President Clinton Promotes Education Commitment, Criticizes Cutbacks

President Clinton used his April 1 radio address to emphasize the importance of education and criticize proposed cutbacks in the area, while refraining from directly attacking Republicans. Speaking at Little Rock's Gibbs magnet school, Clinton stated that Washington is in the midst of a "great debate" on the proper role of government, with government aid to education at stake. He argued that income inequality, not performance of the government, is driving grass-roots anger with government, and emphasized that a government that helps people raise their educational and skill levels is essential for their economic success.

Key Takeaways:

• President Clinton delivered his radio address at Little Rock's Gibbs magnet school, where more than 50 percent of the students depend on the school lunch program.
• Clinton criticized proposed cutbacks in education, including reductions in funding for Headstart, school lunch programs, and college loan programs.
• He argued that higher educational levels are essential for raising the incomes of working Americans and that the countries with the highest education levels will be the most successful in the 21st century.
• Clinton stated that "some" in Congress want to help education to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, which he contrasted with his own tax cut that aims at the middle class.
• Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) responded in the Republican Party's radio address, criticizing the U.S. intervention in Haiti and suggesting that it has wasted $1.5 billion.
• Clinton emphasized the need for a government that helps people raise their educational and skill levels to make the most of their own lives.

Statistics:

• About two-thirds of the American people work hard for the same or lower wages and are insecure about their futures.
• More than 50 percent of the students at Gibbs magnet school depend on the school lunch program.
• $1.5 billion was spent on U.S. intervention in Haiti.

Sources:

• "President's Radio Address," found in the April 1 news article.
• "GOP Radio Address," found in the April 1 news article.