Al Gore's Accomplishments (Detailed)- GSC

Al Gore Accomplishments (Detailed List)

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To read a detailed list of Al Gore's accomplishments on a certain issue, please select an issue below.

• Budget

• Economy

• Internet and Technology

• Small Business

• Agriculture and Rural

• Education

Part I: Budget

GORE FOUGHT TO ESTABLISH HISTORIC ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Gore and the Administration Have Overseen the Longest Economic Expansion in U.S. History. Al Gore and the Administration have pursued responsible economic stewardship, and they have presided over the longest economic expansion in history. After growing at 1.7% annually from 1988 to 1992, the U.S. economy has enjoyed a 3.8% average annual growth rate under the Clinton-Gore Administration.

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Create More Than 22 Million New Jobs. Since 1993, Al Gore and the Administration have guided the economy to create 22.1 million new jobs - the most jobs ever created under a single Administration in U.S. history and more new jobs than Presidents Reagan and Bush created during their three terms. The economy has added an average of 248,000 jobs per month under this Administration, and 91% of these jobs have been created in the private sector.

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Bring Inflation to its Lowest Level Since 1965. In 1999, inflation was 1.9 percent (the underlying core rate). This inflation rate represented the lowest rate of inflation since 1965 and was 60 percent less than the average underlying core inflation rate under Reagan and Bush.

Gore and the Administration Worked for the Lowest Unemployment in Three Decades. The Clinton-Gore Administration has worked to create an economy in which every American seeking a job is given the opportunity to work. Unemployment has dropped 48 percent since 1992 to 4.1 percent in July of this year. Unemployment has remained below 5 percent for almost three years, and the unemployment rate has been decreasing for 7 years. Furthermore, the 1999 unemployment rates for Hispanic- and African-Americans were the lowest annual rates ever recorded.

GORE HELPED LEAD EFFORTS TO TURN RECORD BUDGET DEFICITS INTO SURPLUSES

Gore and the Administration Have Turned Record Deficits to Record Surpluses. Al Gore and the Administration fought for fiscal discipline and turned record deficits into real budget surpluses. The 1992 budget deficit was $290 billion - the largest deficit in American history - and it was projected to grow to $455 billion in 2000. This year, Al Gore and the Administration will preside over a $211 billion surplus - the third consecutive federal surplus and the largest one ever. Compared with earlier projections, Al Gore and the Administration have created a turnaround of more than $660 billion.

Gore Cast the Tie-Breaking Vote to Pass the 1993 Economic Plan and Restore Fiscal Responsibility. Al Gore has been a leader in the fight for fiscal discipline and responsible economic stewardship. He cast the deciding vote for the 1993 Administration Economic Plan which helped to eliminate the federal budget deficit and provided incentives to promote economic growth, tax and administrative relief for small businesses, and an important expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Alan Greenspan Credits Administration's 1993 Economic Plan for Current Economic Growth. As Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve Board Chairman, told Congress in 1996, the deficit reduction in the 1993 economic plan was "an unquestioned factor in contributing to the improvement in economic activity that occurred thereafter."

Gore Fought for a Balanced Budget in 1997. Al Gore was one of the main advocates of the balanced budget act and worked to ensure the bill's passage. The 1997 Balanced Budget Act helped continue the Administration's hard-earned economic turnaround. In 1998, the Federal government enjoyed a surplus.

GORE WORKED TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Gore Cast the Tie-Breaking Vote for Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. Al Gore cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the Administration's 1993 Economic Plan which doubled the Earned Income Tax Credit. This expansion helped 15 million working families lower their tax burden.

EITC Expansion Credited with Dramatically Reducing Child Poverty. The Earned Income Tax Credit "dramatically reduces child poverty," according to the Council of Economic Advisors. In 1997 alone, the EITC was responsible for reducing the number of children living in poverty by 2.2 million. In fact, more than half of the decline in child poverty between 1993 and 1997 can be "explained by taxes, most importantly the EITC," according to the Council of Economic Advisors.

Gore and the Administration Enacted a $500 Per Child Tax Credit. Al Gore and the Administration fought for and won a $500 per child tax credit for families with children under the age of 17 in the 1997 Balanced Budget Act. This provision helped cut taxes for 27 million families with 45 million children. Gore and the Administration are calling for an increase in the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit - which already helps approximately 6 million families cover child care costs. Their proposed increase provide tax credits worth $7.5 billion over 5 years for working families.

Gore Repeatedly Fought for Per-Child Tax Credits in Congress. As a Member of Congress, Al Gore fought for a similar per child tax credit in 1991. As part of his legislation to cut taxes for the middle-class, Gore proposed an $800 tax credit for children under the age of 18. Gore also supported a $300 per-child tax credit as part of the Tax Fairness and Economic Growth Acceleration Act of 1992.

Gore and the Administration Fought for Tax Credits to Promote Welfare-to-Work Efforts. As part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, the Administration approved a welfare-to-work tax credit to encourage businesses to hire and retain people off the welfare roles. Businesses can receive a credit equal to 35 percent of first $10,000 in wages for the first year a welfare recipient is hired, and 50 percent of the first $10,000 in wages for the second year.

Gore Sponsored the Working Families Tax Relief Act and Tax Cuts for the Middle Class. In 1991, Al Gore sponsored the Working Families Tax Relief Act to provide relief to 135 million lower- and middle-income Americans by cutting taxes for some families by more than $900 a year. In 1990, Gore sponsored a Senate floor amendment to decrease the tax burden on middle class Americans. The amendment deleted new burdens on Medicare recipients and provisions limiting itemized deductions.

Gore Fought for Important Middle-Class Tax Cuts in Congress. As a Member of Congress, Al Gore fought for tax relief for the middle-class, including his sponsorships of the Working Families Tax Relief Act, efforts to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Gore Supported $77 Billion in Tax Cuts. Al Gore voted for final passage of the Tax Fairness and Economic Growth Acceleration Act of 1992. The Act would have provided more than $77 billion in tax savings for middle class Americans, businesses and investors, but President Bush vetoed the bill. Gore also voted for the Family Tax Fairness, Economic Growth and Health Care Access Act, which included an expansion of the earned income tax credit and more than $28 billion in tax savings for the middle class.

Gore Sponsored Legislation to Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit. In 1989, Al Gore introduced legislation to increase the amount of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and to make tax credits for dependent care expenses refundable.

Gore Supported the 1986 Tax Reform Bill. Al Gore supported the 1986 Tax Reform Act, the largest tax cut package of its kind at the time. The bill was estimated at the time to cut taxes as much as $120 billion over a five-year period.

