July 16, 1999



PRESIDENT CLINTON:
HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED TO INVEST IN SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND MODERNIZATION

“American business would never tolerate factories built before the Great Depression and last renovated several decades ago. My plan says America cannot tolerate outdated schools, either. If we want our children to compete at a world-class level, they must have modern, world-class schools.”

President Bill Clinton
July 16, 1999

Today, in Des Moines, Iowa, President Clinton addressed the urgent need for investment in school construction and modernization. The President highlighted his School Modernization Bond proposal, which provides $24.8 billion in tax credit bonds over two years to modernize up to 6,000 schools.

The Urgent Need for School Modernization. Communities across the country are struggling to address the issue of deteriorating and inadequate school buildings. School construction and modernization are urgently needed to address safety and facility requirements, accommodate rising student enrollments, help reduce class sizes, ensure accessibility, and equip students with the technology they'll need to compete in the 21st century. Nationwide estimates indicate:

Highlighting Iowa's Need for School Modernization Funding. Speaking at Hiatt Middle School in Des Moines, Iowa, President Clinton addressed the urgent need to invest in school construction and modernization nationwide, and particularly in Iowa, based on the following:

Providing School Financing with Tax Credit Bonds. President Clinton highlighted his School Modernization Bond proposal, which provides $24.8 billion in tax credit bonds over two years to help state and local governments pay for school construction and renovation of up to 6,000 schools. The President's proposal has an estimated cost of $3.7 billion over five years, and is fully paid for in his budget. The Republican alternative, which is part of the Republican tax cut proposal, would address the needs of only one-tenth as many schools, and could cause delays in construction and encourage risky investment of taxpayer funds.



July 1999

July 28, 1999

July 27, 1999

July 26, 1999

July 20, 1999: Improve Teacher Quality

July 20, 1999: American Legal Community

July 22, 1999

July 16, 1999

July 15, 1999

July 14, 1999

July 13, 1999

July 12, 1999

July 9, 1999

July 2, 1999

July 1, 1999

July 30,1999


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