    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [September 25, 2006]
    [Pages 1697-1698]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of Meyer Tool, Inc., in Cincinnati, Ohio
    September 25, 2006

        I've come to this company because, first of all, I like to honor the
    entrepreneurial spirit. We've got a father and
    a son who are running this company and making
    sure of two things: One, they're on the leading edge of technological
    change, and two, they got a workforce that is trained and prepared to be
    able to provide product.
        This is a company that has benefited from the tax cuts. They've
    increased their employment by about 125 over the past 12 months. They've
    expanded because of the bonus depreciation schedule; in other words, the
    tax cuts encouraged them to buy equipment, and when you buy equipment,
    you expand your business. Plus, this

    [[Page 1698]]

    is a company that benefited from the cut in the individual income tax
    rates; this is a subchapter S.
        This economy of ours is strong. And one of the main reasons it's
    strong is because of the tax cuts that we passed. And the fundamental
    question facing the country is, will we keep taxes low? Some have
    advocated that we ought to raise taxes on individuals, which would take
    money out of the pockets of this company. And if you take money out of
    the treasury of this company, it means it's less likely somebody is
    going to find work. So I think we ought to keep taxes low so companies
    like this can continue to expand and grow.
        This is an important debate facing the United States of America. I
    believe that small businesses are the backbone to economic vitality. I
    know that most new jobs are created by small businesses just like this
    one, and I know the tax cuts we passed have helped this small business
    expand. Congress needs to make the tax cuts we passed permanent so these
    entrepreneurs can plan. You hear people say, ``Well, we're not going to
    extend the tax cuts,'' that means they're going to raise taxes on the
    small business just like this one. And it's bad economic policy, and it
    will be bad for our country.
        Anyway, I want to thank you all for letting us join you. I'm
    impressed by your company. I know your workforce is vibrant, growing,
    well trained. I know you know that you couldn't be doing what you're
    doing without a good workforce. So I want to thank you for taking care
    of them as well. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:22 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Arlyn Easton, president and principal owner, and Beau Easton, director
    of continuous improvement, Meyer Tool, Inc. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.