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Evans Meets With Birmingham Auto Workers
Administration Will Continue to Focus On Policies To Grow Economy

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans saw first-hand the jobs created by DaimlerChrysler’s decision to locate Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) in Alabama. Evans noted that MBUSI’s presence led to the creation of nearly 2,000 jobs and will add another 2,000 by 2005 after its ongoing expansion.

“DaimlerChrysler has added a boost of confidence to the state and local economy,” said Evans. “This is positive news that the Administration will focus on as it develops economic policies to grow the economy and create jobs.”

During his plant tour with MBUSI President and CEO Bill Taylor, Evans recounted yesterday’s positive news that the Gross Domestic Product grew at 3.1 percent during the third quarter, but also noted that new employment figures released today show a continuing need for a focus on job-creation. Labor Department statistics released today showed the nation's jobless rate at 5.7 percent in October, with the figure holding steady between 5.5 and 6 percent since last November, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Evans emphasized, “Americans should know two things about our economy - it’s heading in the right direction, but it’s not good enough for President Bush. The GDP grew solidly in the third quarter, and unemployment remains below 6 percent, but we need to stay focused on encouraging strong growth in the job market. The President will continue to work with Congress to enact pro-growth proposals that will bolster the recovery and help create jobs.”

Among the proposals that would benefit economic growth are a number of items left unfinished when Congress recessed for the November elections, Evans said, including making the 2001 tax cuts permanent, enacting terrorism risk insurance and controlling federal spending.

Evans’ visit is part of the Administration’s effort to maintain close contact with workers and businesses in a wide range of industries to assess the state of the American economy, discuss Bush Administration economic policies and hear ideas about job creation and economic growth.