[THIS IS THE PERIODIC BRIEFING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-REFORM PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THE ADMINISTRATION IS PROMOTING ITS PLAN. THIS ITEM WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME SUBJECT LINE (WITH DIFFERENT DATES) SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP IT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO READ IT. -- Steve Freedkin , LIST.HEALTHPLAN Administrator] The White House Health Care Reform Today February 8, 1994 Today the Administration unveiled the President's 1995 budget, which builds on the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity set by the enactment of the President's economic plan last year. It emphasizes continued fiscal discipline and spending cuts, to follow through on deficit reduction and to finance targeted public investments in areas of long-term economic growth. The budget deficit, which was $290 billion in 1992, was $254.7 billion in 1993, and is projected to fall to $234.8 billion in 1994. In 1995, the deficit is predicted to be $176.1 -- which would be the third decline in a row for the first time since Harry Truman was President. Director Panetta explained the inextricable link between health care reform and long term deficit reduction on This Week with David Brinkley: "....the key goals of health care (are) to try to provide guaranteed coverage for every American and to try to lower the costs of health care. Everything we've talked about here today with regards to the deficit very frankly will mean nothing if we don't control cost on health care. That's the key thing to focus on." While the budgeteers are debating in Washington today, the President will take his case to the American people. Today President Clnton will visit a GM Assembly Plant in Shreveport, Louisiana and talk to workers and management about how health care reform will benefit the American workforce and their employers. GM President Jack Smith and UAW Presidnet Owen Beiber, both of whom are supportive of the President's approach, will also participate in the event. Is there a health care crisis? 79 percent agree with President Clinton that yes, there is a health care crisis in the United States, according to a new Newsweek poll. The poll also found that 73 percent of Americans said they want universal health insurance for all Americans. The White House