Republicans Outline Agenda by Steps

In a sharp contrast to their postelection summit two years ago, Republicans outlined an “incrementalist” 1997 agenda of targeted tax cuts, modest Medicaid reforms and as much cooperation with President Clinton as possible. GOP governors and congressional leaders, meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., also promised swift House and Senate action on a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. The governors appealed to Republican congressional leaders for help on federal issues affecting state budgets, ranging from Medicaid and job training programs to next year’s reauthorization of the federal highway program.