Reiterates That Education is His Top Priority

Vice President Al Gore, appearing in Madison during the WEAC Convention Thursday (October 26, 2000), reiterated that education is his number one priority.

"I want major, dramatic improvements in our public schools," he said at a rally outside the State Capitol.

Gore said the Madison crowd was the largest of Campaign 2000. Some estimates put it at 30,000 people, and it charged Gore up for what some observers said was the most spirited appearance of his campaign.

"This crowd is incredible," he screamed. "Thank you, Madison!"

The crowd included thousands of teachers and school support staff who traveled downtown for the rally after the conclusion of workshops at the WEAC Convention, which was centerd at the Alliant Energy Center and Sheraton Hotel two miles away.

"We should treat teachers like the professionals they are," a wildly enthusiastic Gore told the cheering crowd.

He said other education priorities include reducing class size, making college tuition tax-deductible, expanding pre-school programs, testing all new teachers, increasing accountability, and giving school boards interest-free bonding authority so they can upgrade school facilities.

Gore said he would veto private school vouchers, which he said would drain money out of public schools.

Gore said his 24-year record of public service demonstrates a strong commitment to working families and middle-class taxpayers.

He said the next president would have a major influence on the future of this country through his appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. That court, he said, will make major decisions on disability rights, women's rights and civil rights.

Gore said George W. Bush wants to go back to eight years ago, when the United States had the largest deficits in history. Today, Gore said, we have the largest surpluses in history.

"But it's not enough," he said. "I am not satisfied. You ain't seen nothing yet!"

Gore said he will balance the budget every year and put Medicare and Social Security "in a lock box" to protect their financial integrity.

He criticized Bush for steering his proposed tax cut to the wealthiest individuals.

"He (Bush) proposes to spend more on the 90,000 wealthiest millionaires than the 90,000 public schools in this nation," Gore said.

Gore said his three highest priorities are education, health care and environment.

"For 24 years, I have never backed down or given up on the environment, and I never will in my whole life," he said.

Wisconsin is a key state in the presidential race. Polls show it is a close race here, and pundits believe Wisconsin's 11 electoral votes could be a critical factor in determining the winner.

Posted October 27, 2000