For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 21, 2001

Videotaped Remarks of the President
In Tommy Thompson Tribute
the President
Well, Thank You All Very Much. I'm Honored to Join So
Many
Good Friends. and I'm Pleased to Help Pay Tribute to a Great Governor, A
Great

Cabinet Secretary and a good man, my friend Tommy Thompson.      Tonight  we salute Tommy Thompson for his 14 years as Wisconsin's Governor. For  almost  a  decade  and  a half, Tommy was a pioneer.  From school choice to health  care,  Tommy  was always on the cutting edge, looking for new ideas even while holding to timeless principles.      Perhaps  his  greatest  legacies  were  in  changing the way the government treats  the  poor, and empowering thousands of people by replacing their welfare checks  with pay checks.  Not long ago, welfare reform was just a dream. Today, thanks in large part to Tommy Thompson, welfare reform is the law.      Tommy  Thompson  is  one  of  the  finest  public servants in America. His commitment  is  matched  by  his  courage,  and  his diligence is equaled by his devotion.  These days, Tommy is bringing his common sense leadership and results oriented approach to the Department of Health and Human Services.  He is leading the  way  as  our  administration works to promote the health and welfare of all Americans,  through  greater  research, new technologies and sound science. I'm honored to have this good man as a part of my team.      So  Tommy,  thanks  for  who  you  are  and  what  you do.  You have made a difference  in  the  lives  of  so many people in Wisconsin, just as you are now making a difference in the lives of so many Americans.  Thank you very much, and God bless.                                 END

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