For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 6, 2003
President's Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week we received additional
reports that America's economy is gaining strength.
In November, our nation added 57,000 new jobs and the unemployment
rate fell to 5.9 percent. In the past four months, 328,000 Americans
started work at new jobs.
In the third quarter of 2003, worker productivity rose at a 9.4
percent annual rate -- the fastest pace since 1983. Rising
productivity means rising wages. And productivity gains help companies
keep prices low, which allows American families to stretch their
paychecks further.
Other economic signs are positive. Surveys show manufacturing
activity to be at its strongest level in 20 years. Automobile sales
rose in November. Home construction continues to expand.
During this season, America's families are planning for the year
ahead, and they have reason to be optimistic. The American economy
continues on a solid path of recovery. With strong sales and improving
profits, companies will continue to hire new workers in the coming
year. And because of tax relief, all workers will get to keep more of
what they earn, and small businesses will be able to create more jobs.
Since 2001, we have cut taxes for everyone who pays income taxes.
We reduced the marriage penalty in our tax code. We raised the child
credit to $1,000 per child. And we have reduced taxes on dividends and
capital gains. This tax relief is critical because it keeps more money
in the hands of workers and small business owners, and others who move
this economy forward.
Here in Washington, our responsibility is to make sure this economy
keeps its momentum, and I will not be satisfied until every person who
wants to work can find a job. I have proposed a six-point plan to
strengthen this recovery and bring prosperity to every corner of
America. In the coming months, I will continue to work with Congress
to achieve these important measures.
First, businesses are more likely to hire people if health care for
workers is affordable. We need to allow small business owners to join
together in association health plans, giving them the purchasing power
of large companies when they shop for health insurance. And we must
reform the medical liability system so that health care dollars serve
the interest of patients, not the interests of trial lawyers.
Second, we need broad legal reforms so frivolous lawsuits don't put
good companies out of business and good people out of work. The
Congress should start by enacting class action reform.
Third, we must reduce unnecessary government regulation and red
tape, so businesses can focus on consumers and customers, not
paperwork.
Fourth, Congress should enact a national energy policy so that
businesses and farms and homeowners can count on a reliable and
affordable supply of energy and our nation is less dependent on foreign
sources of energy.
Fifth, my administration is pursuing free and fair trade agreements
so that our products and services can reach new markets and new
customers overseas.
Sixth, we should make all the tax relief we have passed permanent.
The tax relief is scheduled to phase-out in coming years if Congress
does not take action. Tax relief set our economy on the right track
and permanent tax relief will keep it on the right track.
By moving forward on this agenda, we can build on the great
progress our economy is making. With the confidence and hard work of
the American people, and with the right policies in Washington, there
are even brighter days ahead for the American economy.
Thank you for listening.
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