Gore Supported Targeted Tax Relief for the Middle Class. In his first year in Congress, Al Gore supported passage of the Tax Reduction and Simplification Act of 1977, which provided more than $30 billion in tax relief to help 46 million low- and middle-income Americans. In 1978, Gore supported an $18.1 billion tax cut - with benefits for taxpayers earning less than $50,000. In 1981, Gore supported a one-year reduction in income tax rates for individuals earning less than $50,000 per year.

Gore Supported a Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. In 1992, Al Gore was an original cosponsor of a "Taxpayers' Bill of Rights," which attempted to give taxpayers additional rights for challenging unreasonable IRS actions. In addition to calling for a "Taxpayer Advocate" to assist taxpayers in dealing with the IRS, this "Bill of Rights" also included innocent spouse protections, requirements to make the IRS pay a taxpayer's legal fees when the agency loses in court, and an elimination of the $100,000 cap on damages a taxpayer can collect from the IRS. Gore also cosponsored an earlier version of this legislation in 1987.

GORE FOUGHT TO MAKE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES MORE ACCESSIBLE

Gore Fought for Tax Credits to Expand Educational Opportunities. Al Gore and the Administration proposed and won funding for the HOPE scholarship tax credit program as part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act. HOPE scholarships assist nearly 7 million students by providing a $1,500 tax credit to help make the first two years of college accessible for all Americans. The 1997 Act included other tax deductions that collectively made it the largest single investment in education in 30 years.

Gore Promoted Tax Credits for Lifetime Learning Opportunities. Al Gore and the Administration, as part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Agreement, approved a Lifetime Learning Tax Credit that will assist students and workers pay for education expenses after the first two years of college. As a result of this tax credit, more than 7 million students will be able to deduct up to $5,000 in tuition or other educational expenses. In addition, Gore announced a new proposal last year that would, if enacted, provide tax credits for companies that have literacy programs in the workplace.

GORE WORKED FOR TAX RELIEF FOR AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESSES

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Create a Record Number of New Businesses. Al Gore worked to support small and start-up businesses across the country. A record 898,000 new businesses opened their doors in 1998 - almost 130,000 more than in 1990. Furthermore, more of these small firms are successful - small business bankruptcies decreased by 17.9% from 1998 to 1999 to its lowest level in more than 18 years.

Gore and the Administration Fought For Small Business Tax Cuts. As Vice President, Al Gore has worked to cut taxes for America's small businesses.

Gore Cast the Tie-Breaking Vote to Provide 90% of Small Businesses with Tax Relief. Al Gore cast the deciding vote for the 1993 economic package which increased the expensing limit and provided targeted capital gains tax cuts for more than 90% of all small businesses.

Gore Fought for the Taxpayer Relief Act to Support Small Businesses. Gore and the Administration also fought for and enacted the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to provide an estimated $20 billion in tax relief to small businesses. The bill included provisions to reduce the estate tax, increase the health insurance deduction for self-employed individuals, and update home office deductions. It also further reduced the capital gains tax for small businesses from 28 percent to 20 percent and reduced cumbersome paperwork requirements for small enterprises.

Gore Fought for Small Business Tax Relief as a Member of Congress. Al Gore worked hard to reduce the tax burden on American businesses when he served in Congress:

The Small Business Tax Reform Act. In 1985, Al Gore was an original cosponsor of the Small Business Tax Reform Act, which sought to reduce the tax rates for corporations with taxable income below $125,000, and permitted an 80 percent capital gains deduction attributable to the sale of a small business equity investment held for at least four years.

The Venture Capital Gains Act. In 1989, Al Gore was an original cosponsor of the Venture Capital Gains Act, which sought to grant both corporate and noncorporate taxpayers a 25 percent income tax deduction on gains from investments in small business stocks, while lowering the tax on corporate gain from such investments from 34 percent to 25.5 percent.

The Enterprise Capital Formation Act. In 1991, Al Gore cosponsored the Enterprise Capital Formation Act, which sought to allow a deduction for gains on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years.

Gore Has Worked to Improve Access to Capital for Small Business. Al Gore and the Administration understand that small businesses are the key to the economy, and they have worked to support small enterprises. The Administration has backed more than $77 billion in small business loans - more than in the previous 25 years combined. In 1999, the Small Business Assocation (SBA) maintained a portfolio of loan guarantees to 486,000 small businesses.

Gore Supported Investments in New Small Businesses. Furthermore, the SBA's Small Business Investment Company Program doubled its venture capital investments by providing $4.2 billion to 3,100 new businesses.

Gore Supported a Permanent Research and Development Tax Credit for Small Businesses. As Vice President, and as a Member of Congress, Al Gore has supported a permanent tax credit for research and development expenses. As a U.S. Senator, Gore cosponsored the Research and Development Incentive Act of 1987, which attempted to expand the income tax credit for increased research activities and make it permanent.

Gore Worked for Regulatory Relief. The Administration signed the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, which will require federal agencies to ease the impact of rules on small businesses. These initiatives saved small businesses over $600 million in 1998.

Part II: Economy

GORE FOUGHT TO ESTABLISH AND SUPPORT HISTORIC ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Create Over 22 Million New Jobs. Since 1993, Al Gore and the Administration have guided the economy to create 22.1 million new jobs - the most jobs ever created under a single Administration in U.S. history and more new jobs than Presidents Reagan and Bush created during their three terms. The economy has added an average of 248,000 jobs per month under this Administration, and 91% of these jobs have been created in the private sector.

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Bring Inflation to its Lowest Level Since 1965. In 1999, inflation was 1.9 percent (the underlying core rate). This inflation rate represented the lowest rate of inflation since 1965 and was 60 less than the average underlying core inflation rate under Reagan and Bush.

Gore and the Administration Worked for the Lowest Unemployment in Three Decades. The Clinton-Gore Administration has worked to create an economy in which every American seeking a job is given the opportunity to work. Since 1992, unemployment has dropped 48 percent to its current level - 4.0 percent. Unemployment has remained below 5 percent for almost three years, and the unemployment rate has been decreasing for 7 years. Furthermore, the unemployment rates for Hispanic- and African-Americans are at the lowest levels on record.

Gore and the Administration Have Helped More Americans Own Their Own Home. Under this Administration, the homeownership rate - 66.8 percent nationwide in 1999 - is at its highest recorded level in U.S. history. Furthermore, the homeownership rate for minority communities is also at its highest level ever recorded.

