    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [September 20, 2003]
    [Pages 1185-1186]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    September 20, 2003

        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

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    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 2 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 2 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.

    Note: The address was recorded at 6:40 p.m. on September 17 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September
    20. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on September 19 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.