js-1888: Secretary Snow Visits Lima, Ohio to Address Credit Unions on Friday



	FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS September 7, 2004 js-1888 Secretary Snow Visits Lima, Ohio to Address Credit Unions on Friday U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow will visit Lima, Ohio on Friday, September 10 to speak to the National Credit Union Administration meeting of the Ohio credit union community. Secretary Snow will discuss the President's efforts to strengthen the economy and create jobs, as well as a wide range of issues of importance to Ohio credit union members. The Secretary will be joined by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Michael Oxley of Ohio. "As a result of the President's economic leadership, we have overcome a recession and seen 12 straight months of job creation, totaling 1.7 million new U.S. jobs since August 2003," said Secretary Snow. "The President's tax reform policies have ensured that more than 4.4 million Ohio taxpayers will have lower income tax bills in 2004." During this trip to Ohio, Secretary Snow also will discuss the Administration's efforts to control health care costs, reduce frivolous lawsuits and ensure that America has reliable and affordable sources of energy. "While the economy is on solid footing, we are not satisfied and there is still more work to be done. We need to continue to push for pro-growth policies that will create jobs and raise standards of living," Secretary Snow said. Recent indicators show that President Bush's economic policies continue to move the economy forward. According to the Labor Department, the national unemployment rate declined to 5.4% in August – down 0.9 percentage point from a peak of 6.3% in June 2003 and the lowest rate since October 2001. At 5.4%, the unemployment rate is below the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Employment over the last year was up in 46 of the 50 states and the unemployment rate was down in all regions and in 49 of the 50 states. The following events are open to the media, which must present media credentials or photo ID: Friday, September 10 Remarks to National Credit Union Administration's Forum for Credit Unions 12:45 pm Holiday Inn 1920 Roschman Lima, Ohio Media should arrive by 12:00 pm A brief press availability will occur immediately following the event -30-