[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book II)]
[September 1, 2000]
[Page 1749]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Message on the Observance of Labor Day, 2000
September 1, 2000

    Warm greetings to all Americans as we celebrate Labor Day and honor 
the millions of working men and women across our nation whose 
achievements have brought us to this moment of unprecedented economic 
strength and prosperity.
    When I took office in 1993, I committed my Administration to putting 
in place an agenda to get America back on its economic feet while 
restoring the values of opportunity, responsibility, and community. I 
believed that we could create a strong economy that was pro-labor as 
well as pro-business; that was pro-family as well as pro-work. I am 
proud that we succeeded in raising the minimum wage, signing into law 
the Family and Medical Leave Act, and cutting taxes for millions of low-
income working families by doubling the earned-income tax credit. And 
today, thanks to the hard work, creativity, and determination of the 
American people, our country is enjoying the longest economic expansion 
in our history, with more than 22 million new jobs, the lowest 
unemployment rate in 30 years, the lowest African American and Hispanic 
unemployment rates ever recorded, the lowest female unemployment rate in 
40 years, and the smallest welfare rolls in 35 years.
    But there is still much to do if we are to build the future we want 
for our children. We must use this rare moment of peace and prosperity 
to protect Social Security, modernize Medicare, provide prescription 
drug coverage for our nation's senior citizens, and enact a strong and 
enforceable Patients' Bill of Rights. We must raise the minimum wage 
again so that all our workers are able to earn a decent income. We must 
bridge the digital divide and encourage new investments in underserved 
regions so that every American community shares in the promise and 
opportunity of today's dynamic economy. And we must provide America's 
children with the quality education they need to reach their full 
potential.
    The 20th century was a time of enormous growth and progress for our 
nation, in large part because of the skill, imagination, and dedication 
of America's workers. As we celebrate the first Labor Day of this new 
century, let us honor and thank the working men and women of our nation 
by building on their accomplishments to create a brighter future for all 
our people.
    Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.

                                                            Bill Clinton