    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 22, 2004]
    [Pages 917-918]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    May 22, 2004

        Good morning. This week brought further evidence that across
    America, more citizens are finding jobs. The Department of Labor
    reported State-by-State job results, and these figures show that
    America's jobs engine is running strong.
        Nationally, we gained 288,000 new jobs in April, and the Nation has
    added more than 1.1 million new jobs since last August. The unemployment
    rate has fallen steadily and now stands at 5.6 percent, down from 6.3
    percent last June and lower than the average unemployment rate of the
    1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
        In April, the biggest job gaining States were Florida, North
    Carolina, Missouri, and Michigan. Forty-five States out of 50 added new
    workers. In some States, job creation had been strong for many months.
    Florida has gained more than a quarter million new jobs since December
    2001. In Nevada, 90,000 new jobs have been created since January of
    2002, and Missouri has added 57,000 jobs since last summer.
        States that have trailed in job growth are now making progress.
    Wisconsin and Ohio have each added more than 30,000 new jobs this year.
    New Hampshire gained 2,700 new jobs in April alone. And in Oregon, the
    unemployment rate has fallen from a high of 8.7 percent last summer down
    to 6.7 percent in April as the State has added 29,000 new jobs.
        These gains are the result of the hard work of Americans and a
    progrowth, projobs agenda that begins with tax relief. When we let the
    American people keep more of what they earn and save, they put that
    money to good use. They demand more goods and services, which creates
    demand for new workers. Now that our economy is expanding and adding
    more jobs, we need to make sure Americans keep their tax relief.
        Congress has begun to act. The House of Representatives has voted to
    make marriage penalty relief permanent and to keep the expanded 10-
    percent bracket. This week the House also voted to make permanent the
    $1,000 per child tax credit which is helping so many families. I
    congratulate the House on these important votes. Now the Senate should
    take action so we do not raise taxes on the American people.
        To sustain our economic growth, we must also ensure affordable and
    reliable sources of energy. To protect consumers against high prices,
    the Department of Energy has established a hotline to gather complaints
    of price gouging. This weekend

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    in Amsterdam, Secretary Spence Abraham is
    meeting with petroleum producers from around the world on actions they
    can take to help the U.S. and global economy. Also, we have reformed
    Federal regulations to allow badly needed improvements and expansion of
    the Nation's petroleum refineries, so that more gasoline can get to the
    market quickly.
        But our Nation must address fundamental energy challenges that have
    built over time. I have increased fuel economy standards for SUVs, vans,
    and pickups. And 3 years ago, I submitted to Congress a national energy
    strategy that would address our long-term energy needs. It called for
    tax incentives for fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, more exploration in
    places like Alaska, and greater use of ethanol, a reliable source of
    energy produced on our farms.
        This national strategy would help make our country less dependent on
    foreign sources of energy. Yet, these measures have been repeatedly
    blocked by Members of the Senate, and American consumers are paying the
    price. Three years is long enough. I urge the Congress to end the delays
    and pass comprehensive energy legislation.
        With the right policies, we will maintain the strong forward
    momentum of the American economy, which is creating thousands of new
    jobs for American workers.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:50 a.m. on May 21 at Louisiana
    State University in Baton Rouge, LA, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on May
    22. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast.
    The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.