[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 39 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Pages 1253-1254]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

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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.