GOV. BILL RICHARDSON
EDUCATION IS KEY TO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, FIGHTING POVERTY

If Gov. Richardson were elected president in 2008, he would be the “real education president.”

Education, he told the AFT executive council, is “the key to dealing with economic development, jobs, substance abuse, poverty.”

He’d also be “a pro-union president.” Richardson, who restored collective bargaining for public employees in his state shortly after taking office, supports a national card check recognition policy as well as fair share.

“I believe that the American workforce is stronger if you’re allowed to unionize,” Richardson said, noting that “the right to unionize is one of the strongest assets to fight poverty.”

“When it comes to the National Labor Relations Board, when it comes to the Council on Economic Advisers, when it comes to developing a national healthcare plan, you will be at the table,” he said.

Richardson also would promote a living wage because “we need to find ways to give those that are just trying to make ends meet a chance to have a wage where they can protect their families and take care of their kids.”

Other components of economic security that Richardson would make a priority are Social Security and Medicare. “The way you deal with having a viable Social Security fund for all Americans and a strong Medicare is a strong economy,” he said, noting that he is a “pro-growth Democrat” who believes in using the tax code to provide incentives to taxpayers and businesses.

As president, Richardson added that he would increase teacher salaries, establish a national preschool program and create special academies to emphasize the importance of math and science.

Richardson’s other priorities would include withdrawing troops from Iraq, making the United States energy independent and creating good-paying jobs to stimulate economic development.

Richardson asked council members to look at his record and support his candidacy on the basis of the steps he will take to move the country forward.

“I’ve worked all my life as a diplomat. I can bring people together to solve problems,” said Richardson, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton.

“I know how to deal with foreign countries. I know how to get us out of Iraq,” said Richardson. “I was the secretary of energy. I know how to become energy independent. I’m a governor. This country elects governors because we directly affect people.”