Opening General Session

National League of Cities met to discuss ways that local governments are dealing with a variety of concerns, such as public safety, unfunded federal mandates, local economies and providing city services. President Bill Clinton told the National League of Cities in Minneapolis that the administration has been working to create high-quality, high-wage jobs that enable Americans to build good lives for themselves. Quoting the latest job figures, the president reported that the economy has produced 5.2 million new jobs since he took office. He added that unemployment is down to 5.6 percent--the lowest it has been in more than 4 years. The president said his strategy of opening up foreign markets to U.S. goods and services has contributed to this success. close