John Kerry: “I think every American knows what today is--Tax Day, 1999. It's a day that I think no doubt leaves most Americans…”

“I think every American knows what today is--Tax Day, 1999. It's a day that I think no doubt leaves most Americans, certainly, tired from the all too hurried rush to file those forms--but I hope also reminded that as we pay our taxes we're really making choices about our priorities--investing in a strong national defense, making a difference in research and development, protecting Social Security and Medicare--and the truth is that while no one likes to pay taxes, this is why we do it--so we can invest in certain priorities that make our nation strong. Well, Mr. President, today I want to join with my colleague Gordon Smith to talk about one of those investments, about the commitment Americans want us to make to our public schools, and about the biggest tax cut we can ever deliver for our children and grandchildren--the tax cut you give to future generations when you insist--today--that you're going to have a committed and qualified teacher in every classroom, that you're going to make every public school work, and that you're going to put every child on the road to a life in which they can make the most of their own talents and capacities for success. Let's be honest--as a society, there is no decision of greater importance to the long term health, stability, and competitiveness of this nation, than the way we decide to educate our children.”