THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. The past few weeks have confirmed
that America's economy is strong, and growing stronger. The nation's
unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent in January, the fourth
consecutive monthly decline, and we added 112,000 new jobs, the largest
single month increase since December of 2000. Overall, the nation has
added 366,000 jobs in the past five months.
There's more evidence of a strengthening economy. Manufacturers
report new orders. GDP rose at a 6.1 percent in the second half of
2003, the fastest pace in nearly 20 years. Inflation remains low, and
our nation's home ownership rate just reached an all-time high. For
the first time in our history, more than half of minority households
own their own homes.
All of these are signs that our economic recovery is becoming a
lasting expansion. Yet many of the new jobs being created require
workers to learn new skills, and we can make sure that more Americans
are prepared for these new opportunities.
Our efforts begin in our elementary schools, where students learn
the basic skills that carry them through life. With the No Child Left
Behind Act, we have raised standards, and we're making sure children
learn the basics. Now we need to stay the course of reform, because
the No Child Left Behind Act is opening the door of opportunity for all
of America's children.
We must also help high school students to prepare for the new jobs
our economy is creating. I've asked Congress to pass my Jobs for the
21st Century proposal -- a plan that would help students who fall
behind in reading and math -- expand advanced placement programs in
low-income schools, and provide larger Pell grants for students who
prepare for college with demanding courses in high school.
We also recognize that many workers change jobs in the middle of
their careers, and they often get the training they need at community
colleges. I have asked Congress to provide $250 million to community
colleges to help Americans get the skills they need for high-growth
fields. Over the last several weeks, I have met with men and women who
are studying at these colleges, and are on their way to better
careers.
Toledo, Ohio, I met with Mike Potter. After getting laid off in
March, 2003, Mike enrolled at Owens Community College's Integrated
Systems Technology program, which is supported by a Department of Labor
grant. Mike got a new job soon, and is earning more than he did
before. Here is what Mike told me: "People don't want to see a person
with just one skill anymore. They want several skills."
My administration is committed to helping more people like Mike
learn the skills they need. And we will continue pursuing a pro-growth
economic agenda, so that every person who wants to work can find a
job.
We'll help create more jobs in America by making tax relief
permanent; by enforcing spending discipline and reducing the deficit;
by enacting common sense reforms to our regulatory and legal systems;
by taking steps to make health care more affordable and accessible; by
passing a national energy policy; and by opening up more foreign
markets for trade. Taking these steps will add momentum to our
nation's economic expansion and extend jobs and prosperity to more
Americans.
I'm optimistic about our future, and one reason is because of
America's workers and entrepreneurs. They are talented and
hardworking, and they carry with them the spirit that has always made
America a place of hope and opportunity.