By Carol Becker
February 9, 2004

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (TN), gave the opening address during the plenary session on January 22. He began his remarks by expressing his appreciation for the Conference's commitment to the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As a physician, Frist said, he is committed to solving this problem as well as others related to health care, such as skyrocketing costs, the increasing number of uninsured persons, and the need for prescription drug benefits. In addressing these issues, he emphasized that investments must be made to link prevention, care, and treatment.

Homeland Security and Economy Administration's Top Priorities

Noting that the United States has experienced great adversity in this century dealing with a recession, terrorism, and a war at the same time, Senator Frist added that the United States would nevertheless endure. He said that the mayors are maintaining the front line for the nation's defense, and acknowledged that many have had to take action before receiving federal dollars for this purpose. While Congress responded quickly after September 11, tripling spending on homeland security, the government recognizes that the money must get to the local level faster.

Senator Frist said that there is cause for optimism in the future because the economy is improving and growing faster than it has at any time in the last twenty years, worker productivity is rising, and the stock market is up. He added that the recent tax cuts were the largest in the history of the nation and the economy is rebounding as a result, helped by regulatory reform and mayors creating a climate of pro-growth economic activity.

Senator Frist next called for continued cooperation between the Conference and Congress on transportation — which affects communities more than any other factor from a practical standpoint — and on workforce training in community colleges, which must be linked to existing jobs so that the U. S. can remain competitive in the global market. He then thanked the USCM for supporting the Workforce Investment Act Reauthorization.

Sen. Norm Coleman Brings Voice of Mayors to Congress

Senator Frist, acknowledging Senator Coleman's presence on stage, noted that the perspective of senators who are former mayors is of special importance to the Senate. "Norm Coleman is with us everyday are Senators Feinstein, Voinovich, Chafee, and Lugar. He noted that the mayors' challenges are the same as the Senate's: homeland security, economic growth, and job creation. These are challenges that we can take on as partners."

Drawing applause from the audience, Senator Frist responded to a question regarding his views on a permanent moratorium on Internet sales tax, "the issue will be debated on the Senate floor and likely it will be a bifurcation... likely access to the Internet, going on the Internet will not be taxed but that in some shape or form taxes through sales on the Internet will be taxed."

In concluding his remarks, Senator Frist stressed the importance of building and sustaining partnerships between mayors and Congress. He noted that he worked with Mayor Bob Corker of Chattanooga to revitalize an old army ammunition plant and transform it into a premier industrial site. He also worked with Mayor Bill Purcell in Nashville to turn Brownfield overlooking downtown Nashville into vital neighborhoods.

Stressing the importance of cooperation between mayors and the Senate, Senator Frist quoted Mayor La Guardia, saying: "There is no Republican or Democratic way of cleaning streets."

To view Senator Frist's remarks please visit usmayors.org.