[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 32 (Monday, August 14, 2006)]
[Page 1451]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the National Economy in Green Bay

August 10, 2006

    The President. John, thank you very much for your hospitality.
    John E. West. You're welcome, Mr. President.
    The President. 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.
    John, I want to thank you. I'm impressed by your operation. 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. A tape was not available for verification of the 
content of these remarks.