non Inside the White House, it fol-
lowed automatically that we would
The 11.mL #:
08/11/00
11:09
FAX
NATL ECONOMIC COUNCIL
003
Clinton had reached.
develop a $21 billion White House
Harriet Tubman in upstate New
"AC that point we went to Mrs.
initiative on child care. Mr. Reed. the
York.
Clinton and said, 'You've got to get
presidential adviser, said that he,
(Pushing the administration Into
the president to come around on this
Mrs. Christon and others at the White
expanding Medicare coverage, since
thing' Mr. Limiefield said. "And
House worked with other agencies of
January 1998. to pay for ennual
she said, 'Absolutely.' And we very
the government to develop the pack-
mammograms for Medicare pa-
quickly noticed a change. The prest-
age of programs, culminating in a
tlents age 40 and over. Proviously
dent was very much on board."
December 1997 moeting with agency
Medicare covered mammograms
She also said she helped to write
heads "that the first lady chaired."
every other year.
bills on adoption and foster care, and
Present at the meeting, Mr. Reed
"Procuring $40 million in govern-
lobbied for them.
said, were Robert E. Rubin, then the
ment and for the training of pediatri-
AT the end of the 1997 Congression-
secretary of the Treasury, and Don-
clans at children's hospitals, "I fi-
al seseion, Representative Dave
na Shalala. the secretary of the De-
nally got is into the president's budg-
Camp. a conservative Michigan Re-
partment of Health and Human Serv-
ct," Mrs. Clinton said "And I think I
publican who was frantically negoti-
Ices. Sa far, Congress has given the
500 it Into the budget for 'SS, If I'm
ating to save an adoption bill. got a
Clinton administration a small part
right Then We bad to make sure chat
call in the House cloakroom from
of what it requested.
It stayed in the budget."
Mrs. Clinton.
She also took credit for helping to
David S. Wetner, the chief execu-
"It was 9:30 or 10 at night," Mr.
tive of Boston Children's Hospital
Camp recalled. "I thought only Con-
and a leader of the hospital lobbying
gressional night owls did that. I was
group that worked with Mrs. Clinton
surprised. You know, you're working
Expansion of
to get the money, said that "there
wearity on these things, and you're
were many people Involved, but with-
worrying whether this IS doing any
Medicare to
out her Initial championing we would
good." Mrs. Clinton gave bim a DED
have been simply another voice in
talk. Mr. Camp said, and told him the
the wilderness." He added mat "she
bill was worth it Today, although
preserving Edith
really helped our group of institu-
Mr. Camp is enthusiastically Sup-
tions strategically. and she advised
porting Representative Rick A. La-
Wharton's home.
us to who the key legislators were
zia, Mra. Clinton's apponent in the
that we needed to connect with."
Senate race in New York, he admits
In the interview this month, Mrs.
that the first lady's intervention was
Clinton also said that after the pain-
procure $140 million annually In the
important "I want to be honest," he
ful health care defeat, she learned
foreign aid budget for micro-credit,
said. "Ir was helpful to me."
more subtle approaches B dealing
or small-enterprise loans, to help
The bill. an administration priority
with Congress
poor women around the world.
intended to speed up the adoption of
"It's important that you get total
"What we did at her behest WAS to
children in foster care, had been
congressional Duy-in from the very
negodato B micro-enterprise Inida-
heavily promoted by Mrs. Clincon on
beginning." she said, "and not just
tive with Congress," said J. Brian
Capitol HIll. Four days after her call,
lip service about the process." She
Atwand, who was the administrator
it passed the House and Sonate and
explained: "We thought we were do-
of the United States Agency for In-
was soon signed into law by the pres-
Ing what the leadership wanted us to
ternational Development at the time,
do when It came to health care. Bur
ident. Almost immediately. Mrs.
1997. when Mrs. Clinton announced
Clinton and her White House staff
we assumed too much. We abould
the initiacive in a speech on Capitol
have had them do much more of the
began working with the Department
of Health and Human Services on a
Hill. "The Congress was very Inter-
involved work. They basically said,
new, related bill to provide more
ested in it, but I think she clearly was
'We can't figure out how to do this
a catalyst for doing as much."
ourselves. so you go do It." And we
government help to 18-year-olds who
loave foster care because of their
Mr. Rubin said she also sparked
didn't understand that at that mo
age One version of that bill was
Incerest In micro-credit programs
ment we should have said: 'Well, no,
virtually written in Mrs. Clinton's
among treasury officials. "Il Isn't
that's not the way IT'S going to work
that she came out of the White House
We'll help you do what you want to
office. according to Representative
Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland. the
and said 'Do this, da char,' said Mr.
do. you know." even If K was our
Rubin. But he said that after Mrs.
Idea."
Democrat who sponsored It
Clinton saw a successful bank for
On the subsequent adoption and
"This was the first Lady's priority,
poor women in India. she spoke to
foster care Dills. Mrs. Clinton said:
and she developed the administra-
tion's legislation." Mr. Cardin said.
him about importing the methods to
"You bad to go sround planting Ideas
"And pretty much what was passed
this country.
with people. You had to go around
by Congress was what the adminis-
"I don't think people were un-
Bort of eliciting Interest and then
tration proposed."
aware of mlero-credit," he said.
saying. 'What a good Idea. We might
Mrs. Clinton's role, however, is dis-
"But she really brought the Issue to
be inscrested."
puted by Republicans, who say they
life. and gave It energy. And she did
She added "We always tried to
knew nothing about it. "I Wrote the
it by persuading everybody else what
create the opportunity for It TO be
bill," said Representative Nancy L
she had scen."
their idea their legislation, their
Johnson of Connecticut, the Republi-
These are other Initiatives that
name on iL We'd push IL we'd help
can sponsor who introduced her own
Mrs. Clinton Ilats as accomplish-
draft It, we'd lobby it, I'd do what I
needed to do. But IT, needed to be a
version in the House Representative
ments:
Tom DeLay of Texas, a foster parent
9"Save America's Treasures,"
real partnership in order to be suc
and the aggressive anti-Clinton
which has raised $100 to $200 million
cessiul."
House majority whip who pushed the
in public and private money to help
bill, said that If Mrs. Clinton was
preserve 593 designated
Involved, "I never Saw it"
ures," among them the homes at
MAKE SUMMER DREAMS COME TRUE:
She said she oversaw and helped
Edith Wharton in Massachusetts and
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by Elizabeth Moore
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Drifting through Farmingdale High School, Jackie Rindos
knew she liked art class and psychology, felt
Last 7 Days
misunderstood by her family and had seen how cruel
LI A to Z
people can be. She did not know these were job skills.
Fun Book 2000
Not until an art teacher nudged Rindos to take a taste of the
Obituaries
real world in Patricia Graham's "internship class." While
LI History
some kids headed for emergency rooms and others for
offices, Graham found Rindos a placement as an an
therapist four days a week at the Helen Kaplan
How to Subscribe
Intermediate Care Facility for mentally retarded adults in
Plainview. Once she got past her fear and discomfort with
How to Advertise
PROGRAMS
the residents and came to know them as people, the work
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FUTURE CORPS
she was doing began to amaze her.
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NEWSDAY IN EDUCATION
"Ir's like finding the true meaning of what life is," said
NAMES or NEW YORK
Rindos, 18, who fit in so well she was hired back for the
LONE (SLANDER
summer and plans to start work in September on a degree
OF THE CENTURY
in art therapy from C.W. Post in Brookville.
SUMMER CAMP APPEAL
Farmingdale's internship class is one of dozens of programs
around New York State funded under a federal law first
drafted and promoted a decade ago under the leadership of
Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Then the first lady of Arkansas, Yale-educated partner in a
Little Rock law firm and a prominent education reform
advocate, Clinton had been hired by the bipartisan
Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce to
head the effort to implement dramatic changes in the way
the United States trained its work force for a rapidly
evolving global economy.
For a year or so. Clinton and her colleagues crisscrossed
the country meeting with executives, educators and
Democratic and Republican governors, testifying before
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Lazio's campaign has hammered away at those themes.
"In fact, her only experience in drafting legislation ended in
disaster," Lazio wrote in an Aug. 7 fund-raising letter,
referring to health care.
But Nick Littlefield, Kennedy's longtime chief of staff on
the Labor and Human Resources Committee who worked
closely with Clinton and her policy staff, said the first lady
had played an "integral role" in shaping the job-training
laws. as well as in every piece of progressive Clinton-era
legislation on health, children's issues and national service.
"She was facilitating all this legislation, consulting and
advising, but the point was to have the credit go to the
legislators and to the president." Littlefield said. "They all
got the credit, but she did the work." Like the health-care
effort, the America's Choice report was an expansive
undertaking, involving more than 2,000 interviews at more
than 550 U.S.
companies. Climon went forth across the nation calling for
a complete retooling of the way Americans are prepared for
the job market, including doing away with high school
diplomas in favor of an educational model closer to that of
some European countries. Participants give her mixed
reviews, but the leading industry, government and
education figures who called on her saw nothing foolhardy
about the scale of their enterprise.
"This is the first time that a comprehensive national system
like this has been attempted." said James Houghton, a
former chief executive officer of Corning Inc., of the
National Skills Standards Board be now heads, in a
statement last year.
The Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce
was launched in Rochester in 1990 by the National Center
on Education and the Economy, a Carnegie Corporation
spin-off where then New York Gov. Mario Cuomo served
as honorary chairman and Hillary Clinton as a trustee on a
board that also included David Rockefeller Jr., Apple
Computer chairman John Sculley and Easuman Kodak CEO
Kay Whitmore.
Headed by consultant Ira Magaziner, who would later lead
the Clinton health care effort, the commission was co-
chaired by two former labor secretanes, Republican Bill
Brock of the Reagan administration and Carter-era
Democrat Ray Marshall.
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Their central concern was the slipping economic position
of U.S. industry relative to other countries and the weak
skills of its work force. "Many of our companies were
beginning to beheve they could not compete with the
Japanese and the Germans," said Marshall, who had served
on the board that rescued the Chrysler Corp. from
insolvency and had traveled as a trustee of the Carnegie
Corporation to those countries learning humbling lessons
about how much better they prepared both school kids and
mid-career workers for success at work. "Our schools were
still turning out the kind of people we needed in the 1950s
and 1960s," when rote, repetitive assembly line tasks were
the norm in industry, Marshall said. At a time when
American workplaces were demanding increasing
sophistication and adaptability, U.S. students not bound for
college were getting few job skills and little or no guidance
or employment services.
The commission urged a series of changes in schools and
government: Establish a new Certificate of Initial Mastery,
to be carned by age 16.
Students could then choose to work, to gain occupational
training or to prepare for college. A comprehensive system
of technical and professional certificates should be created
for students and adult workers. Employers should be called
on to invest at least 1 percent of payrolls in training and
retraining. And a network of training boards should be
created to organize and oversee the new offerings.
"We were suggesting major changes," acknowledged Marc
Tucker, president of the national center. And while the
commission's heavyweight membership was a reflection of
broad sentiment that such changes were warranted,
"Nothing sells itself. It's an enormous competitive bazaar of
ideas out there," Tucker said.
Clinton started out as one of the more active but less visible
advocates for the America's Choice report, first unveiled at
a June, 1990, ceremony.
The Clintons then were bright lights in a small circle of
governors who had become opinion leaders on education
reform, the hot governing topic of the day.
A stream of staff jobs and seats on corporate and nonprofit
boards, commissions, and studies over the years, as well as
chairmanship of the Children's Defense Fund, had kept
Hillary Clinton involved in domestic policy debates and in
regular touch with a wide network of public officials,
business, union and community leaders and academics.
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Her kitchen at the Arkansas governor's mansion has been
described as a kind of down-home think tank, where
friends from all over the country munched chocolate chip
cookies and kicked ideas around late into the night. By that
time she had waged five political campaigns with her
husband and run his education agenda, including a proposal
to raise teaching standards in exchange for better teacher
pay.
In those days, "there was an incredibly bipartisan, friendly,
collegial atmosphere among the governors, between the
partics," Clinton said, recalling warm relations with
President George Bush and Barbara Busb. "We used to get
good ideas from each other." It was possible to have "good,
vigorous debate" strictly on the merits of a proposal,
Clinton said. "I was there to work." It was "a very smart
move to bring her in here," because of her close contacts
with governors, said Brock, a former Republican National
Committee chairman, calling Chnton "obviously intelligent
and knowledgeable and competent to deal with this
subject." Clinton advised the report's framers to bring in
political sponsors and devise a media strategy well before
they released it if they wanted to make a splash, Marshall
recalled: "Politicians. not read the report, but they
are vigorous readers of the press and watchers of
television," Marshall said.
She and Magaziner condensed the report into an easy-to-
read five-page article with a dramatic warning: "What we
are facing is an economic cliff-and the frontline working
people of America are about to fall off." They began a
schedule of meetings with state agencies, unions, the Bush
administration, and a dozen Republican and Democratic
governors.
"She could go imo any audience, whether local business
leaders or school community or the teachers or the parents
or the governor's office or [Education Secretary] Lamar
Alexander's office and basically relate, and gez them
excited," Magaziner said.
Clinton meanwhile had worked with Kennedy's staff to
draft a bill based on the report and had lined up bipartisan
sponsorship in both houses that included Sea. Mark
Hatfield (R-Ore.) and Reps. Richard Gephart (D-Mo.) and
Ralph Regula (R-Ohio). Two days after the bill was filed in
the Senate, on Oct. 3, 1991, Bill Clinton declared his
candidacy for president, and Hillary Clinton withdrew from
the project. The bill went to the back burner for the
duration of the campaign.
But her husband made those ideas a "mantra" in the
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herself does not seem to have wasted much energy grading
her own work. "When you put out a report like that, you
know that you're going to set a sort of a benchmark, but the
political process will only gel you a certain way there," she
said. "That's all that can realistically be accomplished."
Rindos, the Farmingdale high school graduate, says she is
happy with the results she had an opportunity to sample. "I
don't really know her." she said of Clinton, but "I think
they should make every student take that class."
Copyright © Newsday, Inc. Produced by Newsday Electronic Publishing.
8/11/00
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
HRC - FY01 Wins
Divider Title:
Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): The Violence Against
Women Act, enacted in 1994, established new Federal criminal provisions and important grant
programs that have improved the criminal justice system's response to violence against women,
and directed critical services to victims. Reauthorization this year was critical because VAWA's
essential grant programs expired on September 30. The recently-passed reauthorization will,
among other things, maintain and increase support for key VAWA grants programs; provide
important protections for battered immigrant women; provide additional assistance to Indian
tribes; reauthorize the domestic violence hotline, and help state courts improve interstate
enforcement of protection orders. Last week, Congress approved VAWA as part of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which will be signed into law by the President shortly.
HRC Role: Earlier this year, the First Lady's domestic policy staff took over the responsibility
within the White House for efforts to reauthorize VAWA, and worked to increase the visibility
of the issue. At a White House event on June 12, the First Lady announced key law enforcement
support for reauthorization and joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to urge Congress to
reauthorize VAWA. In June and again in October, Mrs. Clinton used her weekly column to
highlight the success of VAWA and to call for reauthorization. Her staff continued to work to
elevate the issue by ensuring that reauthorization was included among the Administration
priorities and pushing for a Presidential event underscoring the importance of reauthorizing
VAWA. Mrs. Clinton has promoted VAWA around the world as a model statute to deal with this
serious problem.
Working to Ban the Practice of Trafficking Women and Children. Last week the Congress
passed H.R. 3244, the "Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000" ("the
Act"). This landmark legislation provides important new tools and resources to combat the
worldwide scourge of trafficking in human beings and provides vital assistance to the victims of
such trafficking. Trafficking in women and girls, a modern day form of slavery, has become one
of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world. It is estimated that 50,000 women and
children are trafficked [each year] to the US, from all over the world under false pretenses and
placed in bondage.
HRC's Role: Responding to the pleas of women she met from Ukraine to Thailand, Mrs. Clinton
has fought for congressional and international actions to combat the trafficking of women and
girls, and her staff led an interagency effort, working especially closely with the State
Department and the National Security Council to develop and execute the legislative strategies
that eventually led to the passage of this bill. Vital Voices representative spoke to Members of
Congress about the need for the legislation.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act: This legislation provides a new Medicaid
treatment option for low-income, uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
through CDC's Breast and Cervical Cancer screening program. Last week, Congress cleared the
legislation for the President.
HRC role: The First Lady worked within the Administration to build support for the proposal
and successfully argued for inclusion of $220 million for the initiative in the President's FY
2001 budget. (There was some resistance because it carved out within Medicaid special
treatment for the two diseases.) Since inclusion in the budget, she and her staff pushed hard for
Congressional approval, ensuring that the legislation was included among White House
legislative priorities and was raised by the President in his dealings with Republican
Congressional leaders. They also worked closely with the National Breast Cancer Coalition. In
July, Mrs. Clinton received an award from the group for her leadership.
Day Care Health and Safety Act. On October 17, 2000, the President signed the Children's
Health Act which included the Day Care Health and Safety Act. The Children's Day Care Health
and Safety Act, a component of the Children's Health Act, provides grants to states to improve
the safety and health of child care by: training and educating child care providers on preventing
injuries and illnesses; improving state health and safety standards; improving enforcement of
standards, including increased unannounced inspections; renovating child care facilities to meet
health and safety standards; enhancing child care providers' ability to serve children with
disabilities; and conducting criminal background checks on child care providers.
HRC role: The President's Child Care initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady and outlined in
his 1998 State of the Union, included investments to help make child care more affordable for
working parents, improve its quality, and strengthen enforcement of state health and safety
standards. The First Lady has long advocated for improved health and safety of child care centers
through her work on the White House Conference on Child Care, the Child Care initiative, and
the Healthy Child Care America campaign. The Day Care Health and Safety Act supports the
Administration's Child Care initiative by providing greater assurance to the millions of parents
who rely on child care providers that their children are receiving child care that protects their
safety and health.
Intercountry Adoption Act: On October 6, 2000, President Clinton signed H.R. 2909, The
Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000. The Hague Convention was negotiated by the US and sixty-
five other countries in response to abuses in the intercountry adoption process, including illegal
child trafficking. The Convention acts as a global legal framework designed to protect adoptive
children and their families, and to streamline the international adoption process. The Convention
was signed by the United States on March 31, 1994. The Intercountry Adoption Act ratifies the
convention and provides for the implementation of the agreement.
HRC role: The First Lady is the Administration's most vocal advocate for adoption. She has
long been concerned about ratifying the Hague Convention and ensuring that we implement it
properly in order to put in place the needed protections for internationally adopted children, as
well as their birth parents and adoptive parents. Last year alone, more than 16,000 children were
adopted internationally. The First Lady has been concerned that with this rising number, we
needed to ensure that we had protections in place. The Intercountry Adoption Act provides for
the necessary protections.
Expanding Access to Credit for Economic Growth. On October 17, the President signed H.R.
1143, the "Microenterprise for Self-Reliance and International Anti-Corruption Act of 2000."
