    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [February 26, 1998]
    [Page 301]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Child Care Legislation
    February 26, 1998

        Last month I unveiled my child care initiative to make child care
    better, safer, and more affordable. Today I am pleased that
    Congresswoman Kennelly has introduced
    comprehensive child care legislation that is also designed to meet the
    needs of America's children and families. Congresswoman Kennelly's bill
    is a strong package that, like mine, significantly increases child care
    subsidies for poor children, provides greater tax relief to help low-
    and middle-income families pay for child care, creates a tax credit for
    businesses that provide child care for their employees, increases after-
    school opportunities for children, promotes early learning, and improves
    child care quality.
        This proposal is a testament to Congresswoman Kennelly's leadership on this issue and her commitment to the
    future of our Nation's children. I look forward to working with her and
    other Members of Congress to enact bipartisan child care legislation
    that helps Americans fulfill their responsibilities as workers and, even
    more important, as parents.