Where
The
Candidates
Stand
A guide to the Mite House contenders' positions on key issues.
COMPILE) BY KIMBERLY LIFTON SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
CLINTON
BUSH
PEROT
ISRAEL
Military, economic assistance to Israel is vital. Un-
conditionally supported $10 billion loan guaran-
tees. Recognizes Jerusalem as undivided capital.
Israel needs U.S. foreign aid. Does not recognize
Jerusalem as capital. Did not approve $10 billion
loan guarantees without linkage; recently approved
guarantees.
U.S. must be militarily, diplomatically, financially
committed to Israel to secure prospects for democ-
racy in region.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE
Supports current direct peace talks. U.S. must fa-
cilitate, not dictate, solutions. No unilateral con-
cessions; no independent Palestinian state.
Launched current Middle East negotiations. U.S.
must facilitate, not dictate, solutions. Criticized by
Jewish community for pressuring one-sided con-
cessions from Israel. Supports land-for-peace. No
independent Palestinian state.
Send negotiators to stay in the Middle East until
settlement reached. Middle East stability depends
on Arab-Israeli accord which benefits all parties.
WEAPONS SALES
TO ARAB NATIONS
Opposes exporting advanced weapons. Interna-
tional sanctions can keep weapons out of hands
of Middle East tyrants.
Approved exporting advanced weapons. OK'd sell-
ing F-15s to Saudi Arabia. Negotiate with major
arms-supplying nations to limit arms sales.
Position not known.
ECONOMY
Cut income taxes about $11.50 a week for middle-
class family of four. Raise top rate from 31% to 36%
on incomes over $200,000. Earners over $1 million
would pay surcharge. Cut capital gains tax for long-
term investments in new companies from 28% to
14%. Spend $220 billion in next four years for roads,
bridges, improving education, community devel-
opment, law enforcement. Cut 100,000 federal jobs.
Reducing personal income tax by 1% would save
average family about $5 a week. Cut capital gains
tax from 28% to 15.4%. Increase personal exemp-
tions by up to $500 per dependent child for each
family. Tax credits for first-time home buyers. Cut
government spending to lower deficit; loosen reg-
ulations so businesses can prosper; keep free trade
agreements. Wants constitutional balanced bud-
get amendment & line-item veto over appropria-
tions bills.
Mammoth tax increases & spending cuts to erase
federal deficit & balance budget in five years. Raise
top income tax rate up to 35% for those earning
over $55,550 and joint filers earning over $89,250;
increase tax on social security benefits to 85% for
single tax payers earning over $25,000; raise
Medicare premiums by about $10 a month, ex-
cluding the poor; tax Medicare benefits for those
earning over $130,000; raise gasoline tax by 50 cents
a gallon over five years; limit deductions on home
mortgages to first $250,000. No protective tariffs.
Constitutional amendment for line-item vetoes.
CHURCH-STATE
Against mandatory prayer in public school & vouch-
ers for parents to send children to religious schools.
For voluntary prayer in public schools. No gov-
ernment interference with religion; even nondis-
criminatory aid to religion is unacceptable.
Vouchers for parents to send children to religious
schools. Favors a moment of silent prayer in pub-
lic schools. Government should aid religion, even
financially, if it does not favor one religious group
over another.
Position not known.
ABORTION
Pro-choice. Girls under 14 need adult consent. For
Freedom of Choice Act to codify a woman's right
to reproductive choice; backs Medicaid-funded
abortions. Repeal "gag" rule, prohibiting pregnancy
counseling at federally funded clinics.
Pro-life. Opposes abortion except when rape or in-
cest occur, or mother's life is threatened. Oppos-
es Medicaid-funded abortions. Upheld "gag" rule.
Would veto Freedom of Choice.
Pro-choice. Encourages adoption. Supports Free-
dom of Choice Act & federal funding of reproduc-
tive counseling & Medicaid-funded abortions.
HEALTH CARE
For government-sponsored national health care
system with a federal board to limit health care
costs. Require employers to buy private health in-
surance or enroll workers in a public program, fi-
nanced through payroll taxes or other contributions
by employers. Benefits package from government
for uninsured people not covered by employers.
Opposes government-sponsored mandatory na-
tional health system; limited government role. Tax
credits/deductions so low- & moderate-income can
purchase health insurance. Tax breaks so small
businesses can purchase adequate health insur-
ance for employees. Tax deductible health insur-
ance costs for self-employed.
Urges steps toward universal health insurance;
use added tax revenues to pay for it. Envisions na-
tional board to regulate health care industry. Trim
Medicaid, Medicare. Costs not detailed.
For schools of choice concept & vouchers for pub-
lic, private or religious school. Supports voluntary
national achievement tests to measure students'
progress. Less federal aid to education; more in-
volvement from businesses, communities, parents.
Has increased funding for Head Start.
Supports schools of choice concept. Recommends
comprehensive pre-school program; empower par-
ents; establish national standards and measure re-
sults. Led Texas committee to reform education.
Reluctantly attended Rio Earth Summit, intended
to protect earth's biodiversity & forests. Signed Rio
Global Warming treaty. U.S. criticized for not tak-
ing lead on issue. Passed Clean Air Act; increased
offshore oil exploration. Says some environmen-
tal regulations worsened recession.
Pollution squanders national wealth. Must recycle,
conserve. Prefers incentives for individuals & busi-
ness, not regulations, to meet environmental goals.
Campaign calls for family values. Vetoed Urban Aid
bill that included $1.9 million for family preserva-
tion & child welfare services. Vetoed Family & Med-
ical Leave Act.
Strengthening economy will lessen pressure of un-
employment & low incomes that tear fmilies apart.
Change welfare structure to encourage families to
stay together.
EDUCATION
ENVI ROMYIENT
No vouchers for public, private or religious school.
Create national standards for education. Full fund-
ing for educating pre-school children. As gover-
nor, created first statewide Home Instructional
Program for Pre-School Youngsters; raised stan-
dards of teaching; limited class sizes; regularly
tested student performance; proposes college
loans which can be paid back through communi-
ty service.
U.S. must lead fight against global warming & find
replacements for ozone depleting substances. Must
protect earth's biodiversity & forests. While gov-
ernor, pollution from chicken-processing wastes
worsened in Arkansas' White River.
C.1
CC
LLJ
H-
FAMILY
Make deadbeat parents pay child support. Wants
income tax credit to make up difference between
family's earnings & poverty level. Backs Family &
Medical Leave Act to give workers 12 weeks unpaid
leave to care for newborn or sick family members.
C_D
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