The primary purpose of this legislation is to authorize continued and expanded efforts to provide
assistance to the world's poorest entrepreneurs many of whom are women. Microenterprise
programs help self-employed entrepreneurs obtain loans for small business enterprises to begin
the process of growing out of poverty. Experience has shown that these small loans are repaid
and, in the process, these small-scale enterprises generate income and jobs for poor families.
HRC's Role: For the last 15 years Mrs. Clinton has been devoted to the development of
microenterprise programs as an effective tool to fight poverty. She was on the front lines in
Arkansas developing and supporting some of the first microenterprise programs in the United
States. At the UN Fourth World Conference for Women in Beijing, it was one of our country's
key commitments. She spoke at Beijing +5 on the topic and keynoted the microenterprise
summit. As First Lady, Mrs. Clinton has traveled around the world promoting the good work/of
microcredit programs and encouraging greater funding through USAID. Her staff has worked
closely with the nonprofit microenterprise community represented by the Microenterprise
Coalition to develop and execute legislative proposals and strategies for this bill.
Support for the National Endowment for the Arts. President Clinton proposed to expand
resources for the National Endowment for the Arts to provide support for the important cultural,
educational and artistic programs for communities across America. Working together, the
President and the Congress were able to increase funding for the NEA to $105 million, a $7
million boost over last year's funding level and the first significant increase in the six years since
the Republicans took control of the Congress.
HRC's Role: Over the course of this Administration, Mrs. Clinton has been a staunch supporter
of the NEA. Her office has primary responsibility for the arts and has worked within the White
House and with the advocacy community in support of greater resources.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
Foreign Policy & Ethnic
Divider Title:
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
WORKING TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY IN UKRAINE
"It was Taras Shevchenko who wrote 'In your house you will find then, truth and strength and
freedom.' In your home of Ukraine, we have found them, those citizens who work in the name of
truth, those who push forward with strength, and those who fought for and sometimes died for
freedom [Y]ou found the best shield against oppression, you started down the road to
democracy.
"But the journey is far from over but if we, in Ukraine and in the United States, want
democracy and freedom to thrive, then we must build a civil society where democratic values live
in our hearts and minds, where people stand up for what is right, and where the rule of law, not
the rule of crime and corruption, prevails I want you to know that the American people will
stand with you, and as you undergo the hardships of this historic transition that you are
accomplishing here in your country.
"We know that the road you have chosen is a difficult one, but it is the right road and we will
walk that road with you, now into the next century and millennium. Because America has faith
and confidence in the people of Ukraine, and as we have learned from the many contributions of
Ukrainian-Americans, we have seen that you will be successful in creating a democratic,
prosperous, stable Ukraine. 'God Bless America,' and 'Slava Ukraini.
HRC Remarks at the Monument to the Victims of Communist Repression
Lviv, Ukraine, 11/17/97
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Ukraine twice as goodwill ambassador. There she
celebrated Ukrainian and American friendship and our country's commitment to help Ukraine
build its democracy and market economy. On her visits, she also advocated for better health
care, especially for children, and for women's progress, and praised programs that were working
towards those goals. Mrs. Clinton also commemorated the memory of the Jews and others who
perished in the Holocaust and lauded efforts to rebuild Ukraine's Jewish community.
Advancing Ukraine's Democracy
In 1997, Mrs. Clinton delivered a major address at the historic Ivan Franko Opera and Ballet
Theater in Lviv in which she praised Ukraine's movement towards a strong democracy and
market economy and talked about the importance of building civil society. She said: "When I
first came to Ukraine, it was with my husband in 1995, and the sun of freedom was rising in the
sky. In the time I have been here, I have seen how much farther the sun has traveled. In only six
years, you have done much to sweep away the oppressive structures of communism. You
developed a constitution and held free and fair elections - which resulted in the peaceful transfer
of power, the first ever in NIS. Now the challenge is to build upon this architecture of freedom."
[HRC Remarks, 11/18/97]. Mrs. Clinton also delivered moving remarks at Memorial Honoring
the Victims of Communist Repression, where thousands of citizens of Lviv came to hear her
speak.
Promoting Ukrainian Women's Progress and Fighting the Scourge of Trafficking.
Responding to the pleas of women she met from Ukraine, Mrs. Clinton has fought for national
and international actions to combat the trafficking of women and girls. She worked hard for a
bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, which was announced by the President and
First Lady at the White House in March 1998. This initiative directed the U.S. Government to
work with the Ukrainian government to develop a comprehensive strategy to fight trafficking
with a hope that it will become a model for anti-trafficking efforts around the globe.
Representing the U.S., Mrs. Clinton also announced additional U.S. Government assistance to
combat trafficking at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Conference in Turkey in November 1999.
When Mrs. Clinton delivered remarks at the Opera House in Lviv, she also spoke out against the
trafficking in women and girls, a modern day form of slavery, which has become one of the
fastest growing criminal enterprises against women and humanity in the world. Mrs. Clinton
announced a major new U.S.-U.N. partnership for an information campaign to reach women who
may be in danger, and to inform law enforcement and consular officers, and international
organizations so they can be on the look out for, and ultimately put a stop to these criminal
operations. This past June, Mrs. Clinton's Chief of Staff represented the First Lady at a
conference in Ukraine, sponsored by the U.S. and Ukrainian governments, where she delivered a
keynote address on law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking. To coincide with this
conference, a major Ukrainian daily newspaper carried an interview with Mrs. Clinton.
Working to Improve Health Care for Ukraine's Children
Mrs. Clinton has been particularly active on issues relating to health care in Ukraine. In 1995,
she visited the Left Bank Center for Maternal and Child Health Care to underscore the
importance of prenatal care programs in Ukraine. She also helped inaugurate the Ukrainian
Nurses Association and announced several public-private partnerships and new donations to
support health care in Ukraine. [AP, 5/11/95] In 1997, Mrs. Clinton visited the Lviv Oblast
Clinical Hospital where she presented humanitarian aid shipments to the hospital's neo-natal
center and another children's hospital in Lviv, commended the hospitals for their partnerships
with U.S. organizations and held a discussion regarding children's emergency care.
Working for Humanitarian Relief in the Aftermath of Chernobyl
Mrs. Clinton has also worked hard to help children who have been affected by the tragic
Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion. Mrs. Clinton has worked closely with the Children of
Chornobyl Relief Fund, a humanitarian fund to protect and save the lives of children who were
affected by the aftermath of the nuclear explosion, and personally contributed to the organization
through proceeds from her book, It Takes a Village.
In April 1996, Mrs. Clinton held a White House event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of
the Chernobyl tragedy. At the event, which included participation from a child recovering from
the health effects of Chernobyl, as well as high government officials, she announced an
additional commitment of U.S. support. Mrs. Clinton has been honored by the Children of
Chornobyl Relief Fund for her work.
Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Rebirth of the Jewish Community in Ukraine
In 1995, Mrs. Clinton visited Babi Yar with the President where she left flowers at the Menorah
and laid a wreath in memory of the more than 30,000 Kyiv Jews and others were killed by the
Nazis over the course of two days in September 1941. When she returned to Ukraine in 1997,
she visited the Gilad Synagogue "the city's only Jewish house of worship to survive the Nazi
occupation during World War II. After being vandalized by the German invaders and used as a
warehouse by the Soviets, the synagogue was returned to the Jewish Community in 1989." [AP,
5/12/95; AP, 11/17/97]
Celebrating Ukraine's Heritage and Meeting Poland's Leaders
During Mrs. Clinton's trips to Ukraine, she met with Ukraine's government leaders and held
discussions with women's advocates in Ukraine with whom she discussed strategies for
improving conditions. Mrs. Clinton laid flowers at Shevchencko Monument, visited the National
Museum, and St. George's Cathedral. After her 1997 trip to Ukraine, Mrs. Clinton held a briefing
in Washington for members of the Ukrainian American community and other ethnic
representatives. The First Lady arranged for the Kyiv Chamber Choir to perform at the White
House at Christmas in 1997, and she is honorary chair of the current exhibition at the Brooklyn
Museum of the Art called "Gold of the Nomads: Scytheian Treasures from Ancient Ukraine."
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: WORKING TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD
As First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton has spoken out on the importance of U.S. global leadership,
human rights and women's full participation in advancing their democracies and free-market
economies.
Promoting Women's Progress. To fulfill America's foreign policy objectives in advancing
democracy and fostering free market economies requires the full participation of women. In her
groundbreaking and widely praised address to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on
Women in Beijing, in 1995, Mrs. Clinton emphatically stated that "If there is one message that
echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women's rights And women's
rights are human rights, once and for all." Mrs. Clinton worked to create and serves as the honorary
chair of the President's Interagency Council on Women which was established to follow up on
achieving the goals of the conference, such as microenterprise development, combatting violence
against women, promoting women's political participation. Mrs. Clinton has been a world-
spokesperson on these issues. She keynoted the UN Population Forum at the Hague, the UN Social
Development Conference in Copenhagen, the WHO Conference in Geneva, the World Bank's Safe
Motherhood Conference, the Inter-American Development Bank Conference on Violence Against
Women, and other major global convenings.
Advancing the Vital Voices Democracy Initiative. Mrs. Clinton worked to create the Vital Voices
Democracy Initiative, an on-going global initiative and a public-private partnership which
highlights and supports the critical role that women play in developing full participatory
democracies, increasing economic prosperity and strengthening political systems. Vital Voices has
been implemented through the active support of the First Lady to give women the skills, tools and
resources they need to empower themselves, their countries and their communities. She has
participated in conferences and convenings in Austria, Uruguay, Northern Ireland, Italy, Turkey,
Iceland, Mexico, Bulgaria, Haiti, and the Caribbean, Tunisia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Russia,
Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Uganda.
Working to Improve World Health
Working to Improve Women's Health and Access to Family Planning. Mrs. Clinton has
fought for increased investments to improve women's health, including funding for family
planning. She has also been instrumental in leading the Administration's efforts to raise
awareness of and increase funding for HIV-AIDS prevention, especially in Africa.
Leading the Fight Against Deadly Diseases. Mrs. Clinton held the first high-level, strategic
HIV/AIDS meeting at the White House with Administration officials, and foundation and
business leaders to explore strategies to better address the AIDS pandemic, which eventually led
to major Administration initiatives in this area. She also convened an Administration-wide
meeting on Malaria, which led to a new initiative announced during President's trip to Africa.
Mrs. Clinton convened major international funders of TB treatment to promote better
collaboration and to target urgent global problems.
Championing Human Rights
Working to Combat Trafficking of Women and Children. Trafficking in women and girls, a
modern day form of slavery, has become one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the
world. Responding to the pleas of women she met from Ukraine to Thailand, Mrs. Clinton has
10/29/00 12:36 PM
FOR BACKGROUND PURPOSES
fought for congressional and international actions to combat the trafficking of women and girls.
Historic anti-trafficking legislation cleared the Congress in early October and various bilateral
and multilateral international agreements have also been achieved, including an announcement
of U.S. Government aid to combat trafficking in the OSCE region.
Speaking Out Against Human Rights Abuses. Mrs. Clinton has often spoken for many of the
world's voiceless and disempowered, raising issues such as human rights abuses against women
and children to a level of international prominence. She supported successful efforts to ban
female genital mutilation in Senegal and has supported efforts elsewhere, describing FGM as
both a human rights and health issue. She has met with Rwandan genocide victims and
supported the work of the International Committee on War Crimes. She spoke with countless
representatives of victims of human rights violations from Algeria's Mothers of the Disappeared
to the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina. Mrs. Clinton worked on behalf of the
Kosovar refugees, helped to raise humanitarian assistance from the non-profit sector and private
entities. She visited with the refugees in the camps in Macedonia and greeted those who arrived
in the U.S.
Supporting Children's Rights. Mrs. Clinton delivered major addresses on international
children's rights in the U.S. and around the world and has fought for the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child and for related Protocols on Children in Armed Conflict
and on the Sale of Children. Mrs. Clinton has also led Administration's support for girl's
education initiatives because "we know that when we educate a girl, we improve the health of
women and families. We know that a woman who has had even a single year of education has
children that have a better chance of living. We know that as the years of schooling increase, the
chances of the child living, and living well, increase as well. When we educate a girl, we
decrease poverty by helping women support themselves and their families." [HRC Remarks at
USAID Girls Education Conference, 5/7/98]
Promoting Religious Tolerance and Minority Rights. Mrs. Clinton has spoken out for religious
tolerance around the globe. She has visited historic Jewish sites in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, China,
Poland, Egypt and the Czech Republic and has highlighted the plight of Roma in Central
Europe. Mrs. Clinton was also instrumental in urging U.S. action to help bring some measure of
justice to Holocaust victims and their families.
Promoting Economic Development. Mrs. Clinton has long recognized and promoted microcredit
as an effective means of unleashing the economic potential of impoverished and developing
communities and as a force to economically empower women. She has promoted microcredit
worldwide and has shared best practices with women from India to Nicaragua. Mrs. Clinton's work
has been the driving force behind the international microcredit bill that recently passed the Congress
and will provide $155 million each for the next two fiscal years to support international microcredit
programs.
Building Civil Society. Mrs. Clinton has often noted that democracies depend on strong free
economies, on governments that protect and enforce the rule of law, and on the strength of civil
society. In the speech to the World Economic Forum in Davis, Switzerland, she said "it behooves
all of us, no matter what our perspective or experience, to think hard about how we create
conditions in which the economy, governments, and the civil society all flourish."
10/29/00 12:36 PM
FOR BACKGROUND PURPOSES
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: WORKING TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD
"Now, certainly, the world in which we live is very different. We are living in what is called, for
want of a better description, the post-Cold War era. That means that we know where we 've been,
and we sort of know where we are, but we're not sure at all where we're going. Because the
world around us has changed so rapidly that we barely have time to catch our breath. And in
time of rapid change, it is understandable that some are inclined to draw inward and pull back
from the obligations, to catch their breaths, thinking that maybe there isn't much that can be
accomplished and that we should just tend to our business here at home.
"But of course, in today's world, that's not even really an option. Every day we see how
profoundly interconnected we are in this new era of globalization. Whether it is the international
economic crisis or the extraordinary boom in worldwide communications or the threat of
infectious diseases or terrorism. We have to acknowledge that, in many ways, our lives and even
our destinies are intertwined
"I'm fully confident that when the history of the past 50 years is written, we will not only point to
the Cold War and its ending, we will not only recognize that the values of America have been
given an opportunity unlike any opportunity in human history to flourish, but we will also
recognize that our nation has a great deal at stake in working with people all around the world
who wish to build a better, more peaceful, more stable, economically prosperous future. [HRC
Remarks at USAID Atrium Dedication Ceremony, Washington, D.C., 3/16/99]
Mrs. Clinton has spoken out in the United States and around the world on the importance of U.S.
engagement to build civil society, strengthen democracy, and empower women in all nations.
Attached are highlights of some of the events she held in the last few years.
Supporting efforts to ban female genital mutilation (Senegal, Africa, 4/98)
Promoting civic participation - - the work of democracy (Palermo, Sicily, 6/99)
Meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and other religious leaders on the issue
of religious tolerance (Istanbul, Turkey, 3/96)
Working to combat trafficking of women and children with OSCE (Istanbul, Turkey, 11/99)
Speaking for the essential rights and responsibilities of women in emerging democracies -
promoting women as "Vital Voices" (Austria, 11/97)
Focusing on the importance of early childhood education (Lisbon, Portugal, 11/97)
Working to Bring Justice to Holocaust Survivors and their Heirs
"We all have much to do to bring this tragic chapter of European history to a just end. And
we owe it to the victims, not only of the Holocaust, but we also owe it to ourselves, to complete
that task. The spotlight of history, whether it is on race and slavery in the United States, or
apartheid in South Africa, or the Holocaust here in Europe, can be harsh, but it is only
through facing that history that we can strengthen our commitment to democratic ideals and to
keep working together to fulfill those ideals. And we shall learn the lessons of the past,
because we ignore them at our peril.'
Address by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
University of Zurich, 1/31/98
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was instrumental in ensuring that the Administration worked
to bring some measure of justice to Holocaust survivors and their families. When Edgar
Bronfman, Sr. ran into problems in 1996 in his efforts to see that Swiss banks returned funds to
Holocaust victims, he asked the First Lady for help. Mrs. Clinton responded immediately, and
the White House got involved.
The President and his Administration have achieved the following steps:
Established a Presidential Commission headed by Edgar Bronfman to research Holocaust
assets that came under the control of the US government during and after WWII.
Launched two comprehensive studies on Nazi gold and the role of neutral countries in
supporting Nazi Germany.
The US joined with other nations to establish a fund totaling $60 million to aid needy
survivors.
Secured a $1.25 billion settlement in the case against the Swiss banks responsible for
withholding the savings of Holocaust victims.
Created an International Commission for Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims and some of
Europe's largest insurance companies have agreed to establish a fund to deliver on policies
they sold to victims and refused to pay to heirs.
Convened a 1998 conference where 44 nations agreed by consensus on principles to guide
the identification and return to rightful owners of Nazi-looted art.
Brokered a $5.1 billion agreement for slave and forced laborers and others injured by
German companies during WWII. This agreement was reached as a result of the direct
intervention of President Clinton and Chancellor Schroeder.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
A COMMITMENT TO BUILDING DEMOCRACY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Mrs. Clinton visited the Czech Republic twice, once July 3-6, 1996 and a second time on
October 12-13, 1998. The focus of Mrs. Clinton's visits to the Czech Republic was to
underscore U.S. support of the new democracy and to support Czech efforts to build a strong
civil society. Mrs. Clinton was accompanied by President Vaclav Havel and Secretary Albright
through much of her first trip. She delivered a major address at Radio Free Europe/RadioLiberty
headquarters where she said:
"Last night, it was a beautiful evening in Prague, and I walked across the Charles Bridge [with
President Havel]. It was filled with young people, talking, laughing, listening to music But
I
was also reminded of the young men and women of earlier generations who lost years of their
productive lives in prison or exile to make sacrifices for the values we celebrate today. And I
thought too of all the young people who fought and died for the freedom to form their own ideas,
speak their own words, make their own decisions and dream their own dreams [I]t is our duty,
having struggled so long to arrive at this moment of opportunity, to pass on to them a clear
understanding of the values that will guide their choices as well as the decisions societies
make In President Havel's eloquent words: "we are not accountable solely to our party, our
voters, our lobbies and our states, but in fact to the entire human race, including those who come
after us, and that the decision on the worth of our deeds will ultimately be made beyond the
realm of the mortals around us. In the language of today's world, this means nothing more than to
hearken, in our various dilemmas, to the voice that speaks to us from the depths of our
conscience." That voice is now free to speak. Let it speak. Let it speak of the values and ideals
that brought us to this point and that should guide us now to the future that awaits."
She also held a meeting in Prague with leading NGOs who were addressing a range of issues
critical to the new democracy. Mrs. Clinton lent her support to their important work.
Mrs. Clinton visited the Olga Havel Foundation which focuses on the needs of the disabled and
where she held a roundtable on long term health care issues. Mrs. Clinton held a discussion at the
Charles University Vinohrady Hospital to highlight the importance of partnerships between U.S.
hospitals and the Czech Republic.