GORE LED EFFORTS TO TURN RECORD BUDGET DEFICITS INTO SURPLUSES

Gore Cast the Tie-Breaking Vote to Pass the 1993 Economic Plan and Restore Fiscal Responsibility. Al Gore has been a leader in the fight for fiscal discipline and responsible economic stewardship. He cast the deciding vote for the 1993 Administration Economic Plan which helped to eliminate the federal budget deficit and provided incentives to promote economic growth, tax and administrative relief for small business, and an important expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Alan Greenspan Credits Administration for Current Economic Growth. As Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve Board Chairman, told Congress in 1996, the deficit reduction in the 1993 economic plan was "an unquestioned factor in contributing to the improvement in economic activity that occurred thereafter."

Gore Fought for a Balanced Budget in 1997. Al Gore was one of the main advocates of the balanced budget act and worked to ensure the bill's passage. The 1997 Balanced Budget Act helped continue to the Administration's hard-earned economic turnaround. In 1998, the Federal government enjoyed a surplus.

GORE WORKED TO SUPPORT AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESSES

Gore and the Administration Have Worked to Improve Access to Capital for Small Business. Al Gore and the Administration understand that small businesses are the key to the economy, and they have worked to support small enterprises. The Administration has backed more than $77 billion in small business loans - more than in the previous 25 years combined. In 1999, the Small Business Assocation (SBA) maintained a portfolio of loan guarantees to 486,000 small businesses.

Gore and the Administration Fought For Small Business Tax Cuts. Al Gore cast the deciding vote for the 1993 economic package which increased the expensing limit and provided targeted capital gains tax cuts for more than 90% of all small businesses. Gore and the Administration also fought for and enacted the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 to provide an estimated $20 billion in tax relief to small business over the next ten years. The bill included provisions to reduce the estate tax, increase the health insurance deduction for self-employed individuals, and update home office deductions. It also further reduced the capital gains tax for small businesses from 28 percent to 20 percent reduced cumbersome paperwork requirements for these enterprises.

GORE HAS PROMOTED NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW MARKETS

Gore and the Administration Helped Fuel Tremendous Growth in Information Technology and E-Commerce. Al Gore and the Administration have helped grow the new economy, and last year, e-commerce grew by 127%. During the past five years, the high-tech sector has contributed roughly a third of the growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, and the technology sector itself has grown at roughly six times the overall economic growth rate. Since 1993, more than one million new workers have been employed in the information technology sector, and these workers enjoy wages almost 75% higher than average.

Gore Worked to Promote to Electronic Commerce. Al Gore announced a new initiative to promote the continued growth of e-commerce in November 1999. This effort revised laws and regulations that impose barriers to the growth of electronic commerce and called for a working group to help prepare recommendations to facilitate e-commerce. This group will gather opinions from the public, state and local governments, and various federal agencies and prioritize consumer protection and the growth of this new economic medium.

Gore Helped Small Businesses Prepare for Y2K. In 1999, Al Gore and the Administration enacted the Small Business Year 2000 Readiness Act to help small businesses prepare for Y2K computer problems. The Act allowed small enterprises to obtain loans to avoid and repair Y2K-related problems.

Gore Promoted New Domestic Markets to Tap America's Potential. Al Gore and the Administration launched the New Markets Initiative to help promote economic development and renewal in communities that have not fully participated in the current economic expansion. To make sure every American community enjoys economic growth, this Initiative will provide tax credits, loan guarantee incentives, and technical assistance and mentoring for small businesses. The program is expected to stimulate $22 billion in new investment in urban and rural areas.

GORE AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE FOUGHT TO REDUCE POVERTY

Gore and the Administration Have Worked to Reduce Poverty to Its Lowest Rate in Two Decades. Al Gore and the Administration have prioritized responsible economic leadership while working to ensure all American's share in the nation's prosperity. The poverty rate, 15.1 percent in 1993, was brought down to 12.7 percent in 1998 - the lowest rate since 1979.

Poverty Rates in Minority Communities Have Dropped Significantly. The African-American poverty rate has dropped from 33.1% in 1993 to 26.1% in 1998 - a drop of over 21% and the largest five-year drop in more than a quarter century. The Hispanic poverty rate, at 25.6% in 1998, is at its lowest level since 1979.

Child Poverty Has Dropped to Its Lowest Level in 20 Years. The child poverty rate has declined from 22.7% in 1993 to 18.9% in 1998 - a 16.7% drop and the largest five year reduction in child poverty on record. Furthermore, fewer children are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. In fact, the number of children living in households that experience food insecurity fell by 17% over the same time period.

Gore Fought For and Helped Win An Increase in the Minimum Wage. Al Gore and the Administration fought for and won an increase in the minimum wage - the first minimum wage increase in 5 years. The legislation increased the minimum wage, in two steps, from $4.25 an hour to $5.15 - more than a 21% increase. The Council of Economic Advisors noted that the minimum wage increase, in combination with the EITC expansion, accounted for a 26% increase in the income, adjusted for inflation, of a family with two children and one earner who worked full-time at the minimum wage.

GORE HAS FOUGHT TO OPEN NEW INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

Gore and the Administration Have Expanded Exports to Creating Jobs. Al Gore and Administration have concluded nearly 300 new trade agreements to fuel an increase in exports that has accounted for more than 25% of U.S. economic growth between 1992 and 1998 and has helped created jobs that, on average, pay 15 percent more than non-export related jobs. Today, small businesses represent nearly 97 percent of all U.S. exporters.

Gore and the Administration Have Won Major Trade Agreements to Open Foreign Markets. Al Gore and the Administration have fought for fair trade and won access to new markets as part of historic trade agreements. In May 2000, the Administration enacted the African Growth and Opportunity Act which offered U.S. support for African countries that are committed to open markets and sound economic policies. The Administration also enacted the Caribbean Basin Trade Initiative to create opportunities for American companies and workers. Additionally, the Administration completed three trade agreements in the World Trade Organization covering information technology, telecommunications services and financial services.

Gore and the Administration Fought for Fair, Enforceable Trade. Al Gore and the Administration fought to ensure that trade is free and fair and that American companies and workers benefit fully from our bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. The Administration's 2001 budget includes expanded funding for the Commerce Department and related agencies to ensure the U.S. government is able to monitor and enforce international trade agreements.

Part III: Internet and Technology

INDUSTRY LEADERS CREDIT GORE FOR LEADERSHIP ON TECHNOLOGY

Vinton Cerf, Nicknamed the "Father of the Internet:" "I think it is very fair to say that the Internet would not be where it is in the United States without the strong support given to it and related research areas by the Vice President in his current role and in his earlier role as Senator." Cerf is currently a senior vice president with MCI Worldcom.

Marc Andreessen, the Inventor of the Mosaic Browser: Marc Andreessen, the inventor of the Mosaic Browser, has credited Gore for making his work possible. Andreesen noted that while he was a student at the University of Illinois, he was able to access a federal grant program that was funded through Gore's High Performance Computing Act, which allowed Andreessen to work on the technology that led to the creation of the Mosaic browser.

