For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 26, 2003
President's Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. As America continues to fight and
win the war on terror, our government is also focused on another
national priority, growing our economy and creating jobs.
America's economy has been through a lot. We experienced the shock
of a terrorist attack; we have endured a recession; we had to deal with
some major corporate scandals; we faced the uncertainty of war; and we
have seen a slowdown in the global economy, which weakens demand for
American goods and services. In spite of all of this, the American
economy is growing, and growing faster than most of the industrialized
world.
There are great strengths in this economy. Lower interest rates
have helped more Americans buy their own homes. Gas and other energy
prices are coming down, and consumers are getting the savings
immediately. Inflation is low, and America's families are seeing their
incomes on the rise. The entrepreneurial spirit is healthy in America,
as small businessmen and women put their ideas and dreams into action
every day. And America's greatest economic strength is the pride, the
skill, and the productivity of American workers.
Yet, we know that America's economy is not meeting its full
potential. We know our economy can grow faster and create new jobs at
a faster rate. We also know that the right policies in Washington can
unleash the great strengths of this economy, and create the conditions
for growth and prosperity.
On Monday, members of Congress return from recess, and they will
face some important decisions on the future of our economy. I have
proposed a series of specific measures to create jobs by removing
obstacles to economic growth. My jobs and growth plan would reduce tax
rates for everyone who pays income tax, provide relief for families and
small businesses, and help millions of seniors in retirement by
eliminating the double taxation of dividends.
With a robust package of at least $550 billion in across- the-board
tax relief, we will help create more than a million new jobs by the end
of 2004. Some members of Congress support tax relief, but say my
proposal is too big. Since they already agree that tax relief creates
jobs, it doesn't make sense to provide less tax relief and, therefore,
create fewer jobs. I believe we should enact more tax relief, so that
we can create more jobs, and more Americans can find work and provide
for their families.
Americans understand the need for action. This week in Ohio, I met
Mike Kovach, whose business is in Youngstown, Ohio. Mike started and
runs a growing company, wants to hire new people, and would benefit
from lower taxes. Mike says, "Anytime you can improve the bottom line
of mainstream business, it's good for the city, it's good for the
state, and it's great for the nation. It all trickles up, instead of
trickling down."
I urge Congress to listen to the common sense of people like Mike
Kovach. He and tens of millions of Americans like him need our help in
building the prosperity of our country. Tax relief is good for
families, and good for our entire economy. The jobs and growth plan I
have proposed is fair; it is responsible; it is urgent. And Congress
should pass it in full.
Thank you for listening.
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