In October 1998, Mrs. Clinton returned to the Czech Republic, at the invitation of President
Havel, to participate in Forum 2000 on Civil Society to address the challenges of building
stronger democracies in a new era of globalization. She keynoted the forum, and said: "As with
every age, we have to take the world as we've been given it, not as we wish it were, either with a
too optimistic or pessimistic vision. And we have to create conditions in which democratic
governments become even more the norm so that all citizens are given a stake in their future. In
which free markets benefit all people and not just a privileged few. And in which a vibrant civil
society fosters free and active citizens who will, after all, ultimately determine our common
human fate in the next millennium." [HRC Remarks, 10/13/98]
10/29/00 12:35 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
A COMMITMENT TO BUILDING DEMOCRACY IN HUNGARY
On July 6-8, 1996, Mrs. Clinton visited Hungary to underscore strong U.S. support for the new
democracy. Mrs. Clinton met with then-President Arpad Goncz and with Prime Minister Gyula
Horn to praise Hungary's new democracy, and she placed flowers at the statue of Imre Nagy, the
martyred leader of the 1956 revolution. Mrs. Clinton held a roundtable with Roma families,
representatives from the local government and NGOs where she said "Here in Hungary, the
transformation from authoritarianism to freedom is especially impressive The Hungarian
people have embraced the values of democracy and are assuming the responsibilities that go with
it." [UPI, 7/7/96] At a meeting with women leaders hosted by the Primavera organization which
works to strengthen networking and professional opportunities for women, Mrs. Clinton urged
further development and support of programs that focus on training emerging women leaders and
workers. Finally, Mrs. Clinton visited the Semmelweis University Hospital, which has a world-
class reputation for its children's cancer clinic and spoke about the importance of quality
pediatric health care.
10/29/00 12:35 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
WORKING FOR PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
"[N]othing can compare to the powerful voices I've heard here From every sector of society.
Every age. Women and men. All blending into a powerful chorus calling for women to become full
participants in a secure and democratic Northern Ireland. A Northern Ireland that people have
hoped for, lived for, died for, and, yes, finally voted for. "
--First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Belfast, Northern Ireland September 2, 1998
Hillary Rodham Clinton has worked tirelessly to build the peace in Northern Ireland. Through the
establishment of "Vital Voices Northern Ireland," she has worked to strengthen the women of Northern
Ireland - - Catholic and Protestant - - to participate more fully in the political and economic life of their
society. The women of Northern Ireland have borne an enormous share of the trauma of the Troubles,
and now their participation is essential for peace and reconciliation. Mrs. Clinton traveled to Ireland four
times to help make a positive difference.
Working for Peace in Northern Ireland by Empowering Women
Bridging the Sectarian Divide. In November 1995, Mrs. Clinton organized a meeting on Lower
Ormeau Road in South Belfast where there have been clashes between Orangemen and republicans
during the summer marching season. She met with Joyce McCarten and other women who had lost
family members in the Troubles and who came together across sectarian lines to help create a better
life for themselves and their families. In Dublin, she spoke to a gathering of women from the north
and the south and praised their courage in attempting to end the violence. [Press Association
Newsfile, 11/28/95; 11/30/95; AP, 12/1/95]
Promoting Conflict Resolution and Community Reconciliation. In October 1997, Mrs. Clinton
returned to dedicate a scholarship program at the University of Ulster in memory of Joyce McCarten
to further the work of women in conflict resolution and community reconciliation.
Launching the Women's Vital Voices Initiative in Northern Ireland. In September 1998, Mrs.
Clinton keynoted the Vital Voices conference that she had made possible, bringing together women
from all over Ireland. In her address, she underscored why economic and democratic progress depend
on women's progress. This Vital Voices conference marked the beginning of more widespread
women's engagement in their society. In May 1999, Mrs. Clinton participated in a follow up Vital
Voices meeting in Belfast with hundreds of women and was joined by hundreds more by video link
from Craigavon, Londonderry and Cavan to hear about the progress they were making. She also met
with the women members of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont to support and encourage
them. [AP, 5/12/99]
Honored for Quest for Peace. In Galway, Mrs. Clinton received an honorary degree and the
Freedom of the City - the first woman to receive the honor since Ireland won independence in 1922 -
and spoke about all our obligations to each other in the continuing quest for peace. [Birmingham Post,
5/14/99]
10/29/00 12:36 PM
Strengthening Women's Vital Voices in Northern Ireland
The Vital Voices Democracy Initiative that Mrs. Clinton has championed provides women with the tools
they need, such as skills-building, training in business and the political process, access to small loans,
internships and mentoring programs. Many U.S. government agencies, corporations and non-profits have
partnered with Vital Voices to bring much needed assistance which the women have specifically
requested, including;
Political training in coalition building, campaign organization, issue development and advocacy
including special training for Parliamentarians.
Assistance to help women in Northern Ireland better access labor market service and training
opportunities, as well as child care.
Community development training for leaders for Northern Ireland in rural and urban regions; paid
internships in hotel and tourism industry, and training in other fields as well.
Supporting Children in Northern Ireland
In her visits to Northern Ireland, Mrs. Clinton has stressed how crucial peace is for the future generations,
and announced several partnerships that support the needs of children in the region.
Creating Safe Places for All Irish Children to Play. Mrs. Clinton organized a partnership between
an American non-profit, KaBOOM, and a Northern Irish group, PlayBoard, to build a safe outdoor
place in Belfast for all children to play. She participated in the groundbreaking for the playground in
May 1999.
"[T]his is not only about building play spaces but it is about bringing children together and giving
them the opportunity to help be the architects of their own futures. Certainly the members of the new
assembly and all the citizens of Northern Ireland will themselves be architects in building the kind of
future that you want of peace and prosperity here. And we are doing it, all of us who care about the
future of Northern Ireland, for the young boys and girls we see around us today. Thank you for taking
yet another step forward to make that possible. [HRC, 9/3/98]
Highlighting the Importance of Children in the Peace Process. Mrs. Clinton delivered a major
address at the Generation 2000 Youth Conference in Belfast in 1997. She said "no one group in
Northern Ireland will have greater influence on whether or not peace takes root and flourishes into
the next millennium than the youth we seek to empower and encourage today [HRC, 10/31/97]
Supporting Innovative Practices to Build Peace. Mrs. Clinton worked with and supported Project
Children, a program in which Protestant and Catholic children come to the U.S. to live with American
families and in the process get to know each other.
10/29/00 12:36 PM
What Leaders and Others Are Saying About Mrs. Clinton's Commitment to Northern Ireland
Bertie Ahern, Prime Minister of Ireland: "The First Lady has been a vital voice for peace in her own
right, reaching out to many constituencies which had been marginalized, especially community and
women's groups, and ensuring their enormous potential would no longer be overlooked First Lady, I
want to thank you for the trips and the work and the dedication in the hours spent in Limerick and Galway
and Dublin and Belfast and Armagh-all of which have helped us over these years-and the huge and the
enormous contribution that you've made to the Irish peace process in your own right [American
Ireland Fund Dinner, Washington, DC, 3/16/00]
Loretta Glucksman, President of the American Ireland Fund: "From the very beginning of the
Clinton administration's formidable effort towards peace in Ireland, Mrs. Clinton has sought out people
from both communities, helping to ease differences and build consensus. She has worked with American
Ireland Fund-supported projects with May Blood, Geraldine McAteer, Jackie Redpath, Pat Hume and
Daphne Trimble, and of course, Joyce McCarten Her personal initiative, Vital Voices, is an ongoing
opportunity to bring more women into mainstream politics throughout the world." [American Ireland
Fund Dinner, Washington, DC, 3/16/00]
May Blood, Chairperson of women's organization, Fair Play: "There have been hundreds of
conferences in Northern Ireland, dozens of them for women, but the unprecedented Vital Voices
Conference put the women of Northern Ireland on the world stage"
Monica McWilliams, Women's Coalition Northern Ireland Assembly Member: "[The women] still
speak highly of how when they were so broken with grief that somehow you managed to show them the
power of the human spirit You had met [one woman] when she was campaigning for the Families of the
Disappeared when no one was paying any attention to the issue. Your involvement played a part in having
the body of her son returned [Vital Voices Northern Ireland] has provided women with the
opportunities and skills that have enabled them to become key decision-makers, peace activists and agents
of change. As a result women have lifted the baton. They have learned how to fight and compete. Now
they are ready to govern and lead." [Irish Times, 9/24/99]
Inez McCormick, Irish Congress of Trade Unions President: "We've just begun to experience the
difficulties of power We honor what you have done, in defining the holding of power, not as the
exercise of control, but the ability to affect change and empower others in doing so." [Vital Voices
Conference, 9/98]
Fiona Hughes, 17 year-old from Derry: "[Mrs. Clinton is] a role model to me and to young women all
around the world She has shown that women, given a real voice, can make a lasting difference in their
communities and in the whole world." [Vital Voices Conference, 9/98]
Niall O'Dowd, Irish America Magazine's publisher: "No president or first lady ever particularly cared
about this issue. She's the first first lady to ever go to Northern Ireland She knows the issue extremely
well and deserves credit for it." [The Mirror, 3/15/00]
10/29/00 12:36 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
WORKING TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY IN POLAND
"Millions of Americans trace their origins to Poland. Yet our bonds are of more than blood,
they are of brotherhood and sisterhood Indeed, it seems that the values of democracy and
freedom are in the very fiber of our being - we Americans and Poles."
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Warsaw, July 3, 1996
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Poland three times as goodwill ambassador. There she
celebrated Polish and American friendship and our country's commitment to help Poland build its
democracy and market economy. On her visits, she also advocated for women's progress, and praised
programs that were working towards those goals. Mrs. Clinton also commemorated the memory of the
Jews and others who perished in the Holocaust and lauded efforts to rebuild Poland's Jewish
community.
Advancing Democracy Building
In 1996, Mrs. Clinton delivered a major address at Lazienki Palace in Warsaw where she highlighted
the strong bonds between the U.S. and Poland. She extolled the work of non-governmental
organizations in Poland, many of whom were represented in the audience, and she was privileged to
announce a USAID grant to Polish NGOs to strengthen Poland's democracy by supporting public-
private efforts to build civil society. In 1999, at Litewska Children's Hospital, Mrs. Clinton met with
American and Polish business leaders and encouraged them to engage in philanthropic activities, such
as their involvement in the children's hospital.
In 1999, Mrs. Clinton addressed a major conference in Warsaw for democracy leaders from Central
and Eastern Europe called "Partners in Transition: Lessons for the Next Decade" where she discussed
how critical it is to choose democracy, despite the difficulties. She said "Now ten years ago, the
United States shared in the celebration and euphoria that swept so much of Europe and into Central
Asia, but we know very well that the story and the struggle did not end there. In fact, in many ways it
was just beginning. Choosing the path of democracy, free markets, and freedom required great
vision, courage, and moral leadership. Ten years ago it was not the obvious choice, nor was it the
easiest. But today in so many of your countries, there is no question that the path of free markets and
democracy is the right choice."
Promoting Women's Progress
During all of her visits to Poland, Mrs. Clinton held extensive conversations with women leaders from
all sectors of Polish society and highlighted projects that have been supported by the United States
government to help Polish women succeed in the new economy and in the political sphere. In
Warsaw, she visited a successful textile factory and met with women in business who talked to her
about the hurdles they still confront as well as their successes.
Mrs. Clinton also worked closely with the wife of the Polish Ambassador to the U.S. to promote Breast
Cancer prevention in Poland and she met with the Polish Breast Cancer coalition at the White House
and in Poland.
10/29/00 12:35 PM
Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Rebirth of the Jewish Community
In an acknowledgement of the importance of remembrance, Mrs. Clinton paid respects to victims of
the Holocaust when she visited the Auschwitz-Birkenaul Nazi death camp. On her trips, Mrs. Clinton
also visited the Jewish Center in Warsaw and praised the fledgling rebirth of the community there. In
1999, she visited the Lauder Morasha School and recalled her previous visit: "Three years ago, at the
Lauder Community Center, I sat with three generations of Poles. As we sat in the circle, I listened to
the stories of people who told us with great emotion their discovery of their own Jewish roots. But
roots, you know, are usually under ground, in the dark. Roots can only be seen by what they produce
and what flowers from them. That is why this school and the others like it are so important. You are
making it clear that the best way to combat the evil and violence that plagued this century is to teach
children respect for one another and the way to live with that respect in the next century."
Celebrating Poland's Heritage and Meeting Poland's Leaders
During her three trips to Poland made on behalf of the U.S., Mrs. Clinton visited Warsaw and Krakow.
She paid her respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Tomb of Tadeusz Kosciusko and
she also visited Wawel Cathedral. She had a lively discussion with two of Poland's great intellectuals,
the late Jerzy Turowicz and Czeslaw Milosz. She met with Polish leaders: former President Lech
Walesa, current President Kwasniewski and Prime Minister Buzek. After her 1996 trip to Poland, Mrs.
Clinton held a briefing in Washington for members of the Polish American community.
10/29/00 12:35 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
A COMMITMENT TO BUILDING DEMOCRACY IN ROMANIA
On July 1-2, 1996, Mrs. Clinton visited Romania to underscore strong U.S. support for the new
democracy. She made a number of stops in the country and met with the President and other
political leaders. When she arrived, she greeted thousands of cheering residents in Bucharest at
Revolution Square where she placed a wreath in memory of those who died in the anti-
Communist struggle. "Standing on a tiny wooden platform Monday at a site that was at the heart
of Romania's bloody democratic revolution, Mrs. Clinton brought a crowd of 3,000 to a roar
with a few brief remarks. 'The United States, as it has since 1989, will stand with you and
support you,' she said at Revolution Square. 'We believe in the future of Romania and we want
to be your partners and your friends." [Associated Press (in Chattanooga Times), 7/2/96]
Afterwards, Mrs. Clinton visited a pediatric AIDS center and met children who were stricken
with AIDS, and she also visited an elementary school which was named for her. Mrs. Clinton
also announced a major public-private partnership to support the first Romanian school for
advanced nursing where she said "the US shares Romania's aspirations to join the western
democratic family. We share your aspiration to build a free market economy and a society that
respects human rights Romania has emerged from the darkness and the light of freedom
shines upon it. This is the opportunity for Romania to fulfill its historic destiny. As you seize
this opportunity, America will do her part to ensure your integration into the family of
democratic nations. [AFP, 7/1/96] Mrs. Clinton met with non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) about the import role they play in building the new democracy in their country. The
groups were working on issues ranging from citizen participation to the environment. Mrs.
Clinton also visited a village museum where she learned about Romania's history, traditions,
and crafts.
10/29/00 12:35 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
A COMMITMENT TO BUILDING DEMOCRACY IN SLOVAKIA
When Mrs. Clinton visited Slovakia for the first time on July 6, 1996, she focused her work on
promoting democracy there and urged the Slovak government to give greater support to
advocacy organizations and non-governmental organizations that work on a variety of human
rights, education, environmental, media, medical and social projects. The government at the
time was working to stifle the work of NGOs. She said: "I hope the government will
reconsider its opposition to the work of NGOs Very often people who are working hard and
doing what they think is right for the country don't want the necessary criticism that comes with
democracy Any government that wants to make sure that democracy lives must understand
that the NGO is a partner in that process." [AP, 7/7/96] She inspired NGOs to work for progress
despite the difficulties. Mrs. Clinton also conveyed the same message to then-Prime Minister
Vladimir Meciar. She also signed the Golden Book and in the company of President Michal
Kovac, Mrs. Clinton addressed a large gathering of Slovaks in Primate Square.
On October 6, 1999, Mrs. Clinton paid another visit to Slovakia on behalf of the U.S.
Government, and at the invitation of the new government of President Shuster and Prime
Minister Dzurinda. She again met with representatives of the NGO community to praise them
for the role they played in ushering political and social progress since her last visit and to
encourage them to keep working on building a strong, democratic civil society. The NGO
community presented Mrs. Clinton with an award for her commitment to democracy and her
support of democratic efforts in their country. As a result of Mrs. Clinton's strong support of the
Slovak NGOs on her first trip, they went on to play a critical role in the election of a new Slovak
administration, and are working to build civil society in Slovakia. On this trip, Mrs. Clinton also
met with President Schuster, Prime Minister Dzurinda and toured Rabbi Chatam Sofer's
Gravesite.
10/29/00 12:35 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN THE U.S. AND GREECE
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton twice visited Greece as First Lady to meet with Greek leaders and
to highlight the friendship between our countries. On her first trip, on March 29-31, 1996, Mrs.
Clinton delivered a major address at the Zappeion Assembly Hall hailing Greek contributions to
Western culture and society and encouraging the development of a vibrant democracy. There she said:
"A few hours ago I was at the Acropolis, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by its extraordinary beauty
and by the history and culture it represents. [T]here is hardly any aspect of modern life that has'not
been influenced by classical antiquity. Democracy demanded and depended upon the creative
expression and vision of individual citizens. And ancient Greece provided the environment in which
those citizens could flourish. Today, democracy remains our best hope for peace and prosperity
around the world, particularly during this time of rapid global transformation. Now more than ever we
need to be reminded of the lessons and legacy of those Greek democrats." [HRC Prepared Remarks,
3/29/96]
During this visit, Mrs. Clinton held discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Greece and
also met with many prominent women leaders. Mrs. Clinton also traveled to Olympia for the lighting
of the Olympic flame and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Olympic games. This was a
particularly symbolic act because the same flame was to travel to the United States for the 1996
Olympics in Atlanta.
Mrs. Clinton made a second visit to Greece with the President on November 11, 1999. As honorary
chair of the organization Plant Your Roots, devoted to the important challenge of reforestation in
Greece, Mrs. Clinton was able to make a major announcement of money raised to plant approximately
1.5 million saplings throughout Greece, including one in her name. Mrs. Clinton talked about how
much she would like to return to Greece "not only in the future to see my tree, but on many different
occasions, and to see also the extraordinary progress that is occurring here in Greece continue and to
see for myself the deepening ties and friendship between our countries and our peoples." [HRC
Remarks, 11/20/99]. During this trip Mrs. Clinton also held a roundtable on women's issues.
On two visits to Istanbul in 1996 and 1999, Mrs. Clinton was privileged to visit with his All Holiness
the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. On her first visit, the Patriarch took Mrs. Clinton and
Chelsea on a tour of the cathedral. Mrs. Clinton wished to demonstrate continued U.S. support of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, as well as support for guaranteeing equal rights to the Turkish
citizens of Greek origin in Istanbul. She also said that it was her sincere hope that a way would be
found to reopen the Halki seminary to ensure the continued vitality of the church. Mrs. Clinton paid a
second visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch with the President in 1999. Earlier, in October 1997, she had
welcomed his All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to the White House during his
visit to the U.S., and many Greek-Americans from across the country attended the reception in his
honor.
Mrs. Clinton attended a number of events to celebrate the ministry of Bishop Iakovos, including
conveying her best wishes upon his retirement. In September 1999, Mrs. Clinton attended the
enthronement ceremony of Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Demetrios and offered remarks at
the following celebration.
10/29/00 12:35 PM
Clinton Presidential Records
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Breast Cancer
Divider Title:
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act: What HRC and Her Staff Have Done to Push
for Enactment
1) HRC and her staff fought to have the initiative ($220 million) included in the President's FY
2001 budget. (Podesta, Lew and Jennings can validate). There was some resistance to doing so
because it carved out within Medicaid special treatment for the two diseases, but she and her
staff prevailed.