Dave Farber, Professor of Telecommunications at the University of Pennsylvania: "Without [Gore] there is a good chance it [the Internet] would not be where it is today," said Dave Farber.

Bill Scherliss, Computer Scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. Scherliss told National Public Radio, "I was a research manager at the time and it was clear to all of us that Al Gore was a major leader in the process over a period of many years. He was chairman of a key Senate subcommittee starting in the late 1980s. He was an early Net user. The time was right in 1991… And they agreed to support the research needed to make it happen. Today the Internet is a multibillion-dollar industry. But Gore is still working on the Internet. He is starting research initiatives to solve some hard long-term problems."

Joseph F. Traub, a computer science professor at Columbia University: Gore "was perhaps the first political leader to grasp the importance of networking the country (and later the world)… In 1986 I chaired the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, and Gore was our dinner speaker at the National Academy of Sciences… At the time he was a senator from a fairly small Southeastern state and I was amazed at his national vision. He has continued to be a national leader in promoting the importance of the Internet for commerce and education… Could we perhaps see an end to cheap shots from politicians and pundits about inventing the Internet?"

Early Designers of the Defense Department Network Credit Gore. Robert E. Kahn, who helped design early Internet network for Defense Departments Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1969, stated that by "popularizing the term 'Information Superhighway,' Gore raised awareness about the Internet's potential."

GORE WORKED TO IMPROVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Gore Sponsored the Supercomputer Network Act of 1986. In 1986, Senator Gore sponsored the Supercomputer Network Act to develop and study communication methods for universities and federal research facilities to advance future options for network capabilities.

Vinton Cerf: "Al Gore actually deserves a lot of credit. In about 1986, he started asking questions like, 'Why don't we take these supercomputers and these optical fiber networks and put them together. Would that do anything?' Well, guess what? That eventually turned into the National Science Foundation Network, which became a core element of the Internet."

San Jose Mercury News: "He pushed for increases in research funding and, worried about supercomputing advances in Japan and Europe, Gore as a senator sponsored the Supercomputer Network Study Act in 1986. It requested that the Reagan administration study the federal role in promoting supercomputing and high-speed networking. The resulting report, and others, urged the United States to improve its efforts and recommended a high-speed network to allow more access to U.S. supercomputing centers."

Gore Sponsored Bill Investing in Early Research Networks. In 1988, Senator Gore sponsored the National High-performance Computer Act. The bill called for the establishment of a national computing plan, connected colleges, universities and libraries to the network, and undertook research and development for acceleration of computer systems and improving software. The bill was reintroduced in 1989, and signed into law in 1991.

Gore Authored the "Information Infrastructure and Technology Act of 1992." Gore followed up the High-Performance Computing Act by introducing the Information Infrastructure and Technology Act of 1992, which was designed to speed the introduction of technologies developed under the earlier statute into schools, hospitals and businesses to improve education, expand health care and create jobs.

Gore Cosponsored Legislation to Advance Networking Technology. Gore cosponsored several pieces of legislation to help US firms capitalize on the advances made possible by his early work on computer networking technology. For example, he cosponsored legislation in 1991 to speed the transfer of key technologies from the laboratory to the factory and to strengthen US leadership in these technologies, particularly those related to manufacturing.

Gore Fought for the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Al Gore was an advocate of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the first major overhaul of the 1934 Telecommunications legislation. The 1996 Telecommunications Reform Act has revolutionized the telecommunications industry in the U.S. The bill provides a wide variety of services and opportunities that are revolutionizing how people use and connect to the information superhighway.

High-Speed Internet Connections. As part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, regulations limiting the growth of broadband networks were removed. These broadband connections are much faster than what the current phone system allows and Al Gore stated that these connections would let students, teachers, doctors and patients take advantage of the Net and the Web, regardless of location or income level.

Gore Led Administration Efforts to Promote Development of Next Generation Internet. Al Gore has championed development of the Next Generation Internet, which will move at speeds 1,000 times faster than today's Internet. Gore has led the administration's efforts by fighting for a new $100 million a year effort and by announcing, in April of 1998, $500 million in private investments that will encourage develop of this new, faster version of the Internet.

GORE WORKED TO IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Gore Led Efforts to Connect Every Classroom to the Internet. In 1994, Al Gore set a goal of connecting every classroom in the country to the Internet. In 1996, Gore launched the E-Rate program to support classrooms across the country. This initiative prioritized computers, connections, teacher training, and learning content. At the time, only 3% of classrooms were connected to the Internet, and more than 62,000 school districts and libraries applied for E-rate funds in the first two grant cycles. Today, 63% of classrooms are connected - a 20-fold increase - and 95% of schools are connected. Gore has continued to fight to expand the program and led efforts to expand federal investments in educational technology from $30 million a year to the $900 million the Administration is requesting in its FY 2001 budget.

Gore Worked to Invest in Educational Technology. Al Gore has worked hard to bring advances in technology into the classroom to help prepare today's student for the challenges of the next century. In 1984, he introduced the National Educational Software Act, to establish the National Educational Software Corporation to provide research and development funding for educational software development.

GORE WORKED TO MAKE THE INTERNET SAFE FOR CHILDREN

Gore Was A Strong Advocate of the V-Chip Technology. Vice President Gore strongly supports the V-chip technology that will assist parents in controlling what their children watch on TV. Gore led the administration's efforts to pass the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which included a provision mandating the inclusion of the V-chip in new television sets.

Gore Worked to Foster a Family Friendly Internet. Al Gore has been a leader in ensuring that the Internet is a safe place to visit for all families. At the White House "Internet Online Summit for Kids" Gore called upon the industry to make tools that block unwanted materials, words or pictures easier to use, more effective and more available to parents. The Vice President also announced a "CyberTip Line" for parents to report suspicious activity, and a public awareness campaign, "Think Then Link" to help educate parents on ways of ensuring children's safety online. In 1999, the Vice President announced the "Parents' Protection Page" initiative. The initiative is a commitment by 15 leading Internet companies to help parents and kids safely surf the net and provide access to tools and safety tips.

GORE WORKED TO INCREASE INTERNET PRIVACY

Gore Called for an Electronic Bill of Rights to Protect Personal Privacy On-line. In May 1998, Vice President Gore called for initiatives that would protect the medical and financial information that can easily be intercepted and abused by others. Gore called for the creation of an Electronic Bill of Rights that would allow citizens to choose whether personal information is disclosed when they use the Internet. It would also grant citizens a right to know how and when that information is used and ensure that they would be able to have access to their own information so they can verify its accuracy.

