Secretary's Speech

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Remarks to Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri

Thank you. I'm delighted to be here in Kansas City I was pleased by the invitation to discuss our Hispanic community and how we are contributing to America's strong economy. There is no better place than a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to have that conversation.

I know that next year, this Chamber will celebrate its 30th anniversary--let me commend you for your foresight in knowing the importance that our community would play in the commerce of this region.

Strong Economy
Thanks to the sound, low-tax policies of this Administration, and the hard work of American workers and business people, our economy is strong and healthy. Consider these facts:

• As a result of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, 44 million families with children will save an average of $2,493.
• So far this year, GDP is growing at an annual rate of 3.2% (year-to-date growth)--the same pace as last year.
• The unemployment rate is 4.6%.
• More than 6.6 million new jobs have been created in the U.S. over the past three years. That's 37 months of straight job growth.

Employment in Kansas and Missouri has increased by 29,200 over the past 12 months and by 110,000 since the labor market began its turn around in Aug 2003.

More Americans are working then ever before, more Americans from all walks of life own their own homes, and more Americans are earning college degrees.

We will continue to create jobs and opportunities for Americans as long as we maintain pro-growth polices that keep taxes low and our export markets open.

Free Trade is Working for America
When it comes to free trade, this Administration has demonstrated its commitment to opening markets and strengthening ties and cooperation among nations.

We have implemented FTA's with 10 countries since 2001, resulting in a stronger global economy. Our FTA partners represent 7 percent of the global economy, but 43 percent of U.S. exports.

Recently, the Census Bureau announced that the U.S. crossed a threshold that no other developed country can claim. We are now home to more than 300 million people.

We are the only major advanced nation experiencing rapid population growth and we are the fastest growing advanced economy.

And America's Hispanic population is helping to fuel that growth. We are the fastest growing segment in America. Consider these facts:

• One in seven Americans is of Hispanic origin.
• Half of our Hispanic Americans are under 27.
• One in five American children is of Hispanic origin.
• The Hispanic growth rate is three times the national average.

Latino Contribution to Economy
While we are clearly contributing to the population, that's not the only story. Hispanic entrepreneurs are contributing to the economy as well:

Hispanic-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, growing 31 percent between 1997 and 2002--also three times the national average for all businesses.

• The U.S. Hispanic Chamber estimates Hispanic-owned businesses generated about $300 billion.
• There were two million Hispanic-owned businesses.

And these numbers are continuing to grow. Many Hispanic businesses are small businesses, which truly show the great entrepreneurial energy of Hispanic Americans.

Here in the greater Kansas City region, entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners like you here in the room are key to the economy.

In 2005, there were nearly half a million small businesses in Missouri, with a combined income of $13.5 billion. Last year, there were more than 240,000 small businesses in Kansas.

Consider some of the successes of business owners' right here in Kansas City.

On Friday night you will recognize one local business owner who is celebrating 25 years in business: Clara Reyes. Clara is a pioneer for the local community, and her Dos Mundos newspaper has been a vital resource for Hispanics throughout the region.

And Manny Lopez--owner of Manny's Restaurante Mexicano, where I'm told you can get really good food--was recently inducted into the Missouri Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. He was the first Hispanic business owner to do so.

So not only are Hispanics bringing business to the region--we're bringing a piece of our culture as well.

Hispanic Americans, as immigrants or descendants of immigrants, have a life story to tell. Most of our stories involve seeking economic and political freedom.

I was born in Havana, Cuba and my parents fled the Island for freedom here in the U.S. when I was six. We worked hard, learned English and benefited from the power of freedom.

And while the numbers show Hispanic Americans have begun to reach some economic success, we must not pursue it without political success. We must encourage our communities to fully engage in the political system and not stand on the edges looking in.
Immigration
The U.S. is a nation of immigrants. Since our earliest days, different waves of immigrants have come to these shores, taking great risk, but coming with a tremendous hope. Generations of Americans have made their mark on this great nation.

Immigration is the domestic social issue of our time.

The Census Bureau predicts that there will be 102.6 million Hispanic Americans by 2050, making up a full quarter of the population.

This tremendous growth brings great opportunity. And it will bring new energy and vitality to the country. But it also brings great responsibility.

Last week, President Bush signed into law a bill that took an important step forward in our nation's efforts to control our borders and reform our immigration system. Comprehensive immigration reform begins with securing the border. Now we must also take steps which recognize contribution of immigration to our economy.

Latinos and Politics
More than ever before, Hispanic Americans are playing an important role in setting the direction of our country. Consider the growth in Hispanic officeholders:

• Two dozen Hispanic-American members in Congress.
• Over 300 appointees in the Cabinet and throughout the Bush Administration.
• More than 5,000 elected and appointed Hispanic officials at all levels of state and local government.

In 2004, 7.6 million Hispanics reported voting in the presidential election. We need to encourage even greater participation.

As you are well aware, there is an election next week, in which we must ensure the Latino voice is heard.

I encourage this Hispanic Chamber to be active in the political process, and help the Latino community in Kansas City become informed about the important issues impacting our economy, our security and our future.

Latino politics are still being defined and we must not let anyone take us for granted. As a Latino-American, I believe that the only thing that Latinos want is opportunity.

Our parents and grandparents came to this country for freedom, hope, and a better future. They did not come for a handout. They did not come in search of paternalism. They came in search of an opportunity.

Like you, I am a reflection of what this country is all about. I am proud to be a part of a generation that calls itself Hispanic-American, or Latino-American. I have cultural and language roots that are Hispanic. And those roots have blended with American culture.

Those of you in business have the opportunity to contribute to society. We need to encourage others to engage economically, but also to engage civically and culturally as well. It is only by fully engaging in every aspect of American life that we will achieve success as a community.

That is what generations of Americans before us have done. And that is what we must do now.

Irish, Italians, Greeks, Eastern Europeans, Vietnamese--it's our turn. We can make a better society.

Closing
In closing, let me thank you again for the opportunity to address this group. I enjoy traveling around the country and meeting with the thriving Hispanic groups like yours, which are becoming an important part of the fabric of many communities.