Bill Clinton on Infrastructure
Bridge the Digital Divide via access & training
Access to computers and the Internet is becoming increasingly important in American life, but there is a growing “digital divide” between those who have access to information technology and those who do not. To help make access to computers and the
Internet as universal as the telephone, the Administration is proposing a comprehensive initiative to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunity for all Americans. Their FY 2001 budget includes proposals to: broaden access to technologies such
as computers, the Internet, and high-speed networks; provide people with the skilled teachers and the training they need to master the information economy; and promote online content and applications that will help empower all Americans to use new
technologies to their fullest potential.In December 1999, the President also announced the launch of the Digital Divide Network, an Internet-based information clearinghouse on public and private efforts to bring technology to underserved communities.
Source: WhiteHouse.gov web site
Jun 1, 2000
$200M more for National Space Program
The President’s 1996 National Space Policy commits the nation to a strong, stable, and balanced space program. The FY 2001 budget request of $14 billion will enable NASA to continue to pursue the Clinton-Gore Administration’s priorities in human space
flight, earth sciences, advanced space transportation, aviation safety, & space science. Through the 21st Century Research Fund for America, the President adds $200 million over the next year to NASA’s space science program.[Other science investments
include]:- Global Partnerships in Science and Development, supporting the Large Hadron Collider.
- Developing Cleaner Energy to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions, via a $4 billion package of tax incentives to spur the purchase of energy efficient products
and the use of renewable energy.
- Mapping the Human Genome & Ensuring that the Human Genome Project Remains a Global Effort.
- Increasing Funding for Nanotechnology Research with a $227 million increase in the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
Source: WhiteHouse.gov web site
Jun 1, 2000
New Protections for Privacy of Electronic Medical Records
The Administration released a new regulation to protect the privacy of electronic medical records. This rule would limit the use and release of private health information without consent; restrict the disclosure of protected health information to the
minimum amount of information necessary; establish new requirements for disclosure of information to researchers and others seeking access to health records; and establish new criminal sanctions for the improper use or disclosure of private information.
Source: WhiteHouse.gov web site
May 1, 2000
Connect every library and classroom to the Internet
[Urban schools are] using technology not just to strengthen school performance, but to strengthen the community as a whole. They are, in effect, democratizing technology, making it more readily accessible for
children and parents alike. But we will have to do more. That’s why we are trying to hook up every classroom and library in the country to the Internet in the next four years. It’s already under way.
Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p. 39
Jan 1, 1996
V-Chip lets parents self-screen TV
Parents across America have been saying there is too much violence and sex on television and clamoring for the government to protect their children. The broadcasters, in turn, say they have rights, too, and argue that government control would violate
their constitutionally protected freedom of expression. The solution we arrived at-voluntary rating by broadcasters and a small piece of technology called the V-chip that allows parents to screen out objectionable programs-is a perfect example of
how Americans can work together to find common ground and solve difficult problems. Government did not force the solution, it enabled it. We passed a law providing for the installation of the V-chip, worked with industry to get them to support it,
asked them to do what they could do best-produce and rate programs-then left the decision-making to individual families. We did not take over the role of parents; we said the best programming director for a child is a responsible parent.
Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p.124-125
Jan 1, 1996