Clinton Visits GM Plant, Receives Support for Health Care Reform

President Clinton visited a General Motors Corporation light truck plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was met with support from business leaders and labor unions for his plan to reform the United States' health insurance system. The president's visit was a demonstration of joint support for his health care plan, which includes an employer mandate that would require every employer and employee to pay for the cost of the worker's health care coverage. The event was attended by about 2,000 plant workers and was televised to GM facilities throughout the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• President Clinton visited a General Motors Corporation light truck plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, to garner support for his health care reform plan.
• The visit was a joint effort with business leaders and labor unions, including United Auto Worker's union President Owen Bieber and GM Chief Executive Officer Jack Smith.
• The president's health care plan includes an employer mandate that would require every employer and employee to pay for the cost of the worker's health care coverage.
• The plan also seeks to end discrimination in the health insurance industry.
• Clinton's visit was a counterattack to the Business Roundtable, which last week endorsed a health proposal sponsored by Democratic U.S. Representative Jim Cooper of Tennessee.
• The president received support from other business leaders, including the heads of Ford and Chrysler, who split with the majority of the Business Roundtable.

Statistics:

• About 2,000 plant workers attended the event.
• The event was televised to GM facilities throughout the United States.
• The president's three-day trip to Houston and Shreveport was completed on the day of the GM plant visit.

Sources:

• [Source: Shreveport Times, No date provided]
• [Source: Associated Press, No date provided]