A CAPITOL VIEW: Gore Presents Administration's Hispanic Initiatives

Vice President Al Gore recently unveiled the Clinton administration's Hispanic Education Action Plan amid considerable fanfare to a group of Hispanic luminaries here in Washington. The $600-million program targets disadvantaged students, many of whom are Hispanic. Funding that is specifically designated for Hispanic students from pre-school to college level as well as for the needs of adults, migrant workers, and those trying to learn English is to be increased as well. Gore followed up on the president's State of the Union address in which Clinton restated his commitment to excellence in education for all Americans. He emphasized the nation's ever-growing Hispanic population and how to best serve its educational needs. "America's future prosperity depends on our ability to provide a sound education to all of our children," said Gore. "The president's Hispanic Education initiative will offer Latino students a better chance to develop their full academic potential so they can contribute the full force of their talent to the success of America in the 21st century."