U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao

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As Delivered

Remarks to the Annual Legislative Conference
of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Washington, D.C.
March 13, 2003

Thank you Maria [Arita, host of Hispanics Today] for the kind introduction.

Let me congratulate tonight’s special award winners, White House Council Alberto Gonzales and Representative Robert Menendez. I also want to recognize White House Fellows Cesar Conde and Cesar Aristeiguieta.

And joining us in the audience tonight is the Labor Department’s Assistant Secretary for Veteran Affairs, Fred Juarbe. Fred’s agency, VETS, is working hard to see to that all reservists and National Guard members and their families are protected to the full extent of USERRA—the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

This Administration is strongly committed to supporting our citizen soldiers—and making sure that they will be reemployed with full seniority, including pension credit.

Our thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with our soldiers—and their families—as they fight terrorism abroad and defend freedom.

Over the past year, I have held a number of meetings with various representatives from the Hispanic business community—including a meeting hosted by Chamber President Herrera in New York City.

• Members of the Chamber told us about the need to unbundle federal contracts so small businesses can have new opportunities to openly compete for them.
• The Chamber also stressed the importance of breaking the language barrier so Latino workers can get their fair wages and feel safer on-the-job.
• And Chamber members discussed the need for affordable health care so they and their employees can stay healthy and secure.

This is one cabinet secretary, and Administration, that listens to your concerns. We heard, we understand, and we are acting!

Your success is vital to this country’s economic growth.

Today, two million Hispanic owned firms are generating $300 billion in revenue. In just a few short years, a majority of all minority-owned firms will be run by Hispanics. This is a tremendous accomplishment and what a tribute it is to the talent and drive of the Hispanic community!

I believe this audience knows that President George W. Bush deeply respects and appreciates the Hispanic Community—its love of country and entrepreneurial spirit.

That’s why the President nominated Miguel Estrada—who is with us tonight—for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. And Cari Dominguez, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, is also here.

In fact, President Bush has appointed more Americans of Hispanic heritage to top positions in the federal government than any other president in history.

It’s also the reason why President Bush is proposing a new jobs and growth package specifically aimed at helping small businesses grow and create more jobs in the community.

The President’s jobs and growth package:

• Accelerates the reductions in individual tax rates. Did you know that an average family of four with a household income of $40,000 will see their taxes decrease from approximately $1,100 a year to $42 a year.
• Eliminates the death tax for once and for all, so business owners can leave their firms to family members without facing heavy tax penalties.
• Triples the expensing limits on equipment purchases, giving small businesses the incentive they need to further invest and compete in the marketplace.
• Abolishes the double taxation on dividends, which increases the access to capital needed for businesses to grow.

This job and growth package will create real results for America’s working families. By the end of next year, it will pump an additional $52 billion into the economy and create 1.4 million new jobs.

And for those currently struggling to find work, the President’s growth package delivers immediate critical assistance by establishing Personal Re-employment Accounts. They will provide up to $3,000 to help unemployed workers custom design their own training, and purchase the supportive services they need—like childcare—to successfully return to the workforce.

This Administration also cares deeply about the Hispanic employers and workers who cannot access affordable health care.

That’s why the President supports proposals to allow businesses to purchase quality, affordable health care through Association Health Plans. By banding together, these Plans will make it possible for small employers to pool their resources and leverage their risk.

As these proposals move forward, Chamber members can be assured that the U.S. Department of Labor is prepared to administer these plans and protect employers and employees from fraudulent health care providers.

In all that we do, we want to make sure we’re reaching our to the Hispanic community. That’s why the Department has hired bilingual staff, and has Spanish language materials on hand or on the Web to assist employees and employers.

The Department of Labor remains committed to the enforcement of all protections offered by this country’s core labor standards—regardless of immigration status.

Protecting workers is what we do. We also ensure that our public workforce investment system helps train workers for good jobs in the 21^st century workforce.

With the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, we’re working to transform the $12 billion public workforce investment system. We want a demand driven, proactive system that responds quickly to changing economic and workforce needs. With the reforms we are proposing, business owners will have a real voice in local and state worker training programs. And we want you to be involved in those training programs, as well.

These are just a few examples that show how the Labor Department and its agencies are more attuned then ever to meeting the needs of the Hispanic community.

With over 1,100 men and women of Hispanic-descent working at the Department, we have the resources to make good on our promises!

Our doors will always be open to all of you. I look forward to working closely with you in the future to bring the promise of the American dream to every willing heart.

Have a great dinner!

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