Gore and the Administration Cracked Down on Software Piracy. Vice President Gore stated that the Administration had "declare(d) war on software piracy…intellectual property must be protected." It is estimated that in the U.S. more than 27 percent of all software is pirated-and abroad estimated rates soar from 60 to 90 percent, translating into a loss of at least $11 billion annually to the industry. Gore announced in October of 1998 an Executive Order declaring war on piracy both in the federal government as well as directing trade officials to pursue agreements with foreign government protecting intellectual property rights of software developers.

GORE WORKED TO EXPAND HIGH TECHNOLOGY TRADE AND E-COMMERCE

Gore Worked to Increase High Technology Trade with Asian Pacific Nations. At the 1996 APEC Summit, the Administration reached a tariff agreement known as the Information Technology Agreement. This agreement affects the worldwide technology trade market, which is currently valued at more than $500 billion, and expected to rise to $743 billion by the end of the decade. The United States accounts for about one-fifth of the world total exports of computers, software and other information technology products - about $100 billion. The agreement is critical to U.S. companies because industry experts estimate that 70 percent of the demand for computers will come from outside the US by the year 2000.

Gore Promoted Growth of Electronic Commerce. In July 1997, the President and Vice President announced their strategy for promoting electronic commerce by establishing a global framework for promoting global e-commerce and outlining an agenda for international discussions and agreements to facilitate the growth of electronic commerce. Last year, the Administration announced additional initiatives for promoting electronic commerce, including steps to protect on-line users from cyber-fraud and efforts to promote private investment in high-speed networks to facilitate voice, video, and data.

Gore Promoting Internet Tax Freedom for Global Economic Growth. Since 1997, Al Gore and the Administration, with the release of the Framework for Global Electronic Commerce report, have strongly advocated a moratorium of taxes that would be imposed on Internet commerce. In 1998, Congress passed the Internet Tax Freedom Act, placing a three-year moratorium on taxes from online sales. Additionally, the Administration entered into an agreement with the World Trade Organization in 1997 to not impose customs duties on international online transactions.

Gore Cosponsored the High Technology Trade Act. As a Member of Congress, Al Gore worked to expand high technology trade. In 1983, he cosponsored the High Technology Trade Act, which sought to give the President additional tools for expanding and protecting high technology markets abroad.

Gore and the Administration Re-Defined Encryption Policy. Vice President Gore announced in September that the Administration would relax export controls for encryption software. The initiative applied to insurance companies, health and medical organizations and online merchants. The new policy, which was praised by the high-tech industry, was designed to allow American companies export stronger encryption products to these industries and to subsidiaries abroad.

THE BENEFITS OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S INITIATIVES

Promoting and Advancing Information Technologies. The Administration has worked to promote and stimulate growth in Information Technologies (IT) and its efforts have helped to bring revolutionary changes in the American economy. During this Administration, the IT industry has experienced exponential growth and surging productivity. To continue this growth pattern the Administration has proposed in its FY 2001 budget a $2.3 billion for Information Technology Research and Development. This is almost $600 million more than last year's appropriations and a billion dollars more than the FY 1999 appropriation. This is the second year of the Administration's "Information Technology for the Twenty-First Century" initiative.

E-Commerce Changing the Face of Retail Economy. Under the current Administration, e-commerce industry forecasts projections that are reaching up to $300 billion a year, with some calling these estimates too conservative.

Revolutionizing the Economy. IT producers now account for more than a third of the nation's real economic growth-the result, "high growth, rising wages and low inflation."

Promoting Business Development and Investment in Information Technology. Vice President Al Gore has been a leader in calling for investment in IT. Investment in business equipment now accounts for more than half the growth in business equipment spending.

Information Technology Achieving Higher Wages. Wages for IT workers now outpace the inflation rate and workers salaries outside of IT. In 1997, workers in IT fields were earning on average 78 percent more than their all other workers.

Revolutionizing American Workforce Productivity. The IT revolution has produced an astonishing change in productivity. Since 1990 IT has experienced a robust 10.4 percent average annual growth rate as compared to all other industries that showed an increase rate of 1.4 percent.

Part IV: Small Business

GORE FOUGHT TO ESTABLISH AND SUPPORT HISTORIC ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Bring Inflation to its Lowest Level Since 1965. In 1999, inflation was 1.9 percent (the underlying core rate). This inflation rate represented the lowest rate of inflation since 1965 and was 60 less than the average underlying core inflation rate under Reagan and Bush.

Gore and the Administration Worked for the Lowest Unemployment in Three Decades. The Clinton-Gore Administration has worked to create an economy in which every American seeking a job is given the opportunity to work. Since 1992, unemployment has dropped 48 percent to its current level - 4.0 percent. Unemployment has remained below 5 percent for almost three years, and the unemployment rate has been decreasing for 7 years. Furthermore, the unemployment rates for Hispanic- and African-Americans are at the lowest levels on record.

GORE LED EFFORTS TO TURN RECORD BUDGET DEFICITS INTO SURPLUSES

Gore Cast the Tie-Breaking Vote to Pass the 1993 Economic Plan and Restore Fiscal Responsibility. Al Gore has been a leader in the fight for fiscal discipline and responsible economic stewardship. He cast the deciding vote for the 1993 Administration Economic Plan which helped to eliminate the federal budget deficit and provided incentives to promote economic growth, tax and administrative relief for small business, and an important expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Gore Fought for a Balanced Budget in 1997. Al Gore was one of the main advocates of the balanced budget act and worked to ensure the bill's passage. The 1997 Balanced Budget Act helped continue to the Administration's hard-earned economic turnaround. In 1998, the Federal government enjoyed a surplus.

GORE WORKED TO SUPPORT AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESSES

GORE HAS PROMOTED NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW MARKETS

GORE AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE FOUGHT TO REDUCE POVERTY

GORE HAS FOUGHT TO OPEN NEW INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

Part V: Agriculture and Rural

GORE WORKED TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY FARMS AND RURAL AMERICA

Gore Has Fought For a Safety Net For Farmers. In this year's budget, Al Gore and the Administration proposed an $11 billion initiative to strengthen the farm safety net through 2002. The budget includes counter cyclical income assistance, crop insurance reform, a farm conservation program initiative, and assistance targeted to certain parts of the farm and rural community.

Gore and the Administration Provided Record Assistance to Farmers in 1999. The Department of Agriculture provided a record $22.7 billion in assistance to farmers and ranchers in 1999, including more than $3 billion in market loss assistance payments and more than $450 million in livestock assistance.

Increasing Loans and Loan Guarantees. In 1999, the USDA provided more than 37,000 loans and loan guarantees totaling $3.9 billion - a $1.7 billion increase over 1998.