2) Prior to this year, the bill had not moved; inclusion in the President's budget provided critical
momentum.
3) Worked to get a radio address to highlight the proposal (2/5/00). (The President also mentioned
the proposal in his 10/5/00 radio address on colorectal cancer).
4) Her staff worked continually to make sure the legislation was on the White House's radar screen
and remained a White House priority. For example, her staff worked internally to make sure
that passage of the legislation was listed among end-of-year Administration priorities. (See
10/6/00 fact sheet "President Clinton: Urging Congress to Put Progress over Partisanship in
Addressing America's Priorities.") In addition, when the Domestic Policy Council compiled a
list of the top remaining Administration authorization priorities - a list that was shared with
Congressional leadership - the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act was listed. As a
result, the White House kept up the pressure on Congress to enact the legislation.
5) When the legislation was in jeopardy in the House, her staff pushed internally to have the
President call Speaker Hastert and urge him to move the bill. (See 10/5/00 topper:
10/5/00 11:27 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I want to thank Senator
Daschle and Congressman Gephardt and the distinguished members of
the House and Senate who have come here today for a meeting on
education. And I want to direct my remarks toward that and then
call on Senator Robb and Representative Berkley to talk. But
before I do, I would like to say a few words about the Breast and
Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, which passed the Senate unanimously
yesterday.
This bill will help thousands of low-income women with
cancer get the early, affordable treatment which can save their
lives. I just spoke with Speaker Hastert and he said that he
expected the bill to pass the House immediately, so that help can
start flowing to women for whom it could be a matter of life and
death.
6) Her staff has worked closely with the National Breast Cancer Coalition, the prime advocates of
the bill, to strategize about how to get this bill enacted. (Fran Visco of the National Breast
Cancer Coalition, at (202) 296-7477, can validate.)
7) Mrs. Clinton had extensive conversations with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, one of the prime
House sponsors, about the legislation. John Flaherty, Chief of Staff for Rep. Eshoo (225-8104),
can validate this. He said he would validate the point that White House support, which Mrs.
Clinton was instrumental in obtaining, was very important in passing the bill. Further, he will
validate the point that including the initiative in the budget provided "critical momentum."
8) In July, Mrs. Clinton received an award from the National Breast Cancer Coalition for her
leadership.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
PROMOTING WOMEN'S HEALTH AS AN ADVOCATE FOR BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS
First Lady Hillary Clinton has long been a champion of breast cancer research, detection,
prevention and awareness. Like most women, she has been personally touched by breast cancer,
having lost friends and family, including the President's mother, Virginia Kelley, to the disease.
Based on her personal experience and her travels during her work on health care reform, the First
Lady has gained a deep understanding of the need to combat breast cancer on multiple fronts.
She has worked tirelessly to increase scientific research into the causes of cancer, expand
research into technologies to better detect and treat breast cancer, improve efforts to provide
women with insurance coverage, and increase public awareness of the need for prevention and
detection.
Prior to President Clinton's election in 1992, the First Lady was regularly meeting with
advocates and planning ways to improve the federal response to breast cancer. In fact, during the
1992 Presidential campaign, the First Lady had a memorable meeting with representatives of the
National Breast Cancer Coalition that would shape her views about the extraordinary
commitment and resiliency of breast cancer survivors. The bus the advocates took to meet with
the First Lady in Williamsburg, Virginia, broke down, requiring them to hitchhike, getting rides
in sheriff's cars and trucks, to make it to the meeting on time. Since that time, Mrs. Clinton has
developed a close working relationship with the National Breast Cancer Coalition, which has
twice honored her for her efforts to eradicate the disease.
DEVELOPING A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER
In October 1993, setting the tone for the aggressive efforts the Administration would take against
breast cancer, the First Lady and President met with 300 advocates from the National Breast
Cancer Coalition in the East Room of the White House. The President and First Lady discussed
actions the Administration had taken to increase the federal commitment to combating breast
cancer, including the creation of the Office of Research on Women's Health at the National
Institute of Health (NIH) and the largest increase ever in funding for breast cancer research.
They also committed to a National Action Plan on Breast Cancer, which would bring together
health professionals, activists and government officials to develop a comprehensive strategy to
eradicate breast cancer.
At that meeting, the President and First Lady also discussed how the Administration's health
reform efforts were designed to change the fight against breast cancer, by making sure that
women were no longer treated as second-class citizens, and emphasizing disease prevention and
detection. The Health Security plan - crafted by Mrs. Clinton, who served as the President's
point person on health care reform - included a comprehensive benefits package would have
covered, at no cost to the patient, routine clinician visits, including clinical breast exams. The
mammography benefit, based on the consensus scientific evidence at the time, would have
covered mammograms every two years - also at no cost to the patient - for all women over 50,
and more frequent mammograms for women of high risk at any age. The plan itself provided
flexibility for updating the benefits package to reflect new or better studies.
Later that same month, the First Lady met with the President's Cancer Panel Special
Commission on Breast Cancer to receive their final report and recommendations, which would
provide part of the basis of the National Action Plan. In 1995, the First Lady attended the first
meeting of the steering committee for the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer, which
included consumer advocates, government officials and scientists, and was chaired by Fran
Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, and Dr. Susan Blumenthal, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Women's Health. The First Lady and her staff remained involved in the
planning and execution of the Action Plan, which has been implemented through Department of
Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health.
INCREASING AWARENESS OF MAMMOGRAMS AND MEDICARE COVERAGE
During her health care reform efforts, the First Lady traveled the country meeting with patients,
health professionals, and providers to discuss America's health care needs. She learned that even
though a mammography benefit was added to Medicare in 1991, fewer than 40 percent of
women on Medicare used it. And, sadly, it was estimated that 30 percent of breast cancer related
deaths among Medicare-age women could have been prevented by early detection and treatment.
During 1995, Mrs. Clinton traveled to numerous senior centers and hospitals, conducting
"listening sessions" on the Medicare mammography benefit -- meeting and listening to many
older women. She learned that some women were reluctant to get screened because they were
afraid the procedure would be painful or embarrassing; others didn't realize the test was covered
under Medicare; and still others had never been told by their doctors that a mammogram was one
of the most effective ways of detecting malignant breast lumps. After learning about these
barriers, the First Lady dedicated herself to developing strategies for outreach and education on
prevention and detection of breast cancer.
Soon after, Mrs. Clinton and her staff began working with the Department of Health and Human
Services to develop a public-private campaign to encourage women to get mammograms, as well
as to highlight the Medicare benefit that far too few women took advantage of. She hosted a
meeting in March 1995 with government officials, public relations specialists, and corporate
representatives to discuss the structure for the campaign and ways to develop public and private
support for it. About this time, a new report from the New England Journal of Medicine
confirmed that fewer than half the eligible women over 65 were getting mammograms despite
Medicare coverage, underscoring the need to encourage and educate older women about the
benefits of mammograms and Medicare coverage.
The First Lady's work culminated in an historic national public awareness campaign.
Corporations across the country joined the effort, creating a powerful partnership between
private industry and the government. In a May 1995 White House event, the First Lady kicked
off the Medicare Mammography Awareness Campaign with participants from the listening
sessions, corporate sponsors of the campaign, public relations professionals, officials from HHS,
and representatives of consumer groups. Called the "Mama-gram" campaign, it included a
number of promotion efforts centering around Mother's Day, such as greeting and floral card
2
inserts, department store and drug store billing inserts, store displays, grocery store bags, and
public service announcements (PSAs). At the event, the First Lady unveiled two new PSAs -
one voiced by her and another by President Clinton - with the slogan "Get a mammogram. It's a
picture that can save your life."
This event marked just the beginning of the First Lady's commitment to raising breast cancer
awareness. The campaign continued after Mother's Day with additional PSA's and outreach
efforts through Medicare carriers and state health departments, local aging agencies, and
advocacy and professional groups. The campaign has continued to be a top priority for the First
Lady, who has taped PSAs, and used her syndicated column to promote awareness. Later that
spring, the First Lady participated in a forum on Medicare and Mammography as part of the
White House Conference on Aging, a listening session designed to educate the conference
attendees about the Medicare benefit and encourage them to take the mammography campaign
back to their communities.
In May 1996, one year after kicking off the successful mammography campaign, the First Lady
hosted a White House meeting to highlight the efforts of the campaign and amplify the public-
private partnership. The meeting included advocates, government officials, and corporate
representatives, and featured renewed commitments from the campaign's corporate partners,
including worksite mammography initiatives, new PSAs, and retail messages.
In February 1997, the First Lady again continued her support for the Medicare Mammography
Campaign, inviting corporate representatives to the White House to meet and discuss increased
private sector support for the campaign. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in
October 1997, the First Lady joined the President in his weekly radio address to launch another
year of the campaign, including new PSAs and new outreach to communities with low
mammography utilization rates. She and the President also announced new regulations to ensure
the safety and quality of mammograms. In July 1998, she again met with corporate sponsors of
the campaign to encourage their ongoing support for the campaign and their worksite efforts to
encourage employees to get mammograms.
Throughout her efforts to increase public awareness, the First Lady has been inspired by the
memory of women across the country she has met who struggled with the disease, and by the
spirit of White House volunteer Miriam Alpert, who before she lost her life to breast cancer -
continually encouraged others to get mammograms.
INCREASING RESEARCH
The First Lady has continually championed significant increases for the National Cancer Institute
and other agencies to support research on breast cancer detection, treatment, and to seek a cure
for the disease. From fiscal years 1993 to 2001, discretionary funding for breast cancer research,
prevention and treatment has more than doubled - from $283 million to a projected $660 million
in 2001. Investment in research has led to historic advances, including the identification of new
breast cancer genes, and promising new treatments.
In October of 1998, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the President and Mrs. Clinton
hosted an East Room event with advocates and survivors to announce significant increases in
breast cancer research and new efforts in the fight, including a major clinical trial of two new
drugs with the potential to reduce the risk of breast cancer, and an expanded mammography
outreach and education campaign, building on the public-private efforts the First Lady launched
in 1995.
In addition to working within the White House to ensure that the Administration's budget
included increases for vital breast cancer research, the First Lady has also worked to garner
support for privately funded research. She hosted a White House event in 1996 for the Nina
Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research, and has participated in many fundraisers, including
serving as Honor Chair of the Fashion Footwear Association of New York "Shoes on Sale,"
which has raised over $1 million for the Virginia Clinton Kelley Research Center Foundation, in
honor of the President's mother.
In July 1998, the First Lady launched the new Breast Cancer Research stamp, the first
"semipostal" stamp in U.S. history, a stamp from which the net proceeds above the cost of
postage are earmarked for breast cancer research. She continues to support the stamp, which she
uses for all her personal correspondence.
LEGISLATION TO PROTECT BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
The First Lady has been a strong advocate for legislation to ensure that women who have
mastectomies are entitled to sufficient hospital stays from their HMOs, an issue the President
championed in his 1997 State of the Union Address. In February 1997, she hosted a White
House event with breast cancer advocates, survivors, and members of Congress and their staff to
bring attention to the problem and build support for the legislation. She invited a Connecticut
physician and a breast cancer survivor to talk about the problems of women who were forced to
endure mammograms on an outpatient basis, or sent home from the hospital too soon, still
groggy from anesthesia, in pain, and with drainage tubes still in place. She also announced, with
Secretary Shalala, steps that Medicare was taking to protect Medicare patients and ensure that a
doctor, not a Medicare managed care plan, decides what is appropriate care after surgery.
In addition, the First Lady was a key voice behind the scenes within the Administration for
inclusion in the President's FY 2001 budget of a new initiative to cover more low-income,
uninsured women. The initiative would provide a new Medicaid option to the thousands of
uninsured women whose breast and cervical cancer is detected through federally supported
screening programs.
NEW MEDICARE BENEFIT
In 1997, the Administration proposed expanding the Medicare benefit to cover annual
mammograms, without copay. Until that time, there was significant disagreement about whether
to recommend mammograms for women under 50. In February 1997, The National Cancer
Advisory Board formed a subcommittee to develop a clear recommendation for the National
Cancer Institute. After a conference on the issue, the National Cancer Institute announced
4
recommendations that women aged 40 to 50 receive regular mammograms. As soon as there
was consensus on screening for women under 50, the First Lady worked for an expansion of
Medicare coverage, which was enacted in the balanced budget. The new benefit, which went
into effect in 1998, now covers annual mammograms for all Medicare beneficiaries age 40 and
over, without deductible.
The First Lady has received numerous awards for her efforts to fight breast cancer:
July 16, 1993 - Iris Cantor Humanitarian Award, which recognizes contributions to women's
health. HRC was the first recipient of the award. The award luncheon supported the Iris Cantor
Center for Breast Imaging at UCLA Medical Center.
October 2, 1995 - Government Leadership Award from the National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month Board of Sponsors and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals for her "outstanding
initiative in launching efforts to educate all women about mammography, especially women
eligible for Medicare."
October 20, 1997 - SELF Magazine's Pink Ribbon Award. Awarded to both the President
and First Lady, "in recognition of extraordinary contributions and dedication to the fight against
breast cancer."
September 28, 1999 - Public Leadership Award from the National Breast Cancer Coalition
for her work to eradicate breast cancer.
March 28, 2000 - "Woman of Courage" Award from Cedars-Sinai Research for Women's
Cancers and Saks Fifth. The First Lady was honored for her commitment to eradicating
women's cancers, including breast and ovarian.
August 2000 - National Breast Cancer Coalition Honoree at Democratic Convention
Reception for her efforts to eradicate breast cancer.
5
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
Children & Youth
Health & Childcare
Divider Title:
Melanne-
Hillary's Record on Education
and alrendy notice
Iwrate this quickly
Early Learning
Sametypos when Ill fix.
(1)
Increased National Attention on Early Childhood Development and Learning
But, wanted you tohne
it in use
Hosted First-Ever White House Conference on Early Childhood Development and
Learning - Hillary hosted this conference to focus more attention on new research on the
you get
important the first three years of life to a child's brain development. Hillary brought
together early childhood experts, scientists, pediatricians, parents, religious leaders and
called.
children's advocates to discuss ways to encourage parents and other adults to focus
attention on improving the cognitive development of young children (White House
spone
Conference, April 17, 1997; Washington Post, 4/17/97).
v/secreting
Results: This conference coupled with the White House Conference on Child
Care led to the Administration's proposal to create an Early Learning Fund to
They was who
improve early childhood education and the quality of child care. Senators Stevens
(R-Alaska) and Kennedy (D-MA) have introduced the bipartisan Early Learning
Opportunities Act, a direct successor to the Administration's Early Learning
extency
Fund. This bill is expected to pass as part of final negotiations with Congress
helpful
being conducted this week (Stephanie Robinson on Senator Kennedy's staff can
and will
validate Hillary's critical role on this piece of legislation.)
tulk to
(2)
Worked to Improve the Language, Literacy and Reading Skills of Young Children -
the
HIPPY - Hillary brought to Arkansas a program from Israel called HIPPY - the Home
press if
Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters - to help parents learn how to be their
we
child's first and most important teacher. This program allows trained early childhood
need min
educators to work with parents in their homes to learn how to work with their child to
stimulate cognitive development. Arkansas was the first state in the country to this
to doso,
program and it now has expanded to nearly every state. Hillary is a founding and now
all sites, based in New York City.
emeritus board member of HIPPY USA, which is the name given the national network of Thenk
Results: There are now approximately 250 HIPPY programs in more than 25
states. A 1996 study conducted by the National Center for Jewish Women's
-Ann
Center for the Child found that children who had participated in HIPPY
outperformed a random sample group through elementary school. In fact the
study found that HIPPY children attended school more, scored higher on
standardized achievement tests, and were perceived by their teachers as better
students (Baker & Piotrkowski, 1996).
Prescription for Reading - Launched a national effort to improve the literacy skills of
young children by having pediatricians "prescribe" reading to infants and toddlers.
Pediatricians, hospitals, health centers, book publishers and libraries came together to
provide greater access to books for young children and ensure that more infants and
toddlers are read to by their parents or other adults in their lives. The Partnership was
spearheaded by Hillary Clinton and led by Scholastic Inc., First Book and Reach Out and
Read.
Results:
Among the partnership's accomplishments are: (1) an increase
from 150,00 to 750,00 children served by Reach Out and Read; (2) an increase
from 500 to 4,500 doctors and nurses trained to "prescribe" reading; (3)
contributions made by Scholastic and First Book of more than 235,000 books;
and, (4) distribution of more than one million books by participating doctors. In
support of this program, Hillary has launched Reach Out and Read programs in
Baltimore, Chicago, Washington, DC, and New York City. (America Reads
Challenge, U.S. Department of Education.)
K-12 Education Reform
(1)
Title I reforms - Hillary worked with Secretary Riley at the beginning of the
Administration to lay the ground work for the reform of Title I, the Federal government's
largest effort to improve education for children in our highest poverty communities.
Hillary met with Secretary Riley and discussed the need for better targeting Title I funds
to low-income children and the need to reform the Title I system to ensure that all
children are learning to high standards and are not being given a separate watered-down
curriculum. These initial meetings led to continued conversations with Secretary Riley as
he led the effort to reform Title I through the reauthorization of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act, Improving America's Schools Act of 1994. (Early 1993 -
Secretary Riley will validate.)
RESULTS: "Especially striking is the evidence that the lowest-performing
students as well as students in the highest-poverty schools have made substantial
gains. During the 1994 reauthorization of Title I, the largest Federal investment
in high-poverty schools, this Administration pushed not only for high standards
for all students, rich and poor, but also for better targeting of Federal funds so that
students in the highest-poverty schools have the resources they need to meet these
standards. As a result, Title I funds now reach 95 percent of the highest-poverty
schools, up from 79 percent in 1993-94,[3] and these funds leverage State and
local resources toward improving the academic achievement of students in Title I
schools. Moreover, since Title I funds mostly go to elementary schools,[4] the
achievement gains among fourth-graders and nine-year-olds in reading and math
are particularly noteworthy. Test scores are going up among the very students
who benefit from Title I. These gains also reflect the Administration's efforts to
strengthen accountability under Title I and to help high-poverty schools become
high-performing schools." (Dept. of Education Report, Challenging the Status
Quo: The Education Record 1993-2000, May 2000)
2
(2)
Ensuring that all Children Learn to High Standards - Hillary worked on the
establishment of high academic standards in Arkansas and brought her experience to
Washington. In 1993 and early 1994 she advocated for the Goals 2000 legislation to
ensure that all states would establish standards and have the supports to implement them
(NEA annual convention 7/5/93, school event with teachers and children in Los Angeles,
1/27/93, signing ceremony for Goals 2000 legislation 3/31/94).
Hillary was one of the Administration's top officials working on the implementation of
standards and the development of the proposal of a voluntary national test in reading and
math for all children. She attended a brainstorming meeting with the President and
Secretary Riley to discuss implementation in March 1997 and met with the press
following the meeting. Subsequently, Hillary kept in contact with Secretary Riley to
discuss implementation and push for the voluntary national test (White House scheduling
records and Secretary Riley can validate.)
