For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 20, 2003
President's Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Every day, millions of Americans put
in long hours building businesses of their own. Their hard work
strengthens the economy, creates most of the new jobs in America, and
supplies the innovation that drives our future prosperity. As we mark
National Small Business Week, our nation honors the enterprise and hard
work of small business owners and employees.
Small businesses are a key to upward mobility, particularly for
women and minorities. There are over 3 million minority-owned small
businesses across America, and that number is rising. And women-owned
businesses now employ more than 9 million Americans. For the sake of
all small businesses and our entire economy, my administration is
pursuing an aggressive pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda.
The tax relief I have signed since I took office will save 25
million small business owners an average of more than $2,800 this
year. Income tax relief is particularly helpful for business owners
who pay their business taxes at their individual income tax rates. We
have reduced the burden of unnecessary regulation on small businesses,
and we have passed much needed incentives for investment and new
equipment, which will help our small businesses grow and create
high-paying jobs.
These policies are working. A recent survey of small businesses
shows rising optimism among owners, evidence of improving sales, and
more plans to invest and hire new workers. This is good news for our
communities and good news for people looking for work. Still, there is
more to be done. I have proposed a six-point plan to create jobs,
strengthen small businesses and build employer confidence.
First, people are more likely to find work if we can control health
care costs. We can help by allowing small businesses to band together
and pool their risks so they have the bargaining power of big
companies. Also, I have proposed reasonable limits on the lawsuits
that are raising health care costs for everyone.
Second, we need to address the broader problems of frivolous
litigation. We need effective legal reforms that will make sure that
settlement money from class actions and other litigation goes to those
harmed, and not to trial lawyers.
Third, we need a sound national energy policy. Growing businesses
depend on affordable and reliable supplies of energy and a modern
electrical grid, so that we can avoid crippling blackouts. I submitted
an energy bill to the Congress two years ago, and it's time for
Congress to pass it so I can sign it into law.
Fourth, we must continue to reduce the burden of needless
regulation on employers. My administration's policy is to make sure
every proposed regulation does not place an undue burden on the small
businesses of America.
Fifth, we are encouraging trade by opening markets for our goods
and services. When the rules are fair and enforced and the playing
field is level, our workers, farmers, ranchers and small business
owners can compete with anybody in the world.
Sixth, we need to make sure tax relief is permanent. Businesses
and families need to have the confidence that all the benefits of tax
relief will not disappear in coming years. And small business owners,
ranchers, farmers want the death tax buried for good.
Over the past two years, Americans have been tested at home and
abroad, but our confidence and optimism have never wavered. We are
defending the peace of the world. We are building the prosperity of
our country. And we are turning loose the great energy and enterprise
of one of the nation's great strengths, the drive and determination of
our entrepreneurs.
Thank you for listening.
END
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