Advancing Economic Growth in Rural America. Since 1993, Al Gore has served as Chairman of the Community Empowerment Board, which has been central to the Administration's efforts to invest in America's rural communities. During that period, the Administration created 31 Empowerment Zones and more than 100 Enterprise Communities to assist in creating new jobs and new opportunities throughout America.

Announcing New Empowerment Zones. Last year, Vice President Gore named 20 economically distressed communities, six of which are in rural areas, as Empowerment Zones - making them eligible for a share of $3.8 billion in proposed aid over the next 10 years.

New Rural Enterprise Communities. Gore also announced that 20 additional communities had been designated as Rural Enterprise Communities, making them eligible for a share of $50 million in proposed federal grants over the next 10 years. These grants will help create and retain 16,000 jobs and stimulate $500 million in additional private and public investment over 10 years in these communities.

Improving Economic Growth. In this year's budget, the Administration proposed expanded wage credits, tax incentives, and a new round of urban and rural Empowerment Zones to extend and improve economic growth in the 31 existing urban and rural Empowerment Zones, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and support the proposed third round of 10 new Empowerment Zones to be designated in 2001. The total cost of these proposals will be $4.4 billion over 10 years.

Al Gore and the Administration have Ensured that Needed resources are Invested in rural America. The Department of Agriculture provided $1.2 billion to help rural businesses create or maintain more than 84,000 jobs, as well as providing $5.1 billion in rural housing assistance, which provided more than 71,000 new or rehabilitated units for low and moderate income families. Additionally, the USDA provided $275 million for rural community projects, including child and adult care facilities, hospitals and health clinics, schools, and public safety facilities.

Improving Rural Infrastructure. The 1998 budget agreement included $2.8 billion that will help diversify the rural economy and create jobs, build 1,800 water and wastewater facilities, rural health clinics, police and fire stations, and health care facilities - which will collectively serve 2.7 million rural residents.

Increased Rural Housing Assistance. This agreement also included $4.2 billion in rural housing assistance, which will help provide 60,000 new single family homes in rural communities across America.

Increased Rural Educational and Medical Assistance. In addition, the 1998 budget agreement included $150 million in loans and $12.5 million in grants for distance learning and medical links, so that rural hospitals and schools have electronic access to cutting-edge medical and educational resources.

Gore Worked to Strengthen Rural Hospitals. In 1989, Gore was an original co-sponsor of the Equity for Rural Hospitals Act. The Act sought to modify Medicare with respect to payments to hospitals located in rural areas. The legislation was designed to improve the delivery of health services to individuals living in these areas, among other purposes.

Gore Worked to Protect Rural Drinking Water. As part of the Administration's Water 2000 initiative, Al Gore announced a number of efforts to improve drinking water in rural America. Last year, Gore announced nearly $200 million in federal loans and grants to assist more than 100 safe drinking water projects throughout the country. In 1997, Gore announced a similar program that helped fund more than 80 safe drinking water projects in 43 states and Puerto Rico. In addition, the Administration approved legislation that strengthened the Safe Drinking Water Act by requiring water utilities to inform their customers about the quality of their drinking water.

Gore Worked to Increase Internet Access For Rural Communities. In the FY01 budget, Al Gore and the Administration proposed a new $25 million program at the Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture aimed at encouraging the private sector to build broadband cable networks so that under-served urban and rural communities have high-speed internet access. The program would work through grants and loan guarantees.

GORE HAS BEEN A STRONG SUPPORTER OF ETHANOL

A Strong Supporter of Ethanol. As Vice President, and as a Member of Congress, Al Gore has been a strong supporter of ethanol. In 1994, he cast the tie-breaking vote to defeat legislation that would have prohibited the EPA from implementing its rule mandating the use of ethanol in reformulated gasoline. In addition, Al Gore cosponsored Senate legislation to promote and encourage the development of ethanol.

The Vehicle Energy Efficiency Performance Standards Act. In 1988, Al Gore was an original cosponsor of the Vehicle Energy Efficiency Performance Standards Act, which attempted to establish a national farm ethanol program.

Resolution Supporting Use of Ethanol. In 1987, Al Gore cosponsored a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should encourage states to mandate the use of alternative fuels, such as ethanol, in commercial fleets as part of an air pollution control strategy.

The Methanol and Ethanol Vehicle Incentives Act. In 1985, Al Gore cosponsored the Methanol and Ethanol Vehicle Incentives Act, which sought to encourage the development of automobiles that run on methanol or ethanol fuels.

GORE FOUGHT TO OPEN FOREIGN MARKETS FOR U.S. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Under the Clinton-Gore Administration, Export Sales have Increased. The amount of export sales registered under the export credit guarantee program grew to $4 billion - an almost 50% increase. In the process, U.S. exporters were able to complete sales of 104 million bushels of soybeans, almost 2 million bales of cotton, 191 million bushels of wheat, and 230 million bushels of corn.

Gore and the Administration Have Worked to Open New Markets. Al Gore and the Administration have worked hard to open foreign markets to U.S. agricultural products. In 1998, the U.S. Department of Agriculture broke through 77 barriers that were lowering American exports, and by doing so helped to open up $2.2 billion in new trade opportunities. In addition, U.S. exports totaled $49 billion in fiscal year 1999, creating around 745,000 full-time jobs.

Opened Markets in Canada. The Administration successfully worked to increase access for American wheat, cattle, hogs and other items with Canada.

Opened Taiwanese Market. In 1998, the USDA successfully opened the Taiwanese market for United States pork, poultry and beef producers.

Reopened Market in Brazil. The Administration was also successful in its efforts to reopen Brazil's market for U.S. wheat.

Introduced Pilot Program. The Administration introduced a pilot program to develop and expand markets for American agricultural products, in which exporters can get samples of their products to foreign buyers. The program would focus on grain, flours, and other non ready-to-eat products.

GORE FOUGHT FOR EMERGENCY FARM ASSISTANCE

Gore Fought to Increase Funding of Emergency Farm Aid. Al Gore fought to increase funding for emergency farm aid that was included in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2000. He endorsed and fought for an amendment sponsored by Senators Daschle and Harkin that would increase emergency funding in the bill to nearly $11 billion. While this amendment was defeated - on a largely partisan vote - Congressional Democrats eventually succeeded in increasing the emergency funding to $8.7 billion dollars. Gore called the emergency funding a "good start," but stated "…it does not go nearly far enough in addressing the needs of farmers and working rural families during these difficult times."

Expanding and Improving Crop Insurance. In 1999, the USDA continued its efforts to expand and improve crop insurance by reducing premiums by about 30 percent - helping increase coverage to more than $30 billion worth of crops.

