BOTH SIDES: Clinton has experience

Matthew Adler and Jana Kay say re-electig theMatthew Adler and Jana Kay say re-electig thepresident preserves funding for education. Matthew Adler and Jana Kay say re-electig thepresident preserves funding for education. This election is about the direction America will take in the 21st century. President Clinton believes education is the key to America's future. As we move into the next millennium, competitive jobs in new industries will require higher levels of education and training. The president understands that to prepare America for the next century, it is necessary to invest in our generation's education.Clinton's commitment to education has been proven repeatedly through his innovative programs. AmeriCorps, for example, allows students to earn money for education by doing much-needed community service in underprivileged neighborhoods. In 1993, as Senate Minority Leader, Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole orchestrated a filibuster against this program but fortunately could not prevent its passage. By the end of this year, AmeriCorps will have provided 45,000 students with educational opportunities that may have been previously unattainable. To afford his proposed 15 percent tax cut, Dole has said he will eliminate the Department of Education, leaving the Cabinet -- the highest presidential advisory board -- without a students' rights advocate. Clinton will not sacrifice our education for a campaign promise. In addition to making college accessible to 10 million students by providing access to flexible loan-repayment options, the president has signed the biggest increase in the Pell Grant program in 20 years and has created 200,000 new work-study jobs. His tax cuts are aimed at allowing more students to attend college. Clinton has cut the federal deficit 63 percent, working to ensure that our generation will not be saddled with an unmanageable federal deficit when we take the reins of leadership. During the Clinton administration, 10.5 million new jobs have been created, the combined rate of unemployment, inflation and mortgage rates is at its lowest level since 1968, there are 4.4 million new homeowners and incomes are on the rise. Clearly, the president has put America's economy on the right track. However, Clinton has not forgotten the families that make our economy the strongest in the world. His Family and Medical Leave Act has allowed 12 million family members to take off work after the birth of a baby or to care for a sick family member without fear of losing their jobs. As we face the 21st century, full of uncertainty, we need to know that the president is on our side -- the side of the future and the students. President Clinton wants to build a bridge to the 21st century, but he needs our help to build one that will be strong enough for everyone to walk across. This is why he deserves your support on November 5.