(CAMPAIGN TO ADD) AR reforms on standards and teacher quality - modernizing education
(3)
Charter Schools - Hillary was one of the most vocal advocates for public school choice
and the development and expansion of the Federal government's efforts to support the
development of more high-quality charter schools. Hillary has participated in roundtable
discussion with school administrators, teachers, students, and teachers to discuss how to
improve the availability of high quality charter schools (roundtable with President,
9/17/97). Hillary also led the Administration's efforts to help the District of Columbia
establish an effective charter school program. In August of 1998, she led a forum
designed to share information on effective strategies from successful charter schools and
timely technical information from the District. She also worked on behalf of the
Administration to lobby the Congress and the House Appropriations Committee to add an
additional $20 Million in federal funding for DC public charter schools, while at the same
time, fully funded D.C.'s public schools (need validators - Neera is this true?).
Results: A February 2000 report from the U.S. Department of Education
shows that more than 250,000 students nationwide are now enrolled in
charter schools in 30 states and the District of Columbia. (Thirty-six
states and the District of Columbia have now passed legislation allowing
the creation of charter schools. When President Clinton was first elected,
there was only one public charter school open in the United States. This
year, according to today's report, 1,605 charter schools were in operation
as of September 1999 -- more than halfway to the President's goal of
3,000 charter schools. National leadership has played a key role in this
rapid growth: federal funds have supported the creation of individual
charter schools and helped disseminate best practices and strategies among
these schools. (White House Press paper, 2/11/00)
3
(4)
Improving After-School Opportunities for Children and Families - Recognizing the
need of working parents, who want a safe and education place for their children to learn
and grow after-school, Hillary ensured that after-school was a critical part of the
Administration's unprecedented Child Care initiative of 1998. Hillary called for provide
after-school opportunities for up to half a million children per year by expanding the 21st
Century Community program by $800 million over 5 years.
Results: Hillary's advocacy combined with a national cry for action from parents has led
to the expansion of the afterschool program, 21st Century Community Learning Centers,
from $1 million in 1995 to a proposed $1 billion in the President's FY 2001 budget. In
1999 alone, 850, 000 children are being served and if the Clinton Administration wins
their budget request, the program will be able to serve over 2 million children (White
House FY2001 budget, February 2000).
Improving Access to College
(1)
Advocated for the College Opportunity Tax Credit
With the strong advocacy of Hillary and Senator Schumer, President Clinton proposed a College
Opportunity Tax Cut costing $30 billion over 10 years to provide tax relief for millions of
families struggling to make college more affordable. When fully phased in, the proposal would
give families the option to claim a tax deduction or a tax credit on up to $10,000 of tuition and
fees for any post-secondary education including college, graduate study, or training courses. In
general, the proposal would provide up to $2,800 annually in tax relief per family. In order to
expand this tax cut to more families, the College Opportunity Tax Cut would phase out for
married filers with incomes between $100,000 and $120,000. The College Opportunity Tax Cut
builds on the Lifetime Learning tax credit that President Clinton signed into law in 1997. In
addition, the President's FY2001 budget contains other education tax incentives that were
originally proposed in the FY2000 budget, including $1 billion over 10 years to provide tax-free
treatment for employer-provided graduate education and increased deductibility of student loan
interest.
Improving School to Work and Workforce Training
In the 1980s, Hillary served on the board of the National Center on Education and the Economy
and worked on the bipartisan Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce to explore
ways America could improve the skills and wages of its workforce. The Commission developed
a report of recommendations, "America's Choice: High Skills or Low Wages." As a result of
this work, Hillary testified in front of Congress in October of 1991 to share the reports
recommendations: (1) America's students need to learn to high standards, including voluntary
educational occupational standards (2) America needs a School-to-Work program to help
students gain the skills and training they need; (3) improve the training and education of the
workforce. (Congressional Record, October 1, 1991)
Results: Hillary worked with Senator Kennedy and his staff to draft the High Skills
Competitive Workforce Act of 1991, S. 1790 (Nick Littlefield, Kennedy's former Chief
4
of Staff can validate, 617/832-1000). This bill led to three Federal laws advocated and
supported by the Clinton Administration: (1) School to Work Partnership of 1994; (2)
Goals 2000, which created the National Skills Standard Board; (3) Workforce Investment
Act of 1998. (NewYork Newsday, 8/11/2000)
5
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
A HISTORY OF COMMITMENT TO THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN
For the last 30 years, Hillary Rodham Clinton has demonstrated support for policies in health
and education that promote the well being of children. As First Lady, she has advocated for the
needs of America's working families and their children on a variety of issues including:
CHILDREN'S HEATH
Urging Drug Companies to Provide Adequate Testing for Children. In 1997, the First
Lady began to fight for appropriate testing and labeling of prescription and over the counter
drugs for children. As a result of her efforts, new pediatric labeling regulations and the FDA
Modernization Act were enacted by the Clinton Administration in 1997. In the 18 months since
these initiatives have been implemented, the information available to both parents and physicians
about the appropriate use of medications for children has improved. Research has been
completed on 19 drugs, resulting in new safety information being added to six drugs with
changes expected for the other 13. Studies of an additional 125 drugs are already underway.
Leading Efforts to Enact State Children's Health Insurance Program. The First Lady
led efforts to create the $24 billion State Children's Health Insurance Program - the single
largest investment in health care for children since the passage of Medicaid in 1965. This new
program will provide meaningful health care coverage for up to five million currently uninsured
children - including prescription drugs, vision, hearing, and mental health services.
Working to Ensure that Uninsured Children are Enrolled in Medicaid and S-CHIP.
The First Lady was personally involved in the launch of a broad-based, bipartisan, public-private
coalition called Insure Kids Now to use a variety of means to educate and assist families in
insuring their children through either Medicaid. Initial activities included: unveiling the "1-877-
KIDS NOW" hotline, a national toll free number developed to provide state-specific information
about Medicaid and CHIP to families in all 50 states; running public service announcements on
national television and radio about Insure Kids Now; and printing the Insure Kids Now toll free
number on commonly used products.
Working to Raise Child Immunization Rates to An All Time High. The First Lady has
worked hard to make sure that vital children's vaccines are available and affordable. Mrs.
Clinton helped launch the Childhood Immunization Initiative and helped secure passage of the
Vaccines for Children Program in October 1994, designed to provide free vaccines to uninsured
and under-insured children.
Supporting Children's Hospitals. The First Lady advocated for funding in last year's
budget to support the training of physicians at freestanding children's hospitals, and worked to
double the funding for the graduate medical education program in the Administration's FY 2001
budget.
Promoting Research and Funding on Specific Children's Health Issues. The First
Lady has advocated for increased research on juvenile diabetes and epilepsy. Last year, Mrs.
Clinton launched the Administration's comprehensive childhood asthma initiative and helped
secure funding for the EPA to study the causes of asthma and promote awareness of the disease.
She also inaugurated a public outreach campaign for Pediatric AIDS at the White House.
CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION
Promoting Child Care and Early Learning. The First Lady has worked tirelessly to
improve access to safe, affordable, high quality child care for America's working families and to
ensure that children enter school ready to learn. She chaired the White House conferences on
Child Care and Early Childhood Brain Development, which led to the Administration's proposal
for substantial and historic new investments in child care, Head Start, and other programs serving
young children.
Supporting the Neediest of Children. As the Administration's most prominent advocate on
foster care and adoption, the First Lady has worked on behalf of the over 500,000 children who
live in foster care because of abuse and neglect. She has promoted the adoption of children
living in foster care and worked for passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, and
the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, two pieces of landmark legislation which reformed
our nation's child welfare system by putting considerations of children's health and safety first.
Keeping Schools Safe. The First Lady has urged Congress to pass legislation that would
keep guns out of the hands of children, co-hosted the White House Conference on School Safety,
and helped to launch the National Campaign Against Youth Violence.
Giving Parents the Tools They Need To Protect Their Children. The First Lady has long
believed that parents should have control over their children's exposure to media. She hosted a
White House convening on children's television, advocated for increased educational
programming for children, led a round-table discussion with the President and Vice President on
the V-Chip, and strongly advocates the establishment of a voluntary uniform ratings system for
all forms of media.
Expanding School Choice. The First Lady has long encouraged the establishment of public
charter schools to give parents more choice in schooling, has and worked to secure funding for
charter schools in Washington DC.
Expanding After-school and Summer Learning Opportunities. Recognizing the
importance of out-of-school hours, Hillary Clinton has fought for the Administration's most
recent proposal to invest $1 billion in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.
Hillary Clinton: A Leading Advocate for the Nation's Neediest Children
A Record of Accomplishment Adoption and Foster Care
As the Administration's most prominent advocate on foster care and adoption, First Lady Hillary
Rodham Clinton has worked on behalf of the over 500,000 children who live in foster care, and has led
this Administration's unprecedented record of promoting the well-being of children in foster care and
providing them with permanent, loving homes. Mrs. Clinton traveled the country to meet with
children who were aging out of foster care, as well as those who were on the road to being adopted.
She convened policymakers, advocates, heads of foundations, and others to develop innovative
legislative and regulatory solutions to the meet the needs of thousands of children waiting to be
adopted. The First Lady has promoted the adoption of children living in foster care, worked to break
down racial and ethnic barriers to adoption, worked for passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act
of 1997, and worked to provide additional resources to children aging out of the foster care system
through the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999. These two pieces of landmark legislation reformed
our nation's child welfare system by putting considerations of children's health and safety first.
Background
Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997: The, Adoption and Safe Families Act helps thousands of
children waiting in foster care move more quickly into safe and permanent homes. This
overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation was based in large part on the recommendations of the
Administration's "Adoption 2002" report, which had the central goal of doubling the number of
adoptions to 56,000 by the year 2002. Already, the total number of adoptions rose to 36,000 in 1998
from 28,000 in 1996, on track to meet Administration's goal. This 29 percent increase is the first
significant increase in adoptions since the national foster care program was established nearly 20 years
ago.
The Adoption and Safe Families Act makes clear that the health and safety of children must be the
paramount concerns of state child welfare services. It sets swifter time frames for making permanent
placement decisions and terminating parental rights for children. For the first time, states have
financial incentives to increase adoptions. Children with special needs and ongoing medical needs are
ensured health care coverage. Federal funds continue for programs that work to keep families together
when it is appropriate and safe to do so.
Foster Care Independence Act: Nearly 20,000 young people leave foster care each year when they
reach age 18 without an adoptive family or other guardian. Without the emotional, social and financial
support that families provide, many of these youth find themselves inadequately prepared for life on
their own. Studies show that within two to four years of leaving foster care, only half have completed
high school, fewer than half are employed, one-fourth have been homeless for at least one night, 30
percent do not have access to needed health care, 60 percent of the women have given birth, and less
than one in five are completely self-supporting.
The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 provides additional funding to the Independent Living
program which offers older youth in foster care educational, vocational and employment training, daily
living skills, substance abuse prevention, and connections to dedicated adults as mentors. The bill
based on the Administration's plan, enables the program for the first time to include support for room
and board, and provide states with the option to offer these young people Medicaid until their 21ˢᵗ
birthday. In addition, the bill increases the asset limit and allows youths to have $10,000 in savings
and still be eligible for foster care payments, so that they can save for college, an apartment or other
needs that are critical for successful independence. Finally, the bill establishes accountability for states
in implementing their programs by requiring data collection and evaluation.
A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION. With the
signing of the new Foster Care Independence Act, the Administration adds to an unprecedented record
of promoting the well-being of children and providing them with permanent, loving homes. In 1998
there were a record 36,000 adoptions from foster care, the first significant increase in the history of the
program. From 1996 to 1998, the number of adoptions nationwide rose 29 percent -- from 28,000 to
36,000 -- and is on a pace to meet the President's goal of 56,000 adoptions in 2002. Among the
President's other steps to improve child welfare and encourage adoption:
Increasing the Transitional Living Program. In the last budget, the Administration secured a 40
percent increase in the Transitional Living program, which provides funds to local community-based
organizations for residential care, life skills training, and other support services to homeless
adolescents. The program will now be funded at $20.7 million.
Enacting the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. Based on the Administration's Adoption
2002 report, this landmark law made the health and safety of children a clear priority, provided the
first-ever financial incentives for states to increase adoptions, tightened the time frames for making
permanent placements of children, and removed other barriers to adoption.
Making Adoption Affordable. In 1996, the President enacted a $5,000 tax credit for families
adopting children, and a $6,000 tax credit for families adopting children with special needs. In the
Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the Administration provided more support for families who adopt with a
$500 per-child tax credit. And under the Family and Medical Leave Act, parents can take time with a
newly adopted child without losing their jobs or health insurance.
Breaking Down Racial and Ethnic Barriers to Adoption. New inter-ethnic adoption provisions
signed into law by the President ensure that the adoption process is free from discrimination and delays
on the basis of race, culture and ethnicity.
Giving States Flexibility and Support. This Administration has given 25 states waivers to test
innovative strategies for improving state child welfare systems. The Administration has provided
states technical support to improve court operations and grants to support local adoption projects, and
has also secured federal funding for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program to serve at-risk
children and families.
Using the Internet to Promote Adoption. In November 1998, the President issued a directive to the
Department of Health and Human Services to expand the use of the Internet as a tool to find homes for
children waiting to be adopted from foster care. HHS will develop a national Internet site by the year
2002.
** Remarks/Columns Attached
Children & Families: Foster Care and Adoption
Leadership in Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and Adoption 2002 Initiative
Received HHS National Progress Report on Adoption which demonstrated significant
increases in the national adoption rate (9/24/99) **
Bill signing ceremony of Adoption and Safe Families Act (11/19/97) **
Leadership in enactment of Adoption and Safe Families Act incorporating key
recommendations for Adoption 2002 report (including internal meetings and
congressional outreach)
Berkeley, CA speech on significance of Adoption and Safe Families Act (11/24/97)
Leadership in development of HHS Adoption 2002 report- with legislative and
administrative recommendations- as required by POTUS Executive Memorandum
Adoption 2002 Report Presentation by HHS to the President at Valentine's Day event
(2/14/97) **
Leadership in development of Executive Memorandum on improving foster care and
adoption
Executive Memorandum issued at Oval Office POTUS radio address with foster care
families (12/14/96)
Convened Foundation Leaders to discuss foster care issues (8/2/96) **
Columns on bill (11/20/97 & 11/18/97)
Leadership on Foster Care Independence Act of 1999
Bill signing ceremony of Foster Care Independence Act (12/14/99) **
Leadership in development and enactment of Bill
Event with Mrs. Gore announcing new support for Transitioning Foster Care Youth
(1/29/99) **
Destination Future Conference speech on emancipation from foster care (9/11/98) **
Roundtable discussion with California Youth Connection members on emancipation from
foster care (11/24/97)
WH Event to Unveil FY2000 Budget Proposal
Adoption Promotion and Foster Care Improvement Campaign
Appeared on the Rosie O'Donnell Show on Foster Care (5/8/00)
Children's Action Network Adoption Event (12/20/99)
Participated in the Jewish Child Care Association's 175th Anniversary Celebration, New
York (4/19/99)
Dave Thomas Adoption Law Symposium Video (2/5/99)
White House event to mark Adoption Month (11/24/98) **
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse award and speech (10/6/98)
Speech at Kellogg Foundation Family for Kids Conference (6/25/97)
National Council on Adoption Speech (4/16/97)
Mother's Day Adoption Roundtable with adoptive mothers and children (5/10/96)
National Adoption Month event at the White House (11/13/95)
** Remarks/Columns Attached
Sustained theme in books and various columns (2/3/99, 9/29/99, 9/23/98, 2/10/98,
11/25/98, 11/18/97, 6/24/97, 12/17/96, 5/14/96, 7/30/95) **
Leadership on other key legislation
Adoption Tax Credit and MEPA strengthening (1996)
FMLA covering time off for adoption (1993)
Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (1994)
HRC CHIP Chronology
1994
After the election and the failure of health care reform, the President wrote to Newt Gingrich
outlining health care goals and priorities. Expanding insurance coverage for children was
one of the issues raised.
1995
Republicans took over the House, and started the push to block grant the Medicaid program.
The President vetoed the attempts, and shut down the government
HRC was a vocal opponent of block granting Medicaid, which she argued would have
undermined the Medicaid entitlement and been particularly harmful to children.
Block granting Medicaid was also an issue in welfare reform. The President vetoed several
welfare reform bills because they would have undermined the Medicaid entitlement; HRC
opposed these efforts as well.
1996
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Kennedy-Kassebaum) enacted.
1997
The Administration's children's health proposal was included in both the FY 1998 budget
and the State of the Union address. HRC was a strong advocate for the program, talking to
HHS (she convened a meeting with Shalala), and internally, making sure that OMB, DPC
and NEC worked together to develop and promote the proposal.
HRC was in close contact with Kennedy as he pushed the Kennedy-Hatch proposal, which
the Administration supported. (There were many debates about whether to have a Medicaid
expansion or to have a separate private insurance option).
May 1997 column about children's health insurance needs. HRC discussed the
Administration's efforts to ensure that the children's health proposal remained part of the
balanced budget. She said that plan and others on the Hill were a good start, but encouraged
Congress to create a plan to ensure that all children are covered.
June -- National Governor's Association speech
Budget negotiations - CHIP was one of the last remaining issues. The White House insisted
on $24 billion over 5 years and secured that amount.
August 5 - the President signed the Balanced Budget, which included CHIP.
That same day, recognizing that the success of CHIP depended on state implementation and
parents enrolled their children, HRC wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times about
CHIP implementation and outreach to parents. She urged states to participate in the program,
and called for a joint effort, involving the Federal government, states, localities, advocacy
groups, foundations, health care providers, insurers and businesses, to work to inform
families about insurance options for their children.
Also on August 5, HRC wrote her column about the Balanced Budget Act and mentioned the
children's insurance provision (only one paragraph of the column).
Outreach/Implementation Efforts
Recognizing that one of the key reasons that SO many eligible children go uninsured is a lack of
awareness of Medicaid and CHIP options, HRC convened several meetings with corporate
leaders, volunteer organizations, and media groups to develop an outreach campaign.
February 1998 - the President and HRC initiated the CHIP outreach campaign, and
directed several Federal agencies to develop ways to do outreach.
2/24/98 column on the need to notify parents of CHIP, and announcing the
Administration's outreach initiatives.
7/9/98: HRC convened a meeting of corporate partners -- 30 representatives from
major corporations-all of whom had made specific commitments toward a private
sector outreach campaign. The centerpiece of the event was the unveiling of a
national ad campaign. America's Promise, Colin Powell's group, was a partner in
developing the media campaign. The Ad Council committed to developing at least
one ad.
2/2/99: With the President, HRC launched the nationwide "Insure Kids Now"
campaign aimed at enrolling eligible but uninsured children in Medicaid and CHIP.
The campaign included commitments from major radio and TV networks to broadcast
PSA's, and commitments from consumer product manufacturers to print the new toll-
free number on commonly used products. The event launched the toll-free "1-877-
KIDS-NOW" hotline, and previewed HRC and NBC PSA's.
