Bill Clinton: “Palisades, New York March 27, 1996 Thank you very much, Governor Miller, Governor Thompson; Lou Gerstner. Thank you for…”

“Palisades, New York March 27, 1996 Thank you very much, Governor Miller, Governor Thompson; Lou Gerstner. Thank you for hosting this terribly important event. To all of the Governors and distinguished guests, education leaders, and business leaders who are here, let me say that I am also delighted to be here with the Secretary of Education, Governor Dick Riley. I believe that he and Governor Hunt and Governor Branstad and I were actually there when the ``Nation At Risk'' report was issued, as well as when the education summit was held by President Bush. I want to thank Secretary Riley for the work that he has done with the States and with educators all across the country. And I know that every one of you has worked with him, but I'm glad to have him here, and he's been a wonderful partner for me and I think for you. This is an extraordinary meeting of America's business leaders and America's Governors. I know some have raised some questions about it, but let me just say on the front end I think it is a very appropriate and a good thing to do, and I applaud those who organized it and those who have attended. The Governors, after all, have primary, indeed constitutional responsibility for the conditions of our public schools. And the business leaders know well, perhaps better than any other single group in America, what the consequences of our failing to get the most out of our students and achieve real educational excellence will be for our Nation.…”