Clinton: 1992-2000

From: Jansson, B., The Reluctant Welfare State

1992 Election

• Clinton 43%• Bush 38%• Perot 19%• Campaign promises:

– reduce budget deficit– reform health care– invest in education & public

improvements– family and medical leave

1993

• Budget bill passed to cut deficit, raise taxes and increase EITC

• Enacts Family and Medical leave• Plan to reform health care with Hilary

Clinton in charge of task force• New policy on gays in military “don’t

ask, don’t tell”

1994

• Federal crime to intimidate abortion clinic workers

• Major crime bill strengthening local law enforcement and adding $$ for prisons

1994

• Conservatives issue “Contract with America”

• Idea to continue Reagan revolution

• 1994 election Republicans control both houses of Congress

• Newt Gingrich becomes Speaker of the House

Contract with America

• Balance budget• Strengthen national defense• Middle class tax cuts• Welfare reform• Strengthen the family • Curb civil litigation• Anti-crime• Incentives to business

1995-96

• Republican assault on social programs

• Major budget stalemate, including shutting down of government

• Clinton signs Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act

• Clinton elected to second term in November 1996

1998

• Allegations of sexual scandal – Lewinsky

• Major issue in 1998 Congressional election

• Tactic backfired, Republican majority in House cut

• Gingrich resigned as Speaker• House impeached Clinton on perjury,

but not convicted by the Senate

Social Policies in Second Term

• Private health insurance companies not to discriminate against mental health claims

• $20 billion to states for health insurance for uninsured children

• Budget surplus & deficits ended

• Clinton’s vp, Al Gore, very narrowly defeated by George W. Bush in 2000