These outreach efforts are ongoing.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
A STRONG COMMITMENT TO OUR NATION'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS
As part of her lifelong commitment to the health and well-being of our nation's children,
Hillary Rodham Clinton has fought hard to sustain and improve children's hospitals throughout the
country. She played a pivotal role in securing unprecedented funding increases for pediatric medical
training at independent children's hospitals and helped underscore the vital services such hospitals
provide in communities throughout the United States.
Mrs. Clinton's first experience with children's health issues dates to her first year at Yale
Law School. After reading an article in Time magazine about child advocate Marian Wright
Edelman and her lobbying group, the Washington Research Project (which later evolved into the
Children's Defense Fund), Mrs. Clinton contacted Edelman and secured an internship with the
organization for the summer. After finishing law school, Mrs. Clinton spent an additional year at
Yale studying children's development and laws that affect children at the Yale Child
Development Center. Her experience in these early years would set the stage for a lifelong
commitment to promoting the health and well-being of our nation's children.
Mrs. Clinton continued her work on behalf of children while serving as First Lady of
Arkansas. She served as an advocate through her work for many children's organizations, including
the Children's Defense Fund and the Carnegie Council on Children. From 1988 to 1992, she also sat
on the board of the Arkansas Children's Hospital, which deepened her appreciation for the important
services such hospitals provide to families and communities as well as the invaluable training they
offer to medical students.
As First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton has continued her efforts to promote
and support children's hospitals and the vital role they play in our nation's health care delivery
system. Mrs. Clinton has visited more than 20 children's hospitals around the country to
highlight their contributions and the essential role independent hospitals play in the education of
future pediatricians. The First Lady also has underscored the unique challenges faced by
children's hospitals, which train nearly 30 percent of all pediatricians and nearly half of all
pediatric specialists, but unlike other teaching hospitals have received very few federal funds for
physician training. For example, in 1999, regular teaching hospitals received an average of
$76,000 in federal graduate medical education (GME) funding per resident, while children's
hospitals received an average of $400 per resident. These inequities have exacerbated the
already precarious financial position of children's hospitals, which often serve the poorest,
sickest and most vulnerable children.
The First Lady, recognizing the need for more federal support for children's hospitals,
has served as their champion within the Administration. In 1998 and 1999, Mrs. Clinton worked
with White House staff and the Office of Management and Budget to develop a key proposal to
greatly increase their federal funding. Because of her strong leadership, the President's 2000
budget included an unprecedented $40 million for GME at the nation's independent children's
hospitals.
In January 1999, the First lady convened a White House meeting with HHS Secretary
Donna Shalala and senior executives from almost 30 children's hospitals to discuss graduate
medical training and to announce the Administration's new commitment. The First Lady
continued to work to underscore the importance of the proposal and closely monitored the
appropriations process to ensure Congress included it in its bill. When the funding was omitted,
she took steps to ensure that the Administration's policy statement to Congress on the bill urged
the Senate to fully fund the $40 million request. Her vocal advocacy was instrumental to the
inclusion of the funding in the final version of the legislation.
In December 1999, along with representatives of several of the nation's children's
hospitals, the First Lady participated in the Oval Office signing ceremony for the Healthcare
Research and Quality Act of 1999, which authorized the increase in federal funding for graduate
medical education at children's hospitals. At the signing, the President praised the First Lady for
her leadership in championing the work of these hospitals and the critical services they provide
to families and to medical students.
The First Lady has continued her efforts on this issue, working to secure further increases
in funding in the fiscal year 2001 budget. She has also continued to urge Congress to take more
steps to invest in our children's health.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
PROMOTING ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE QUALITY CHILD CARE
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton has served as the Administration's most prominent voice on
behalf of children and working parents. As an advocate for families for nearly 30 years -- and
having been a working parent herself she knows the importance of affordable, quality child
care to working families. Mrs. Clinton's vocal leadership has led to a more than doubling of
child care funding over the past seven years, the participation of hundreds of thousands of
children in enriching and safe after-school opportunities, and a better understanding by the
nation's businesses that good child care makes economic sense. Senator Christopher Dodd of
Connecticut, one of the Senate's greatest advocates for children, once said of Mrs. Clinton's
leadership on behalf of children's programs: "I don't call the President, I don't call the Office of
Management and Budget, I don't call the chief of staff, I call the First Lady."
The First Lady began her work on children's issues during her first year at Yale Law School.
After reading an article in Time magazine about child advocate Marian Wright Edelman and her
lobbying group, the Washington Research Project (which later evolved into the Children's
Defense Fund), Mrs. Clinton contacted Edelman and secured an internship with the organization
for the summer. After finishing law school, Mrs. Clinton spent an additional year at Yale
studying children's development and laws that affect children at the Yale Child Development
Center. Her experience in these early years would set the stage for a lifelong commitment to a
wide range of children and family issues, including the importance of quality child care both to
working families and for the healthy development of children.
While First Lady of Arkansas, Mrs. Clinton served as chair of the board of directors for the
Children's Defense Fund and on the board of directors for the Child Care Action Campaign in
New York, and worked closely with the Carnegie Council on Children. Through each of these
efforts, Mrs. Clinton helped raise awareness of the need for quality child care in the country,
particularly as the percentage of women in the workforce continued to climb. She also founded
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, served as president of the Arkansas Single Parent
Scholarship Fund Program, and brought the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters
to Arkansas.
These professional experiences helped lay the groundwork for Mrs. Clinton's child care
accomplishments as First Lady of the United States, but no lesson taught her more about the
issue than being a working mother. While she was fortunate to enjoy more options for child care
than many other parents, as a working mother juggling, her law practice, her duties as First Lady
of Arkansas and caring for a young child, her child care arrangements occasionally broke down.
At those times, she relied on friends and neighbors, but was always struck by the difficulties so
many women face in finding reliable, quality care for their children.
In 1989, while serving as the board chair for the Children's Defense Fund, Mrs. Clinton traveled
to France as part of a study group to draw possible lessons for the American child care system.
France places a top priority on preparing children for school and life by ensuring that all children
between 3-5 years old can attend free or inexpensive pre-schools and by preparing early
childhood educators to help children develop critical social and cognitive skills. The trip
highlighted for Mrs. Clinton the fundamental importance of affordable, high-quality child care to
the health of the larger community.
After becoming First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Clinton redoubled her efforts to improve
the nation's child care system for parents and their kids. She helped shape the President's first
budget, which called for greater investments in pre-school with significantly more funding for
Head Start. In 1994, Mrs. Clinton worked to promote the U.S. Department of Labor's "Working
Women Count" survey, which revealed that working women's top concerns were integrating
their work and family lives and finding and paying for decent child care. That same year, the
Carnegie Council on Children released their seminal report, "Starting Points: Meeting the Needs
of Our Youngest Children." Mrs. Clinton had long supported the work of the Carnegie task
force that developed the report. In 1994, she joined the council to release the study's findings,
which documented many of her concerns about the lack of adequate care in the United States.
Throughout 1995, Mrs. Clinton traveled the country-learning about the struggles working
families face in finding quality child care for their children. The experience would make her
profoundly aware of the importance of child care to a successful transition from welfare to work.
In numerous speeches that spring to organizations such as the Child Welfare League of America,
the First Lady urged Congress to provide families moving from welfare to work with the safety
net of job training, job placements, Medicaid/benefits, Food Stamps, and child care. She would
become one of the Administration's most effective advocates speaking publicly and behind the
scenes to ensure that provisions for child care were included in the welfare reform bill that was
signed into law in 1996.
During this same period, Mrs. Clinton completed work on her book, It Takes a Village: And
Other Lessons Children Teach Us, which was published in 1996. She wrote extensively about
her experiences working on behalf of children and families, current research on children's
development, and examples of the types of programs that help children grow into productive and
healthy adults. She has donated all proceeds from her book to hundreds of organizations that
work directly to support the growth and development of children and youth.
In 1997, the First Lady began organizing the first-ever White House Conference on Child Care
by continuing her research and holding numerous meetings with child care experts and advocacy
groups to gather ideas. She also resumed her travels to explore how the private sector and the
military were dealing with the challenges of child care, and she visited the University of
Maryland and gave a major address on the issue. The White House conference, held in October
of that year, incorporated many of the themes the First Lady had explored in her travels and in
her many meetings with working parents. At the conference, the President and First Lady
announced a series of initiatives, including: the creation of a child care working group to explore
the role that businesses should play in providing child care; new outreach efforts to child care
workers to help improve their education and training; a "National Crime Prevention and Privacy
Compact," to help states share criminal history information about child care workers; and a
manual to guide local communities in improving afterschool care.
2
In the 1998 State of the Union address and Administration budget, the President rolled out a
major child care initiative that was crafted with significant input from the First Lady. The
initiative aimed to increase investments in child care and Head Start, expand afterschool
opportunities, increase child care research, give parents better tools to find quality care in their
communities and identify strategies to boost the caliber of care. The First Lady worked tirelessly
to promote the landmark initiative, launching public service announcements on Lifetime
Television; touring some of the area's most successful child care facilities; and hosting panel
discussions with working families around the country. Her staff also worked with key aides on
Capitol Hill to build congressional support for the proposal. Legislation developed by the
House Democratic Caucus on Child Care, unveiled that spring, incorporated many elements of
the Administration initiative.
In 1999, Mrs. Clinton joined the President and the Gores on a "Family Agenda" tour where she
spoke on the issues of balancing family and work, improving child care, and improving support
for long-term care givers. Later that spring, Mrs. Clinton visited "Just Us Kids" child care center
in the nation's capital where she announced a study by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission on how to identify and correct hidden hazards that exist in child care centers. She
also launched Lifetime's "Caring for Kids" child care campaign. Both of these efforts were
aimed at empowering parents with vital information on child care.
Throughout 2000, the First Lady has continued to champion a broad range of improvements to
child care, holding key meetings, hosting events, writing nationally syndicated columns and
making speeches. She has continued to focus on the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care
Tax Credit, tax breaks for businesses that offer child care, support for the Early Learning Fund
and the "Early Learning Opportunities Act" a proposal to improve the quality of child care, and
calling attention to the link between investments in child care and reduced crime.
Mrs. Clinton's efforts over the past 8 years have left an indelible imprint on our nation's child
care system. This year, Congress is expected to approve the President's request for $2 billion in
child care subsidies to serve 2.2 million children; funding for Head Start has doubled since 1993;
the after-school program has served 850,000 children and is expected to grow in the next year;
and in 1999, the White House secured $10 million in the budget for research on child care. In
addition, the First Lady was instrumental in the creation of an interagency task force to better
coordinate afterschool resources; the launch of afterschool as an information resource on
after-school funds and best practices; the establishment of a national hotline for parents on child
care information; the development of more effective ways to protect our children in child care by
improving background checks on child care workers.
3
DRAFT 9/6
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT
As First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton brought to the White House significant
expertise on supporting children and youth in their development and a deep commitment to
advancing the position of young Americans, particularly those in need. As a result, she has
worked behind the scenes and before the public on such issues as youth violence, national
service, after-school care, and teen pregnancy. She has been a key player in developing
legislation in these and other areas affecting youth, and by organizing and appearing at hundreds
of public events on these issues she has helped to raise their visibility and make positive youth
development a national priority.
The First Lady began her work on the development of children and youth during her first year at
Yale Law School. After reading an article in Time magazine about child advocate Marian
Wright Edelman and her lobbying group, the Washington Research Project (which later evolved
into the Children's Defense Fund), Mrs. Clinton contacted Edelman and secured an internship
with the organization for the summer. Her experience there would set the stage for a lifelong
commitment to a wide range of children and family issues.
During her tenure as First Lady of Arkansas, Mrs. Clinton served as chair of the board of
directors for the Children's Defense Fund, and as a board member of other influential national
organizations concerned with youth, including the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, Children's
Television Workshop, and Public/Private Ventures, whose mission is to improve the
effectiveness of social policies, programs and community initiatives, especially as they affect
youth and young adults. She also played a leadership role in Arkansas on behalf of youth,
founding Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, serving as president of the Arkansas
Single Parent Scholarship Fund Program and as a board member of the Arkansas Children's
Hospital and New Futures for Little Rock Youth.
Building opportunities for youth. In 1988, Mrs. Clinton served on the William T. Grant
Foundation Commission on Work, Family and Citizenship, best known for its seminal report,
The Forgotten Half. This report was widely circulated on Capitol Hill, and brought to the
attention of Congress the situation faced by the more than 50 percent of the nation's youth who
do not go to college. The report advocated for family leave policies, school-to-work programs,
more youth service opportunities, increased student aid, expanded Job Corps, and the
development of mentoring programs. These recommendations all became significant policy
achievements of the Clinton Administration, often with the First Lady as the most prominent
advocate working to transform these recommendations into national policy.
Also in Arkansas, Mrs. Clinton served on the board of directors of the National Center on
Education and the Economy and as co-chair for implementation of the Center's Commission on
Skills of the American Workforce. In this position, she worked closely with a bipartisan group
of prominent experts, including former Reagan Secretary of Labor Bill Brock, calling for
changes in the way America trained its workforce to prepare for a rapidly evolving global
economy. After she and her colleagues traveled across the country advocating for the
recommendations in the Commission's report, "America's Choice: High Skills or Low Wages!,"
and with the help of the new Clinton Administration, many states and the federal government
adopted the report's proposals. Federal legislation signed into law included the Workforce
Investment Act, creating one-stop shops for job training, the National Skills Standards Board,
which established training standards in major industries, and the School-to-Work Partnership Act
of 1994, designed to help students make the transition into the work force. This legislation
provided $1.6 billion to states for school-to-work pilot programs.
Developing AmeriCorps. After President Clinton's election, Mrs. Clinton worked closely with
her staff to develop the national service initiative that would become AmeriCorps. She argued
forcefully that the national service bill should be crafted in order to allow young people of all
backgrounds to participate and that the program include assurances of child care and health care
benefits for AmeriCorps volunteers. She helped shepherd the legislation through Congress,
playing an important behind-the-scenes role. After the legislation was signed into law in
September 1993, she monitored its implementation, ensured that it received continued White
House attention, and continued to appear at eyents that would raise the program's visibility. In
1999, she encouraged the planning of a fifth anniversary celebration of AmeriCorps and helped
launch an effort to endow City Year, a flagship national service program. Her domestic policy
council staff at the White House is currently handling the AmeriCorps reauthorization
legislation.
Street
Fighting youth violence. Mrs. Clinton proved to be an early, influential voice concerned about
youth violence and its impact on our nation's schools and communities. In August 1994 she
addressed the National Conference on Youth Violence, speaking about the "culture of violence"
facing youth in the media and on the streets. In 1998 and 1999, she took numerous steps to
combat youth violence, including hosting a White House Conference on School Safety, writing
three nationally syndicated columns on the topic, and speaking at more than a dozen events
relating to youth violence. Following the Columbine High School shootings, Mrs. Clinton met
with victims' families, hosted a strategy session at the White House on Children, Violence, and
Responsibility, and stepped up her long-standing efforts to promote handgun control. Mrs.
Clinton also worked with the President to launch the National Campaign Against Youth
Violence, a non-profit organization dedicated to working with local communities to prevent
youth violence. The First Lady was an early supporter of the Million Mom March and joined the
thousands of women who marched on the National Mall this year to call for sensible gun safety
laws.
Reducing teen pregnancy. Mrs. Clinton has also focused her efforts on preventing teen
pregnancies. In 1997, she urged the creation of a bipartisan Campaign for the Prevention of
Teen Pregnancy, hosted its first honors ceremony in the East Room of the White House, and
participated in several key events to build support for the effort. She urged groups involved in
the issue to look beyond ideological lines, helping unite liberal and conservative organizations in
their common mission to reduce teen pregnancies. These efforts to promote abstinence and
personal responsibility have provided more teens with mentors and access to college and jobs,
and have fostered local prevention strategies targeted to both girls and boys. With the strength of
2
Mrs. Clinton's leadership, a third of all U.S. communities now have HHS-funded teen pregnancy
prevention activities - exceeding the goal of 25 percent set in the 1996 welfare reform law. All
told, Administration efforts pushed the rate of teen pregnancy to a record low in 1998, with a
particularly large drop in births to African-American girls. This year, Mrs. Clinton has
continued her efforts to provide more opportunities to teen parents. She has been a vocal
advocate for the Administration's proposal to support second-chance homes, an innovative
approach to help teen parents who cannot live at home. These adult-supervised living
arrangements offer parenting skills, job counseling, education and other referrals that help reduce
repeat pregnancies and improve the prospects for young mothers and their children.
Transition from foster care. Mrs. Clinton's longstanding work on behalf of children in foster
care led her to focus on youth who are forced to leave foster care when they turn 18, often with
limited supports to help them make the transition to independence. Few of these youth go on to
college and a significant number become homeless after they lose benefits they had received
while in foster care. Groundbreaking legislation developed by Mrs. Clinton and her staff and
signed into law in 1999 now allows these young people to remain on Medicaid until the age of
21, and gives them extra help in finishing high school, going to college, and finding work and a
place to live.
Promoting afterschool care. The First Lady has also been a leader within the Administration in
support of afterschool care. Knowing that high-quality afterschool programs can both lower risk
behaviors and increase school success, she pushed for funding for the 21st Century Community
Learning Center program and has visited numerous afterschool programs around the country.
Funding for afterschool has provided nearly 850,000 children with after school opportunities.
Youth philanthropy. Mrs. Clinton, who led the planning of the White House Conference on
Philanthropy in 1999, worked to ensure that the gathering included a focus on teaching young
people the giving tradition. As a result of the conference, a group of foundations is now working
to create a national initiative that will give young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to
contribute to funds in their own communities, and to make decisions about which local
organizations will receive these resources.
Raising healthy teens. Most recently, out of growing concern for the many challenges facing
today's teens and their parents, Mrs. Clinton planned and implemented the May 2000 White
House Conference on Teenagers. This historic event brought together parents, teens, policy
makers and other experts to discuss the importance of the teenage years in the social and
intellectual development of children. Like the White House Conference on Early Learning and
Childhood Development in 1997, the teen gathering underscored some of the common
misconceptions that parents have about the teenage years and offered strategies for raising
responsible and resourceful youth. Initiatives that emerged from the conference included a
"Time with Teens Campaign," a public awareness campaign about the importance of adult-teen
interaction; a website to provide teenagers with information available through the federal
government - americasteens.gov; a focus on improving media resources for teenagers and their
parents; and a call for more afterschool and community service opportunities for teenagers.
Clinton Presidential Records
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Healthcare
Divider Title:
THE IMPACT OF THE HEALTH SECURITY ACT ON
SUBSEQUENT HEALTH CARE ACHIEVEMENTS
I.
REFORMING THE INSURANCE MARKET / ASSURING PATIENT
PROTECTIONS
The Health Security Act had numerous provisions to reform the insurance market and assure
consumer protections. These included protections against discriminatory underwriting
practices, patient and medical records privacy protections, steps towards mental health parity,
and provisions to streamline the duplicative and burdensome red tape associated with insurance
and provider claim forms.