The Administration Vetoed the Republican Agriculture Bill and Fought for 40 Percent Increase in Emergency Aid. The Administration vetoed the 1998 Agriculture Appropriations bill because it did not do enough to address the crisis facing our farmers. During subsequent negotiations, the Administration fought to increase emergency assistance to farmers and ranchers, and it was successful. The bill vetoed by the President provided $4.2 billion, but the final budget included about $6 billion in emergency farm assistance - a 40 percent increase. The final budget bill also increased the amount for economic loss compensation by $1.4 billion and increased the amount for crop loss compensation by $228 million, bringing the total for these two critical programs to $3 billion and about $2.6 billion, respectively.

Gore Announced $1.8 Billion in Aid for Citrus Farmers in 1999. Al Gore announced that eighteen counties in California would be declared disaster areas in the wake of freezes in December of 1998. With his announcement, more than $1.8 billion was made available to farm-workers who lost their jobs and included disaster assistance for farmers including receiving low interest loans from the USDA.

Gore and the Administration Provided Drought Relief to Struggling Farmers. In 1998, the Clinton-Gore Administration declared parts of six eastern states agricultural disaster areas due to excessive heat and drought. The Administration announcement allowed farmers in parts of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia to receive low-interest government loans to help with their losses. President Clinton also stated that he would work with Congress on a $10 billion emergency drought assistance package.

The Administration Worked for Emergency Farm Financial Relief Act. In 1998, the Administration signed into law the $5.5 billion Emergency Farm Financial Relief Act, which provided farmers with early market transition payments. The Administration also called upon Congress to help America's farmers by providing insurance for new crops as well as easier access to credit.

Gore Sponsored Legislation to Reduce Interest Rates on Emergency Farm Loans. As a Member of Congress, Al Gore fought to provide low interest emergency disaster loans to farmers. The bill called for small loans, up to $5,000, that would receive an interest rate reduced from eight to five percent for those who could not obtain a loan from other sources.

GORE WORKED FOR AMERICA'S RANCHERS

Gore and the Administration Assisted America's Cattlemen. Al Gore and the Administration have worked to assist and protect America's cattlemen from falling livestock prices. Gore stated that the Administration, "will take action to make sure family farmers and ranchers have a fair opportunity to compete in this increasingly concentrated agricultural industry."

Al Gore and the Administration Provided Emergency Funding for Cattlemen. In 1999, Gore announced more than $73 million in emergency assistance for livestock farmers' emergency assistance. This funding builds upon the $20 million in emergency assistance Gore announced in late 1998 for the purchase of beef and livestock. For fiscal year 1998, the Administration authorized the purchase of more than $158 million in cattle and beef by the USDA.

Defended the Rights of Livestock Producers. The Administration also announced an initiative to force mandatory price reporting of livestock sales by the meat packing industry in order to give ranchers and farmers bargaining strength to negotiate higher prices for their cattle, hogs, or lamb.

Gore Fought for America's Pork Producers. Al Gore recognizes that it is critical for the Administration to take an active role in protecting America's hog farmers.

Gore Unveiled a Plan to Assist Pork Producers. In 1998, Al Gore unveiled a multi- million dollar effort on behalf of the USDA to purchase $15 million of pork to help America's hog farmers. This was part of the overall $120 million that the USDA has contributed to boosting prices and purchasing pork products.

Working to Solve Pork Production Problems. Under this Administration, the USDA has worked to find ways to solve pork production problems. The USDA established the Pork Crisis Task Force to identify eight areas that could direct action to solve the crisis, and investigated anti-competitive and unfair trading practices. The USDA also announced initiatives to help eliminate swine pseudorabies and to protect existing livestock from the dangers of the disease.

Part VI: Education

GORE HAS WORKED TO IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION

Gore Has Worked to Reduce Class Sizes by Hiring Qualified, New Teachers. Al Gore and the Administration proposed a 100,000 New Teachers to reduce class sizes nationwide. The Administration won funding for a down payment on the plan that provided states with $1.2 billion in 1999 to hire 30,000 well-prepared teachers. The Administration also won $1.3 billion in 2000 to continue to implement the Administration’s goal. The Administration has proposed $1.75 for 2001, and Gore is now challenging Congress to finish the job by providing the funding needed to hire all 100,000 new teachers.

Gore Has Fought to Rebuild and Modernize 6,000 Schools Nationwide. Al Gore and the Administration introduced a proposal to build and modernize 6,000 schools nationwide as part of the fiscal year 2000 budget plan. In announcing this new proposal, Gore stated that we “…need to ensure that our children are learning 21st Century skills in 21st Century classrooms,” and that “no child should be forced to learn in a temporary trailer.” In 1998, Gore and the Administration introduced a plan to repair and rebuild over 5,000 public schools with $22 billion in public bonding authority.

Gore Supported Goals 2000 to Promote Standards and Accountability. In 1994, Al Gore and the Administration approved the Goals 2000 legislation, which established, for the first time, national educational goals for all schools and students. The Goals 2000 legislation also authorized $400 million in additional funding for schools, including funds for school safety programs. Since the inception of the program, 47 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have adopted comprehensive Goals 2000 plans.

Gore and the Administration Worked to Raise Standards for Students in Need. Gore and the Administration increased Title 1 funding to help 11 million low-income students. These students now benefit from higher expectations and more challenging curriculums which are geared to new, higher standards.

Gore and the Administration Have Supported Public Charter Schools. Al Gore and the Administration have overseen tremendous growth in the number and variety of charter schools nationwide. In 2000, they secured more than $137 million for public charter schools, and they have proposed $175 million for 2001. Due in part to this Administration’s support, there are now over 1,700 charter schools. In 1992, there was only one operational charter school nationwide.

Gore Supported Education Reforms and Fought for Public Schools as a Member of Congress. As a Congressman and a Senator, Al Gore supported a number of important education reform measures that strengthened public education. He cosponsored the Neighborhood Schools Improvement Act and the Star Schools program, which has helped schools set up telecommunications networks for distance learning classes. Gore also opposed an educational voucher proposal that would have undermined public education.

Gore Cosponsored Legislation Creating the Department of Education. As a Representative in the U.S. House, Al Gore fought to ensure that education received the attention and support it needed from the federal government. Gore was an original cosponsor of the 1979 bill that created the U.S. Department of Education. The bill also provided funding increases for the department based on inflation.

Gore Was an Early Advocate for an Independent Department of Education. In 1977, Gore argued for a Department of Education. He said, “We all know why there is a need for a separate Department of Education in the federal government. It is important to insure that education gets the attention and the support it deserves at the highest levels of government.”

