    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [August 28, 2007]
    [Pages 1124-1125]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the National Economy
    August 28, 2007

        When we keep taxes low, spending in check, and our economy open--
    conditions that empower businesses to create new jobs--all Americans
    benefit. Census Bureau data released today confirms that more of our
    citizens are doing better in this economy, with continued rising incomes
    and more Americans pulling themselves out of poverty.
        The Census data shows that income gains in 2006 were substantial and
    widespread

    [[Page 1125]]

    across all income categories. And the largest percentage income gains
    occurred for people in the bottom 20 percent of incomes.
        The data also shows that poverty levels improved significantly, with
    nearly half a million fewer people living below the poverty line in 2006
    than in 2005. Moreover, the poverty rate in 2006 was lower than all but
    one year in the 1980s and 1990s.
        The Census data also shows that challenges remain in reducing the
    number of uninsured Americans. Containing costs and making health
    insurance more affordable is the best way to reverse this long-term
    trend. I have put forth a reform proposal that would fairly distribute
    the tax advantages to purchasing health insurance, encouraging more
    workers to purchase their own health insurance.
        What American workers do not need right now are tax increases to
    fuel excess spending by the Congress. I encourage Democratic leaders in
    Congress to resist their urge to increase taxes on Americans and to live
    within the budget limits I've proposed. It's vital that we do not
    undermine an economy that has created more than 8.2 million new jobs
    over the past 4 years and is improving standards of living for so many
    American families.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this statement.