Accomplishments include:
Passage of the landmark Kennedy-Kassenbaum legislation that ensures individuals
continued access to health insurance (Public Law 104-191). The Kennedy- Kassenbaum
(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) legislation prevents individuals from being
denied coverage because they have a preexisting medical condition. It requires insurance
companies to sell coverage to small employer groups and to individuals who lose group coverage
without regard to their health risk status. It also prohibits discrimination in enrollment and
premiums against employees and their dependents based on health status. Finally, it requires
insurers to renew the policies they sell to groups and individuals.
Passage of legislation requiring mental health parity for annual and lifetime insurance
limits (Public Law 104-204).
Passage of legislation to eliminate duplicative and wasteful administrative requirements of
the health care system (Public Law 104-191).
Issued landmark Federal regulations protecting the privacy of electronic medical records.
Passage of legislation prohibiting discriminatory underwriting practices by insurers
through the use of genetic information (Public Law 104-191).
Issued executive memorandum requiring that the 85 million Americans in Federal health
plans receive critical patient protections.
Endorsed the bipartisan Norwood-Dingell Patients' Bill of Rights and worked for its
passage. This legislation, endorsed by over 200 health care advocacy groups, is the only proposal
that meets the Administration's fundamental criteria: that patient protections be real and that
court enforced remedies be accessible and meaningful. The legislation includes: guaranteed
access to needed health care specialists; access to emergency room services when and where the
need arises; continuity of care protections; access to a fair, unbiased and timely internal and
independent external appeals process; and an enforcement mechanism that ensures recourse for
patients who have been harmed as a result of health plan's actions.
Issued executive order preventing genetic discrimination in Federal hiring and promotion
actions.
Endorsed legislation to prohibit unauthorized use of genetic information by health insurers
and employers.
II.
EXPANDING COVERAGE
The Health Security Act was designed to ensure that every American had affordable, quality,
health insurance. Subsequent achievements and proposals by the Clinton Administration
provide targeted coverage expansions. Since 1995, the President has enacted the Children's
Health Insurance Program, the Work Incentives Improvement Act, and the Foster Care
Independence Act. In addition, he has proposed several major health care expansions that
would represent the largest investment in health insurance coverage since the enactment of
Medicare.
Accomplishments include:
Enacted single largest investment in children's health care since 1965 (Public Law 105-33).
The Balanced Budget Act included $48 billion for the State Children's Health Insurance Program
- the single largest investment in health care for children since the enactment of Medicaid in
1965. This new program, together with Medicaid, will provide meaningful health care coverage
for up to five million previously uninsured children - including prescription drugs, vision,
hearing, and mental health services. Within three years of enactment, all 50 states have
implemented S-CHIP programs, and over 2 million children have been covered. In addition, the
number of states covering children up to 200 percent of poverty increased by more than 7 fold -
to 30 states - during that time.
Enacted landmark legislation providing new health insurance opportunities for working
people with disabilities (Public Law 106-70). The Jeffords-Kennedy Work Incentives
Improvement Act creates important new health insurance options provided to people with
disabilities.
Enacted new legislation to help young people leaving foster care (Public Law 106-169).
Approved waivers expanding health insurance coverage for Americans.
Issued Executive Directives to target and enroll uninsured children and launched the
national Insure Kids Now Campaign.
Proposed $110 billion in FY 2001 budget to extend coverage to over 5 million currently
uninsured Americans and provide more affordable coverage to millions more.
Invested $220 million in the FY 2001 budget for Medicaid coverage of certain
uninsured women with breast and cervical cancer.
2
III.
ELIMINATING TAX INEQUITIES IN HEALTH CARE
The Health Security Act included a number of provisions to eliminate tax inequities in health care,
including limiting the exclusion for employer provided health benefits, increasing the deduction for
self-employed workers, and providing tax breaks on long-term care insurance premiums.
Accomplishments include:
Enacted legislation to eliminate the discriminatory tax treatment of the self- employed
(Public Laws 104-191 and 105-33).
Enacted legislation to provide consumer protections and tax incentives for private long-
term care insurance (Public Law 104-191).
IV.
STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING MEDICARE
The Health Security Act would have made a significant contribution to extending the life of the
Medicare Trust Fund through a series of improvements and program efficiencies, as well as added a
new Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Accomplishments include:
Enacted Medicare reforms that extended solvency, provided new preventive benefits, and
added new plan choices (Public Laws 105-33 and PL 103-66).
Enacted legislation and took administrative action to fight fraud and waste in Medicare
(Public Law 104-191).
Enacted legislation to help remedy the reimbursement concerns of health care
providers (Public Law 106-113).
Issued an Executive Memorandum directing Medicare to reimburse providers for the
cost of routine patient care associated with participation in clinical trials.
Proposed new, comprehensive plan to strengthen and modernize Medicare for the 21st
century. This historic initiative would: Make Medicare more competitive and efficient,
Modernize Medicare's benefits, including a long overdue prescription drug benefit, strengthening
Medicare's financing for the 21st century.
V.
PROTECTING MEDICAID AND IMPROVING LONG-TERM CARE
The Health Security Act ensured that Medicaid beneficiaries received the same stable, high quality
health care coverage as other Americans. It also assured that former Medicaid beneficiaries
continued to receive all additional specialized services that they received under Medicaid. The Act
3
provided for a new program to deliver home and community based care, as well as tax incentives for
quality long-term care insurance.
Vetoed Republican proposals to block grant Medicaid, which threatened insurance
coverage for millions of low-income people and nursing home residents.
Enacted new actions to modernize the Medicaid program in the Balanced Budget Act of
1997. (Public Law 105-33).
Launched a comprehensive nursing home quality initiative.
Approved state waivers to help seniors and individuals with disabilities to stay in their
communities.
Proposed new assistance for individuals with long-term care needs and their caregivers.
VI.
PUBLIC HEALTH
The Health Security Act included major developments in public health, including significant new
investments in biomedical and behavioral research related to health promotion and prevention of
disease and health services research. In addition, the Act provided grants to states for core public
health functions, a focus on health care for the traditionally underserved, and support for health care
professionals and institutions that work in this area.
Enacted unprecedented investments in biomedical research.
Enacted historic investments in reproductive health.
Enacted new investments in mental health prevention and treatment.
Enacted funding increases for AIDS research, prevention, housing, and treatment.
Held the first ever White House Conference on Mental Health.
Released the landmark Surgeon General's report on mental health.
Launched new effort to increase childhood immunizations.
Launched new effort to eliminate racial health disparities
4
Q.
Wouldn't the Health Security Act have hurt New York?
A.
No. At the time, we estimated that New York would be one of the big winners under the
plan. Given the large number of uninsured in the State, New York would have received
for this year $9 billion for premiums for the uninsured in the year 2000. The state would
also have gotten $1.5 billion from the new long-term care program that we proposed.
Moreover, we now know that our proposed spending in Medicare would have been $100
billion higher for 1996 through 2000 than it actually has been. Overall, a recent analysis
showed that overall Medicare and Medicaid spending has been about half a trillion lower
over the past 5 years than we projected at the start of the Administration. That would
have been more than enough to have invested in helping the uninsured, improving long-
term care and providing an affordable prescription drug benefit.
In contrast, Rick Lazio supported the Contract with America's $270 billion cut to
Medicare and its block grant of Medicaid that would have left nearly a million children,
seniors and people with disabilities in New York uninsured.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Media Affairs
September 14, 1995
Contact: 202/456-7150
NEW YORK
The Republican Budget Resolution Conference Agreement:
Medicaid Cuts Will Force States to Reduce Health Coverage
Republicanus Proposal: Reduces Medicaid Payments to States by 30% in 2002
Republicans are proposing to cut more than $182 billion from Federal Medicaid spending
between 1996 and 2002: a cut of 20% over seven years and 30% in 2002. New York
would lose $19 billion over the seven years, a 27% reduction in 2002 alone. Even if New
York could absorb half of the cuts by reducing services and provider payments, it would
still have to eliminate coverage for 645,000 people in 2002, according to the Urban
Institute, including:
0
66,400 older Americans;
0
100,400 people with disabilities; and
0
478,200 children and their families.
The Republican proposal would force New York to eliminate coverage for about 71,300
people needing long-term care in 2002.* Medicaid is the largest insurer of long-term care
for all Americans, including the middle class. Currently, Medicaid covers 79% of the
84,500 nursing home residents in New York. Medicaid also serves about 241,800 older
Americans and people with disabilities using home care in New York. Without Medicaid,
families of the elderly and disabled could not afford nursing home care that costs an
average of $38,000 per year nationally.
The Republican proposal would force New York to eliminate coverage for 343,700
children in 2002. * Currently, 25% of the children in New York rely on Medicaid for their
basic health needs. Medicaid pays for immunizations, regular check-ups, and intensive
care in case of emergencies for about 1,300,000 children in New York.
New York could avoid these difficult choices forced by the Republican proposal only by
increasing its Medicaid spending by 27% in 2002 -- by raising property or sales taxes, or
cutting other critical state spending.
The President's Balanced Budget Proposal
The Presidentus proposal saves $54 billion over seven years from Medicaid, less than one-
third the Republican cut and still a significant contribution toward deficit reduction. The
Presidentus Medicaid policy produces savings by reducing and retargetting
disproportionate share payments, increasing state flexibility, and limiting the growth in
Federal Medicaid spending per recipient. This policy constrains Federal spending but
allows states to respond to unexpected changes in the number of people covered. It does
not put states at risk and dismantle a program that has served as a critical safety net -- as
would happen under the Republican proposal.
* U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates based on the Urban Institute data; numbers may not sum to totals due to
rounding.
IMPACT OF HEALTH SECURITY ACT ON NEW YORK HOSPITALS
The Following New York Hospital Data Shows Two Essential Points:
Even with the reductions in Medicare and Medicaid growth rates, New York
hospital revenues under HSA steadily increase
To maintain their historical profits under reform, hospital costs could grow at
3.2%. This level assumes some productivity improvements, but is within
historical levels. (Between 1969-1991, hospital costs increased at 3.6%/year)
Productivity improvements are possible and can be achieved in at least three
areas:
1) administrative savings;
2) savings on their own health care benefits to their employees; and
3) better integrated care.
BENEFITS FOR NEW YORK STATE HOSPITALS
DRAFT
NEW YORK STATE HOSPITALS UNDER THE HEALTH SECURITY ACT
ALL HOSPITALS
TEACHING HOSPITALS
PATIENT CARE
2.5%
4.3%
MARGINS TODAY
BASELINE GROWTH IN
9.3%
9.3%
HOSPITAL COSTS *
COST GROWTH
6.6%
6.6%
UNDER REFORM
REAL COST GROWTH
3.2%
3.2%
UNDER REFORM
*
Assumption from Health Care Association of New York State
DRAFT
HOSPITAL REVENUES, NEW YORK STATE, ALL HOSPITALS,
BEFORE AND AFTER THE HEALTH SECURITY ACT, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
TOTAL
$25.1
$27.3
$29.8
$32.5
$35.2
$37.7
$40.0
$42.2
MEDICARE
$8.2
$8.9
$9.7
$9.9
$9.8
$10.7
$11.6
$12.5
MEDICAID
$5.9
$6.5
$7.1
$7.6
$9.2
$9.7
$10.2
$10.7
PRIVATE
$9.4
$10.3
$11.2
$12.3
$11.6
$12.1
$12.6
$13.1
PREVIOUSLY
$1.6
$1.6
$1.8
$2.0
$4.0
$4.2
$4.3
$4.5
UNINSURED
ACADEMIC
$0.5
$0.6
$0.9
$1.2
$1.2
POOLS
—
-
-
VPA
$0.2
$0.2
$0.2
$0.2
$0.2
-
-
—
* Assumption from Health Care Association of New York State
DRAFT
HOSPITAL REVENUES, NEW YORK STATE TEACHING HOSPITALS,
BEFORE AND AFTER THE HEALTH SECURITY ACT, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
TOTAL
$20.7
$22.5
$24.6
$26.9
$29.1
$31.1
$33.0
$34.8
MEDICARE
$6.5
$7.0
$7.6
$7.5
$7.6
$8.2
$8.8
$9.5
MEDICAID
$5.4
$5.9
$6.5
$7.1
$8.4
$8.9
$9.3
$9.8
PRIVATE
$7.3
$8.0
$8.7
$9.5
$8.9
$9.3
$9.7
$10.1
PREVIOUSLY
$1.6
$1.6
$1.8
$2.0
$3.5
$3.7
$3.9
$4.0
UNINSURED
ACADEMIC
$0.5
$0.6
$0.9
$1.2
$1.2
POOLS
-
-
-
VPA
$0.1
$0.1
$0.1
$0.1
$0.1
—
—
-
*
Assumption from Health Care Association of New York State
Hc
tal Revenues, NO York State Hosp
als
Before and After the Health Security Act
$50.0
$42.2
$40.0
$40.0
$37.7
$35.2
$32.5
$29.8
Dollars in Billions
$30.0
$27.3
$25.1
$23.1
$20.0
$10.0
$0.0
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
<---Before the Health Security Act---> <-With the Health Security Act->
Hospital Revenues, New Yurk State Teaching Hospitals
Before and After the Health Security Act
$40.0
$34.8
$35.0
$33.0
$31.1
$30.0
$29.1
$26.9
$24.6
$25.0
Dollars in Billions
$22.5
$20.7
$20.0
$19.1
$15.0
$10.0
$5.0
$0.0
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
<---Before the Health Security Act---> <-With the Health Security Act->
Pe
nt Increase in Rea Costs, New York Spe
Hospitals Before and After the HSA
4%
3.6%
3.2%
3%
2%
1%
0%
1969-1991
With the HSA
P
ent Increase in Re
Costs, New York
Late
Hospitals Before and After the HSA
)
6%
5.3%
5%
4%
3.7%
3.3%
3.2%
3%
2%
1.5%
1%
0%
1969-77
1978-82
1983-85
1986-91
With the HSA
ORIGINAL RATE
NYC FISCAL
NYPHRM/ALL-
MEDICARE ON PPS
SETTING SYSTEM
CRISIS ERA
PAYER RATE-
NEW YORK STATE
SAVINGS UNDER HEALTH SECURITY ACT
New York State will save $8.6 billion in public health care spending between 1996 and 2000.
CHANGE IN SPENDING UNDER HEALTH SECURITY ACT
$BB
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
TOTAL
(1996-2000)
Acute Care Medicaid
NA
0.5
(1.3)
(2.5)
(3.3)
(6.6)
LTC Savings
(0.2)
(0.3)
(0.4)
(0.5)
(0.6)
(2.0)
State employee health
NA
NA
NA
NA
(0.07)
(0.07)
care spending
TOTAL PUBLIC
(0.2)
0,2
(1.7)
(3.0)
(4.0)
(8.6)
SAVINGS
*
In addition, the private sector will save $4.9 billion in lower premiums in FY 2000 alone. (Earlier years are not available.)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM TO FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
From:
John Hart, Deputy Assistant to the President for
Intergovernmental Affairs
Date:
April 14, 1994
Subject: New York Health Care Overview
I.
Overview
For years New York State has shouldered the burden of a
growing uninsured population, increasing health care costs,
the rising expense of health care coverage for its own
employees, and increasing reliance on expensive emergency
room care. Recent reforms in New York attempt to contain
the costs of health care through managed care, and increased
attention to primary and preventive care services. New
York's new community rating law sets a national standard for
expanding access to coverage and returning insurance to what
it was meant to be. But in the absence of national reform,
none of these efforts will produce lasting savings or true
universal coverage.
Like the recent reforms in New York State, the Health
Security Act seeks to incur savings by encouraging primary
and preventive care, and discouraging unnecessary and
expensive hospital stays. While New York's legislation
limits costs through a rate setting system for hospitals,
the Clinton legislation uses premium limits, managed
competition, public evaluation data, and bidding mechanisms
to contain costs. New York State will benefit from the
plan's commitment to cost containment, new investments in
public health, malpractice reform, expanded access to
doctors, clinics and hospitals for all New Yorkers, special
long-term care provisions for the elderly and disabled, and
administrative simplification in the system. Most
importantly, the Clinton plan will enable New York State to
develop a health care system that reflects the needs of its
diverse population -- from the residents of Manhattan's 12
health crisis zones to the underserved residents of rural
upstate.
The Clinton health plan proposes national reform based on a
new partnership between states and the federal government --
a partnership that ensures that every local resident will
have health care coverage, that rising health care costs
will be controlled, and that every state will have the
flexibility to address their critical health needs.
II. Issues of Concern in New York State
In February, Governor Cuomo presented the findings of his
own task force on the Clinton plan. While the Cuomo
administration "supports Clinton's goals, there is a
disagreement on how to get there." The following are the
major concerns expressed by the task force.
A.
Medicaid Formula
Senator Moynihan and Governor Cuomo have been vociferous
opponents of the current Medicaid match system, claiming it
is an inequitable arrangement for New York.
Response - The administration agrees with New York,
the Urban Institute and the GAO on the unfairness of
the current formula.
The Health Security Act establishes a Medicaid
Equity Commission for the express purpose of addressing
the Medicaid equity issues raised by Senator Moynihan
and Governor Cuomo. The commission is designed along
the lines of the military base closure commission and
would study and design new measures to be incorporated
into a revised match rate formula.
It is important to note that New York benefits
from the current match rate formula. Presently,
federal matching rates are based solely on state per
capita income, but must be between a floor of 50% and
ceiling of 83%. New York is one of 13 higher income
jurisdictions that benefitted from the 50% floor in FY
1993. In sum, a strict application of the current
formula in New York would have resulted in New York
receiving less than a 50% federal match.
The match rate formula is not the primary cause of
New York's high Medicaid costs. New York provides
almost all of the optional Medicaid services and does
so on a much larger scale than other states.
For example, in FY 1992, New York accounted
for almost a third of all Medicaid spending on
home health services, and over two thirds of all
Medicaid spending on personal care services.
New York has also expresses concern that its "extensive
investments" in community based long-term care penalize the
state in regards to the match rates.
New York's investment in community based long term
care are not relevant to the match rate. The match
measures the capacity to pay.
The Health Security Act's increased financing of
home based care will provide substantial fiscal relief
to New York state.
B.
Undocumented Residents
It is estimated that 15% of the nation's illegal aliens
reside in New York state, which places a considerable burden
on state health care resources.
Response - No one in America is turned away from any
hospital. In order to ensure that the population as a
whole remains healthy, it is necessary for all
residents to have access to health care. Undocumented
residents will not be eligible for inclusion in the
Health Security Act, because eligibility is limited to
citizens and legal residents.
Undocumented residents will continue to receive
care through community health centers, migrant health
centers, and emergency room care bolstered by continued
federal funding.
To pay for these services, Medicaid
Disproportionate Share payments (DSH) will be converted
into the Vulnerable Population Adjustment program (VPA)
for providers with large numbers of patients who are
poor or are not American citizens.
Children that are born in the United States to
undocumented mothers are automatically citizens, and
will be covered under the plan. The undocumented
mother will continue to receive care, funded through
the VPA program.
C.
Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
New York state is concerned that the Health Security Act
will be less comprehensive than existing Medicaid substance
abuse and mental health coverage.
