    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [August 10, 2006]
    [Pages 1503-1504]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the National Economy in Green Bay
    August 10, 2006

        John, thank you very much for your
    hospitality.
        I understand that the small-business sector of our economy is vital
    for economic growth. And that's why we cut taxes on people like--on
    businesses like John's business. See, when you
    reduce the income taxes, you affect many small businesses. And when he's
    got more money in his treasury to invest, the workers become more
    productive.
        The reason why this company is successful is, one, they've got a
    good product; but, more importantly, they've got a workforce that is
    skilled and capable and treated well.
        The bonus appreciation--accelerated depreciation schedules we passed
    for small businesses helped John buy new
    equipment. And when you buy new equipment, it helps the folks behind me
    become more productive; and the more productive you are, the better
    wages you make.
        And so I'm here to herald small businesses in America and to remind
    the American people that by cutting taxes on small businesses, it
    encourages small businesses to grow. John was
    telling me they hired five new people over the past 3 weeks, and he's
    looking for more workers, workers that can do the job necessary to put
    out a good product.
        I also want to make it clear that Congress needs to keep the taxes
    low on the working people. I'd much rather have these people spend their
    own money than the Government. We've got ample money in Washington to do
    what we need to do. And therefore, in my judgment, it's better that the
    folks behind me who are working hard have more money so they can save
    and invest and spend as they see fit. So I'm here to herald the tax cuts
    as they affected the small businesses of America but also as they affect
    the families of Wisconsin and America.

    [[Page 1504]]

        John, I want to thank you. I'm impressed by
    your operations. I particularly want to thank your workers for giving me
    a chance to come by and meet you. America is blessed by having a highly
    skilled workforce like we have, and that enables us to compete. This is
    a competitive company. It's a company that can't fill every order it
    gets because they're constrained by being able to find enough workers.
    It's one of the issues that faces America: Can we compete? And one way
    we compete is to make sure our education system educates people who've
    got the skills necessary to fill the jobs of the 21st century, just like
    they're being filled here at this company.
        Thank you all very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:29 a.m. at Fox Valley Metal-Tech, Inc.
    Participating in the event was John E. West, president, Fox Valley
    Metal-Tech, Inc.