Gore Led Efforts to Expand Parental Involvement in Education. Each year since 1992, Al and Tipper Gore lead a Family Re-Union Conference to address issues confronting working American families. They led the 1997 conference with the goal of promoting a family-oriented approach to education. At the conference, Al Gore announced a new technology developed cooperatively by Silicon Valley and educators that will allow parents to be more active participants in children’s education by, for example, allowing parents to view children’s grades through the Internet or television. The conference led to the Partnership to Expand Parental Involvement in Education - a unique, national effort spearheaded by academic institutions, U.S. Department of Education, and the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education.

GORE HAS PROMOTED OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Gore and the Administration Increased Funding for Head Start. Since 1993, Al Gore and the Administration have nearly doubled funding for Head Start - increasing funding by 90 percent since 1993. Nearly 900,000 children are in Head Start today, and the Administration’s fiscal year 2001 budget builds upon this effort by increasing Head Start funding by $1 billion - the largest funding increase ever proposed for the program.

Administration Has Shifted the Focus of Head Start to School Readiness and Family Literacy. In 1998, Al Gore and the Administration enacted bipartisan legislation to focus Head Start on school readiness and family literacy. Currently, Head Start offers early education, health and nutrition and social services to more than 840,000 needy children. This legislation includes revised standards for Head Start programs that emphasize getting children ready to learn how to read. According to a Boston Globe editorial, “Head Start is a proven success.”

Gore and the Administration Have Helped Low-Income Families Afford Child Care. Al Gore and the Administration have fought for expansions in the Child Care and Development Block Grant program in order to help low-income families access quality child care. The Administration’s FY 2001 budget calls for an $817 million increase in the program. These new funds, in conjunction with child care funds provided in welfare reform, will allow the program to help over 2.2 million children obtain child care - an increase of 120% over the one million children the program supported in 1997.

GORE FOUGHT FOR ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFETIME LEARNING

Gore and the Administration Made the Largest Single Investment in Higher Education in 30 Years. Al Gore and the Administration proposed and won funding for the HOPE scholarship tax credit program as part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act. HOPE scholarships assist nearly 7 million students by providing a $1,500 tax credit to help make the first two years of college universally accessible for all Americans. The 1997 Act included other tax deductions that collectively made it the largest single investment in education in 30 years.

Gore Fought for Pell Grant Funding and Work Study to Expand Access to Higher Education. Al Gore and the Administration secured historic increase in the Pell Grant program in 1997 and expanded the Work Study program to include nearly 1 million students in 2000. Pell Grants helped nearly 4 million low- and moderate-income students attend college in 1998. Al Gore has been a consistent protector of the Pell Grant program - as a U.S. Senator, Gore opposed cuts in Pell Grant funding.

Gore Improved Access to Lifetime Learning Opportunities. Al Gore and the Administration, as part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Agreement, approved a Lifetime Learning Tax Credit that will assist students and workers pay for education expenses after the first two years of college. As a result of this tax credit, more than 7 million students will be able to deduct up to $5,000 in tuition or other educational expenses. In addition, Gore announced a new proposal last year that would, if enacted, provide tax credits for companies that have literacy programs in the workplace.

Gore Cast the Deciding Vote to Create the Direct Student Loan Program. Al Gore cast the deciding vote for the Administration’s 1993 economic proposal, which created the Direct Student Loan Program. This program has helped simplify the college loan process by allowing student to apply for loans directly to the federal government.

Gore Fought Against Republican Cuts in Student Aid. In 1995, Al Gore fought Republican efforts to reduce important investments in education. Gore opposed Republican cuts that would have slashed funding for student loan programs by more than $10 billion.

GORE WORKED TO MAKE SCHOOLS SAFER

Gore and the Administration Put More Police Officers in Schools to Help Decrease School Violence. The Clinton-Gore Administration’s community policing grants have been used to fund more than 2,600 police officers to work in schools with serious crime problems. Under Al Gore and the Administration, school crime has decreased by more than one-third. In 1997, there were 102 school-related crimes per 1000 students - a 34% decrease from 155 school-related crimes per 1000 students in 1993.

Gore Has Promoted Safe, High Quality After-School Care Initiatives. Al Gore and the Administration have worked to expand the 21st Century Learning Centers program from a $1 million demonstration project in 1997 to a $453 million effort this year. This program now provides safe, quality after-school care for 850,000 students nationwide. As part of their fiscal year 2001 budget proposal, the Administration proposed increasing funding for this program to $1 billion to make after-school and summer-school programs more accessible to Title 1 schools.

Gore Has Worked For Gun-Free and Drug-Free Schools. In 1994, Al Gore encouraged Congress to pass legislation that will help to get guns and drugs out of schools by expanding the Safe & Drug-Free Schools program. Forty million students benefit from this program which assists in drug prevention efforts in 97% of America’s school districts. This act included a requirement that all states receiving federal education funding implement a mandatory 1-year expulsion for any student who brings a gun to school. In addition, the Al Gore fought Republican efforts to slash funding for the Safe and Drug Free Schools program, which has assisted anti-drug efforts in our nation’s schools.

The Gun-Free School Act is Working. Al Gore and the Administration fought to pass the Gun Free Schools Act, which requires the expulsion of students caught bringing firearms to schools. Nearly 10,000 students have been expelled fro brining a gun to school in the 1996-97 and 1997-98 school years.

GORE HAS PROMOTED TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Gore Led Efforts to Connect Every Classroom to the Internet. In 1994, Al Gore set a goal of connecting every classroom in the country to the Internet. In 1996, when only 3% of classrooms were connected to the Internet, Gore launched the E-Rate program to support classrooms across the country. This initiative helped provide computers, online connections, teacher training, and learning content to schools. More than 62,000 school districts and libraries applied for E-rate funds in the first two grant cycles, and today, 63% of classrooms, and 95% of schools, are connected to the internet. Gore has led efforts to expand federal investments in educational technology from $30 million a year to the $900 million the Administration is requesting in its fiscal year 2001 budget.

Gore Has Prioritized Federal Support for Schools in Poor Neighborhoods. In the first eighteen months of the program, more than 80,000 schools and libraries received $1.66 billion in funding - helping to connect 640,000 classrooms to the Internet. More than 53% of those schools and libraries receiving funding were in the poorest neighborhoods.

Gore Fought to Expand Access to Educational Technology. Al Gore has worked hard to bring advances in technology into the classroom to help prepare today’s students for the challenges of the next century. Investments in educational technology have increased thirty-fold under this Administration. In 1984, Gore introduced the National Educational Software Act, to establish the National Educational Software Corporation to provide venture capitol for educational software development. Gore also sponsored the National High-Performance Computing Act of 1991, which encouraged development of a National Research and Education Network to help link teachers, students, and researchers.

Read more of Al Gore's accomplishment's here!