Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Reagan’s Legacy Opened to Hundreds of Students
First day of school at Reagan Elementary


Washington, D.C. – On Monday, November 27th, Ronald Reagan Elementary in the New Berlin school district of Wisconsin opened its doors. The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project, which aims to honor the legacy of our nation’s 40th president by naming significant public landmarks after President Reagan, joins teachers and students in praising the new, technologically advanced school that honors our nation’s 40th president.

Due to the efforts of local businessman Stephen Ziegler and the support of the school board, the school's entrance, along with the cafeteria and some public areas, will be officially known as the “Ronald Reagan Elementary School InPro Commons Area.” Mr. Ziegler began working for a school named after Reagan in 2004 when he offered $60,000 to three Waukesha County school districts. In what appears to mark New Berlin as the first Wisconsin district to actively solicit naming rights sponsors for non-stadium areas of schools, New Berlin accepted the sponsorship of Mr. Ziegler’s InPro Corporation.

“Thanks to the work of Stephen Ziegler and the school board, the young people of New Berlin will have an opportunity to learn and understand the importance of Reagan’s legacy,” said Grover Norquist, chairman of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. “Not only does the naming of Ronald Reagan Elementary school after one of our country’s greatest statesman raise public awareness about the importance of Reagan to America’s history, but New Berlin’s innovative solution to school construction funding helps to ease the burden for taxpayers.”

There are currently 93 dedications to Reagan in 26 states and 9 countries throughout the world. This is the second dedication to Reagan in Wisconsin. Although Gov. Jim Doyle (D) vetoed a bill last year that would have named a portion of Highway 14 after President Reagan, on June 3rd 2005, Milwaukee Public Schools officially dedicated the former Town of Lake College Preparatory High School, Ronald Wilson Reagan College Preparatory High School after a unanimous 7-0 vote by the school board to honor our nation’s former president.

“I applaud Stephen Ziegler’s leadership and New Berlin’s decision to honor Reagan without the added burden of tax increases for the community,” continued Norquist. “I encourage other schools and businesses in Wisconsin and around the country to follow suit and memorialize our departed president.”

The RRLP is committed to preserving the legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents throughout the nation and abroad. Grover Norquist, chairman of the RLLP, is available for interviews regarding Ronald Reagan’s legacy and the group’s projects. Please contact John Kartch at (202)-785-0266 or jkartch@atr.org.
-###-

Thursday, November 09, 2006

40 Years Later, Reagan’s Legacy Reigns
Anniversary of gubernatorial victory marks beginning of great American statesman

Washington, D.C. - On November 8, 1966 Ronald Reagan received 57 percent of the vote to become the governor of California. Today marks the 40th anniversary of an event that changed the course of history. Ronald Reagan’s gubernatorial victory sparked Reagan’s impressive career of service to the American people.

Reagan emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest leaders in American history. His rejuvenation of the American spirit during his time in office made his popularity unmatched by any statesmen of his generation. Reagan earned the respect of millions as governor and transformed his popularity into a successful campaign for the presidency in 1980.

“Reagan’s gubernatorial victory in 1966 signaled the beginning of an era of freedom and unprecedented prosperity for millions,” said Grover Norquist, chairman of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. “His legacy will continue to grow over the next 40 years as we honor his achievements.”

During his time as Governor of California, Reagan’s innovative policies reflected his goal to restrict government involvement in the economy and society. He successfully balanced California’s budget and created significant budget surpluses. Reagan passed these budget surpluses to the people of California, returning almost $6 billion to taxpayers. His successful collaborations with a Democratic legislature to create stability in California show the extensive political skill of a great statesman.

“Four decades have passed since Reagan’s victory in California,” continued Norquist. “In the years following his passing, it is important to preserve his contributions to America and the world: freedom, prosperity and the confidence of a nation.”