Response - The Health Security Act takes serious steps
to cover a broad range of treatment options and by
eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions and
lifetime limits that today restrict the access of
individuals with mental or substance abuse disorders to
needed services.
The benefit package gradually expands coverage for
mental illness and substance abuse for both inpatient
and outpatient therapy.
Coverage includes inpatient and residential
treatment; intensive nonresidential treatment; and
outpatient treatment including screening and
assessment, diagnosis, medical management, collateral
services, psychotherapy and crisis services.
Initially, the benefit package contains limits on
the number of days for some services, but it commits to
removing those limits by the year 2001.
Through universal coverage, larger numbers of
individuals with severe disorders will obtain access to
services.
It is important to note that while the state
worries about reduced coverage under the HSA, the New
York Legislature agreed in November to close five state
mental hospitals and reduce the number of beds by 2,400
while increasing existing funding for outpatient care
in order to save an estimated $210 million over 5
years.
D.
Long-Term Care
New York state is concerned that under the Health Security
Act, the requirement of states to contribute 5-25% of long
term care costs would further burden states that are already
burdened by Medicaid costs. New York would pay the maximum,
25% of the share for long term care.
Response - Since Medicaid recipients of home health
care would be transferred to the long term care
program, there would be a resulting net gain in federal
money even as more people be served.
The Health Security Act will expand and improve
long-term care options across the country, stressing
home and community based services. The plan will aim
to provide more flexibility and greater flexibility for
older Americans and Americans with disabilities who
need support.
Under the Health Security Act, New York will have
the necessary flexibility to organize and design its
long-term care program within a supportive national
framework.
E.
Private and Public Employer Inequities
New York is concerned that while other employers have a 7.9%
cap on the percent of payroll, this does not apply to public
employees. This presents a problem to the state where
health benefits currently account for 9.7% of payroll.
Response - It is important to note that public
employees will receive the same cap in 2000 to limit
health payments to 7.9%.
Public employees are not responsible for paying
the 1% of payroll corporate alliance assessment. Since
New York operates one of the largest and most
successful purchasing cooperatives (NYSHIP) for over
400,000 state and local government employees and
700,000 of their dependents, this exclusion would help
to lower costs.
While NYSHIP offers more comprehensive benefits
than the uniform benefits package, it is important to
note that the Health Security Act allows public
employers to offer any supplemental benefits to its
employees.
Public employers benefit immediately upon
implementation from the stability of community ratings.
Public employers will see immediate fiscal relief
from federally-financed coverage of early retirees.
III. Fiscal Benefits of the Health Security Act to New York State
Our plan will provide substantial relief for New York State.
The Administration has been working with New York in an
effort to satisfy New York's concerns. HHS has estimated
that once we place a cap on the rate of growth of Medicaid
(currently 15% in New York), increase funding for home and
community based long term care (currently shared by New
York), provide a better environment for managed care (New
York currently has one of the lowest rates of utilization in
the country), and provide coverage for the uninsured, New
York state will save at least $8.6 billion dollars.
New York will save at least $8.6 billion between 1996
and 2000 in its Medicaid community-based long-term care
expenditures, and its employee health benefits
expenditures.
New York will save an estimated $9.2 billion in state
Medicaid expenditures between 1997 and 2000.
New York will save an estimated $2.0 billion in state
Medicaid and state-only expenditures for community-
based long-term care between 1996 and 2000.
New York will receive an estimated increase of $2.8
billion in federal expenditures for community-based
long-term care between 1996 and 2000.
Employers in New York that currently offer insurance
will pay an estimated $3.7 billion less in premiums in
the year 2000 than they would without comprehensive
reform.
Workers in New York that currently receive insurance
from their employer will pay an estimated $1.2 billion
less in premium payments in the year 2000 than they
would without comprehensive reform.
New York residents and businesses will receive an
estimated $5.4 billion in federal funds for discounts
for premium and out-of-pocket payments in the year 2000
under the Health Security Act.
IV. Benefits to New York under the Health Security Act
The Health Security Act will build upon New York's reforms
to ensure that all New Yorkers will receive universal
coverage within a system that is flexible enough to meet the
diverse needs of New York State. New York will benefit
financially from the cost savings and universal coverage at
the core of the President's plan.
A.
Medicaid
New York will realize immediate Medicaid savings from
the setting of per capita payments to alliances on
behalf of AFDC and SSI recipients at 95 percent of
current fee-for-service levels.
New York will achieve ongoing savings because its
payments to alliances will be capped at a budgeted rate
of growth, in contrast to New York's most recent rate
of 15%.
The new Medicare drug program will reduce New York's
spending on drugs for the low-income elderly.
B.
Uninsured and Underinsured
12.3% of New York's population is uninsured. 14.2% of
the population is underserved. The Health Security Act
will provide coverage for these individuals, so that
all legal residents will be covered whenever and
wherever they need medical services.
Federal discounts will cover premium payments for low-
income people, who will enroll in a health plan through
their regional health alliance. As a result, New
York's payments for uncompensated care -- including
direct spending to public hospitals and clinics -- will
be dramatically reduced with a system of universal
coverage.
Often Medicaid recipients as well as the uninsured
access the most costly health care available: emergency
room care, which is ultimately paid for with state and
county funds. By encouraging preventive and primary
care, the Health Security Act will drastically reduce
the frequency of costly emergency room visits.
C.
State Employees
A new cap on employers' expenditures on employees'
health care will limit New York's rapidly increasing
cost for covering their employees. As of the year
2002, New York governments' costs for providing
insurance to government employees will be capped at
7.9% of total payroll.
Federal subsidies for early retirees will produce large
savings for New York State employee health benefit
programs.
D.
Rural and Underserved Areas
Currently 15.7% of New York State's population live in
rural areas. Under the Health Security Act, New York
will receive new federal grants to provide special
assistance to rural and inner city areas and additional
support for health care for vulnerable populations.
E.
Access Initiatives
Enhanced federal grants will be available to support
public health initiatives and remove non-financial
barriers to health care. New York and its counties
will be able to strengthen and improve essential public
health activities including:
*
mental health and substance abuse services;
*
residential treatment centers;
*
and community-based ambulatory clinics in
underserved areas.
F.
Information Infrastructure
Surveys and data collection similar to those recently
proposed in New York State will be adopted establishing
clear and useful data to monitor health care access and
quality.
States, local hospitals, and doctors have historically
provided care in needy communities, in spite of economic
difficulties. Currently, 38 community and migrant health
centers care for the underserved residents of New York
State. The plan will ensure that these services continue to
be provided, and that these hospitals, clinics, and doctors
will thrive in the new health care system.
G.
Safety Net Providers
Hospitals and clinics that have provided care without
compensation will receive guaranteed reimbursement for
the care they provide.
V.
New York State Statistics
16.1% of New York State's population were uninsured in
1993.
Of the 1.6 million uninsured adults in New York State,
61% are employed.
48% of the uninsured work in small businesses.
20% of the uninsured, or 421,000 of New York's
uninsured, are children aged 17 and under.
1,051,000 or 50% of the uninsured live in single parent
households, as compared to 30% of the insured. 64% of
these people, or 673,000, are female headed households.
State Rank
1st -- Medicaid payments per recipient ($5,975)
4th -- Percent of population covered by Medicaid (14.0%)
5th -- Medicaid expenditures as a percent of state budget
(22.6%)
11th -- Percent of population enrolled in HMOs (18.4%)
15th -- Infant mortality rate per 1000 live births (9.4)
20th -- Percent of population uninsured (16.1%)
27th -- Percent of population underserved (14.2%)
Medicaid
*
New York State Medicaid spending has increased over 15%
in the last year.
*
For FY 92, State Medicaid spending in New York
accounted for 22.6% of the state budget, estimated at
$4.6 billion.
*
For FY 93, State Medicaid expenditures in New York are
projected at $5.2 billion.
*
For FY 94, State Medicaid appropriations in New York
are estimated at $5.6 billion.
*
The FY 1992 FMAP for New York was 50.
*
There were 2,558,000 Medicaid recipients in 1992.
February 25, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
FROM:
LYNN MARGHERIO
SUBJECT:
NEW YORK HOSPITALS
New York Hospitals In General:
The attached New York hospital data show:
Even with the reductions in Medicare and Medicaid growth rates, New York
hospital revenues under HSA steadily increase
To maintain their historical profits under reform, hospital costs could grow at
3.2%. This level assumes some productivity improvements, but is within
historical levels. (Between 1969-1991, hospital costs increased at 3.6%/year)
sind by
Productivity improvements are possible and can be achieved in at least three
areas: 1) administrative savings; 2) savings on their own health care benefits
to their employees; 3) better integrated care.
Kings County Hospital:
Kings County is the largest of 11 acute care facilities in the Health and Hospitals
Corporation.
Kings County Hospital will benefit under reform in the following ways:
1)
Universal coverage and blended Medicaid rate provides stable and
increased funding. Kings County is dominated by uninsured and Medicaid
patients. Today, the costs of the uninsured and the lower-than-cost payments
by Medicaid are largely funded through a city tax levy. Under reform, the
uninsured will be covered and the Medicaid rates will be spread across the
alliance area.
2)
Increased funds for research and teaching. Teaching hospitals get
compensated in two primary ways: through Medicare GME and IME funds and
through a cost shift to private payers. Kings County gets very little for these
functions because: a) it has a very low Medicare patient load; b) it cannot cost
shift to private payers. Under reform, the GME and the AHC pools that will
be created will ensure that Kings County receives funds to pay for teaching and
research.
3)
Greater ability to attract physicians. Because physicians cannot bill directly
for services at Kings County, the hospital has had difficulty attracting
physicians to provide patient care services. As a result, they have relied
heavily on lower-cost foreign medical school graduates and have had to enter
into affiliation agreements with other academic medical centers to hire
supervising physicians. Under reform, their patient population will be covered
with private insurance and physicians will be able to bill directly for services.
This should enable them to attract physicians.
4)
Essential community provider provision. Health plans are required to
contract with providers in medically underserved areas.
5)
Increased PHS funds for outreach and network development.
They will be concerned about the following points:
1)
Reducing the number of residents. The Health Security Act proposes to limit
the proportion of residencies to a certain percentage of U.S. medical school
graduates (our bill does not give a specific percentage; both Rockefeller and
Cooper propose limiting the number of residencies to 110% of U.S. medical
school graduates). Kings County has a very high proportion of residents/
patients and they have a huge number of foreign medical school graduates.
There are two answers to this: 1) They will be able to reduce the
resident/patient ratio as they substitute physicians for residents since physicians
will be able to direct bill under universal coverage. 2) They won't have to rely
so heavily on expensive supervising MDs from affiliated medical centers to
supervise their residents.
2)
Access to capital. They need a great deal of capital improvement. To this,
you can argue that the city of New York will achieve substantial savings under
health reform and monies that currently pay for the uninsured and other
services that will now be covered under the benefits package could be
redirected toward capital improvement. (With New York's budgetary problems,
this may or may not happen, however.)
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/pre1995pres/940301.ti
1994.03.01 : State-by-State Study of HSA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: HHS Press Office
Tuesday, March 1, 1994
(202) 690-6343
HHS RELEASES STATE BY STATE STUDY
OF THE HEALTH SECURITY ACT
Enactment of President Clinton's Health Security Act will
provide substantial financial relief to state governments,
according to the results of a study released today by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
"States are clearly among the winners under the Health
Security Act. These studies show that the combination of
guaranteed private insurance, long-term care coverage and effective
cost containment under the President's plan results in considerable
savings to state governments as well as to American workers and
businesses in these states," said Kenneth E. Thorpe, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation/Health Policy,
author of the study.
Savings result from three primary sources: coverage of
Medicaid beneficiaries in private health plans; reduced costs to
states due to the new home and community-based care benefit; and
savings in state governments' costs of covering their employees.
The study also examines changes in each state's private health care
costs, providing estimates of savings to businesses and workers in
each state.
The state-by-state studies show that states will experience
significant savings under the Medicaid program by enrolling
beneficiaries in private health plans, where costs would increase
at a slower rate. In recent years, record-high growth rates in the
Medicaid program have consumed a growing portion of state budgets,
taking state resources away from other priorities, such as
education, fighting crime, expanding job training, and improving
roads and highways.
In 1993, states spent more money on health care than they did
on tax-financed higher education. In the last three years, state
Medicaid costs have grown from just over 8 percent of state budgets
in 1990 to 12 percent in 1993, and are projected to consume nearly
18 percent of state budgets in the year 2000.
States will achieve additional savings in the provision of
long-term care services. The Health Security Act provides new
federal funds for home and community-based care for the elderly and
the disabled.
States will also benefit from a reduced rate of growth in
health insurance expenditures for public employees as well as the
relief from the costs of early retiree health care. The Health
Security Act uses competition among health care providers to help
reduce the rate of growth in insurance premiums.
The findings are supported by the studies completed by the
private consulting firm of Lewin-VHI and the Congressional Budget
Office (CBO). While neither has done individual state level
analyses, both Lewin-VHI and CBO show even greater overall savings
to states than are projected in the HHS study.
NOTE:
Copies of state impact reports are available from the HHS
Press Office.
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9/20/2000 5:55 PM
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
WORKING TO ADDRESS THE SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS
OF GULF WAR VETERANS
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton has always believed that we have a special obligation to our
nation's veterans, who have made great sacrifices to keep our country safe and uphold our most
cherished ideals. In recent years, drawing on her experience and expertise in health care issues,
the First Lady has focused on the wide ranging health needs of Gulf War veterans. Her efforts
have brought critical attention to the undiagnosed illnesses facing these veterans and have been
instrumental to improving the federal response to their health care problems.
OUTREACH TO AMERICA'S VETERANS
In the first two years of the Administration, the President and First Lady received many heart-
wrenching letters and personal appeals from Gulf War veterans and their families. Thousands of
brave men and women suffered from undiagnosed and unexplained illnesses after service in the
Persian Gulf War. Many of these veterans were having difficulty receiving appropriate care and
felt their country had forgotten them. In many cases, doctors could not determine the cause of
the illnesses or even prescribe treatments; in some instances, children of Gulf War veterans were
born with birth defects or other serious illnesses.
In response to the health concerns of these veterans and their families, the First Lady began to
research the federal government's health programs and meet with experts and constituency
groups to determine a more adequate federal response. She met with officials from the U.S.
Department of Defense, the Veterans' Administration, and the Department of Health and Human
Services to develop strategies to better address the serious health concerns of veterans and to
facilitate research into the causes of their illnesses.
Mrs. Clinton also began meeting with representatives of the American Legion and the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, who shared their own frustrations in their attempts to bring federal attention to
these illnesses. She also visited with individual veterans, active-duty soldiers and their families,
and consulted extensively with members of Congress. Accompanied by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs and Pentagon officials, the First Lady visited Walter Reed Hospital and the
Veterans Hospital in Washington, listening to stories of hard-working men and women who
could no longer keep steady jobs and support their families because of severe symptoms. One
veteran officer, diagnosed as 100 percent disabled, described the healthy and active life he had
led before his tour in the Persian Gulf, and talked about his frustration in seeking effective
treatment for his symptoms.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT
After many consultations, the First Lady in February 1995 formulated what would become an
early blueprint for a more comprehensive federal response to Gulf War illnesses. In a
memorandum to the President, Mrs. Clinton described her discussions with officials at HHS,
1
DOD, and VA regarding the Administration's response, and detailed the concerns of veterans
suffering from undiagnosed illnesses and the lack of effective treatment. While she noted that
the Administration had taken initial steps to make these veterans eligible for compensation and
free medical care, she also underscored the need for an open, coordinated and comprehensive
federal response to the range of health problems facing Gulf War veterans.
The First Lady's key recommendation to the President was the appointment of an independent,
blue ribbon panel to investigate the issues raised by the undiagnosed illnesses and the concerns
about treatment veterans received. In March 1995, at a speech before the VFW Annual
Washington Conference, the President announced the creation of the Presidential Advisory
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, a fully independent expert panel of our nation's best
doctors, scientists, and Gulf War veterans, tasked to review and make recommendations on the
federal government's efforts related to Gulf War illnesses. Based on input from the First Lady,
the committee was directed to ensure that the federal government did everything possible to
provide effective medical care to those who are ill, to coordinate research and other efforts to
determine the causes of the undiagnosed illnesses, and to make information about these issues
publicly available. The President also announced new research projects on anti-nerve gas drugs
and pesticides, the possible transmission of illnesses to spouses and children, and new plans to
release information about reports of detections of biological and chemical weapons.
The First Lady testified at the committee's first meeting and outlined her findings based on her
many meetings with veterans, federal officials, and other experts. After a series of meetings, the
committee submitted its final report to the President and First Lady in January 1997. It included
a slate of recommendations to ensure that Gulf War veterans received the care and benefits they
deserved, that as much as possible is learned about the causes of undiagnosed Gulf War illnesses,
and that steps are taken to safeguard our forces in future deployment. The recommendations led
to three significant Administration initiatives, including extended eligibility for compensation to
veterans with undiagnosed illnesses; the development of an integrated action plan by the
Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services; and a new process to ensure that all
agencies promote "Health Preparedness for and Readjustment of Veterans and Their Families
After Future Deployment."
Throughout this whole process, the First Lady and her staff continued their work on behalf of
America's Gulf War veterans. The First Lady participated in a White House interagency task
force, working with the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy,
and Cabinet Affairs, to ensure that the committee's recommendations were fully implemented.
The First Lady also continued her efforts to reach out to veterans, scientists, government officials
and others, and remained a strong voice for veterans' concerns in the Administration.
Following the release of the committee's report, the President extended the life of the panel for
an additional 10 months, to allow it to monitor the report's implementation. He also amended its
charter to encompass independent oversight of the Department of Defense investigative process.
And to restore public trust, in February 1998 the President appointed Warren Rudman as chair of
a board created to provide independent oversight of DOD investigations into possible exposure
to chemical or biological agents, and environmental and other factors that may have contributed
to Gulf War illnesses.
2
DELIVERING RESULTS FOR AMERICA'S VETERANS
As a result of the First Lady's strong leadership, critical attention has been focused on the
concerns of Gulf War veterans, and the federal government has been more responsive to their
health needs. To date, veterans have received nearly 120,000 free medical exams; toll-free help
lines have been established for veterans and their families; and 143,138 disability claims have
been approved. Moreover, HHS, DOD and VA have sponsored nearly 200 research projects to
identify possible causes of undiagnosed illnesses, determine appropriate treatments, and develop
ways to protect personnel on future deployments. The Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health
Registry now includes information about ill spouses and children, including information about
birth defects, miscarriages, and stillbirths.
In addition, helping to reverse public distrust and increase accountability, DOD, with the CIA,
has launched a review of more than 6.4 million pages of Gulf War documents, de-classifying
more than 46,000 pages of material and putting it on the Internet. Through this effort, important
information was discovered concerning the possible exposure of our troops to chemical agents.
The DOD has now redoubled its efforts to investigate this and other possible causes for
unexplained Gulf War illnesses.
The First Lady and her staff have continued working to ensure that research on the possible
causes of these illnesses translates into improved health care for our nation's veterans. Mrs.
Clinton has also remained actively involved in efforts to improve public disclosure and to ensure
veterans receive the compensation they deserve.
3