[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 35 (Monday, September 3, 2007)]
[Pages 1131-1132]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

[[Page 1132]]

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.