Today, everything we've read in the news and watched on CNN for over a year finally matters. We've listened to promises and speeches, and we've watched George Bush and Al Gore debate over positions for months. Now, after all the personal attacks and endless statements, it's Election Day. Many of you may think the two candidates look very similar. Even the press can't seem to decide which one they like better. But, today, Election Day, we urge you to let the numbers speak for themselves. George W. Bush's plan will work to help you. The truth is that Al Gore had eight years in Washington to use his influence as Vice President to further his proposals and improve America, but he did nothing. We now sit on the greatest opportunity to take all of the prosperity in our nation and use it to achieve good, to improve the lives of everyone, and to ensure our future. It's time for someone who won't be afraid to act and take chances to improve our nation while we have the opportunity. Governor Bush won't be a status quo president. He's making dramatic changes to reform government and improve our way of life.
College students will benefit greatly under Bush's education plan. If elected, Governor Bush will fully fund the Pell grant program for first-year students by increasing the maximum grant amount by more than 50 percent, to $5,100. Bush also proposes offering enhanced Pell grants (an additional $1,000) to low-income students who take advanced courses in high school. Bush will expand the "Educational Savings Account" for each family, allowing parents tax cuts for money spent on their children's education. In addition, $1.5 billion will be reserved for states to give college grants though their own programs.
George W. Bush's tax plan shows his concern for all Americans and for the future. Bush plans to double the child tax credit, to cut the tax bracket for all income classes, and to reduce the marriage penalty tax. As a result of Bush's plan, six million families will be removed from income tax rolls entirely. Also, the tax rate of most middle-income families will fall by over 40 percent. Single parents will receive significant tax cuts as well, up to a 100 percent cut.
George W. Bush is also concerned about the environment. Despite what many Democratic supporters may think, Bush is committed to reducing pollution and protecting our natural resources. Bush supports the EPA and wants to increase the number of Brownfield cleanups. As president, Bush would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to its authorized level of $900 million, reserving 50% of the money for state and local use. Bush promises to establish grant programs for private initiatives of conservation. In addition, Gov. Bush wants to continue researching ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as create standards that would require cleaner cars.
You may think that George Bush is no different than any other politician: all talk and promises that he can't or won't back up. However, this is where George Bush shines over Al Gore. Bush has a better record of reform as governor of Texas than Al Gore has as vice president. Texas has been named number one in reducing the release of toxic pollution, and has lowered industrial air emissions by 11 percent since Governor Bush took office. Bush is responsible for two tax cuts in Texas, totaling over $3 billion, which now remains in the hands of citizens. Texas continues to be one of only a few states in the nation with no income tax. Education in Texas has been Bush's most impressive achievement. Since he became governor, Texas has taken the number one ranking in teacher quality. Student scores on statewide tests have increased by 51 percent and minority students in Texas continue to outscore minority students in other states. State funding has increased by 37 percent per student, which has led to small class sizes, better learning resources, and Texas' highest literacy rate.
George W. Bush has a clear plan for America. He wants to take our nation in a positive direction, with the American people as the highest priority. Because of his unique background, Bush is the Washington outsider who knows how Washington works. Only someone like George Bush can evaluate the flaws in the system and know how to fix them. Bush's plans speak for themselves. If you want a president who will fight to change the system for you, vote for George W. Bush today.
Meghan Sweeney is a sophomore who is majoring in chemical engineering.
