FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
February 14, 2004
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Bush Economic Team Announces Trip to Washington, Oregon to Discuss the President's Efforts to Strengthen the Economy and Create Jobs
Department of the Treasury
U.S Department of Labor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2004
CONTACT: Rob Nichols 202-622-2920
Treasury Secretary John W. Snow, Commerce Secretary Don Evans, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, and Small Business Administration Administrator Hector Barreto will travel to Washington and Oregon on Tuesday, February 17th and Wednesday, February 18th to discuss the state of the economy and the jobs and growth plan - as well as other efforts by President Bush to create jobs, strengthen the economic recovery and increase workers' standards of living.
During the "Jobs and Growth Tour" Secretaries Snow, Evans and Chao and Administrator Barreto will participate in town hall-style meetings, roundtables, and tours in the two states, and will meet with families, workers, manufacturers, local business leaders, economic officials, small business owners, and individual investors.
Secretaries Snow, Evans and Chao conducted a similar tour of Wisconsin and Minnesota in July 2003.
President Bush has said many times, one worker out of work is too many and he wants everyone who wants to work be able to find a job. The President's Jobs and Growth tax relief package helped fuel the strong improvement in the economy during the past two quarters. It raised the level of economic activity, which increases incomes , created hundreds of thousands of new jobs and living standards for American workers , yet there is more to be done.
President Bush during the State of the Union announced new initiatives to strengthen economic growth, further reform education and job training, and address the rising cost of health care. During the two days, the four officials will focus on these new initiatives and specifically what we can do to make sure people are prepared for the jobs for the 21st century.
More than two million taxpayers in Washington, and more than one million taxpayers in Oregon, will have lower income tax bills in 2004 as a result of President Bush's Jobs and Growth Act.
During the two days, the officials will participate in events in Spokane, Richland and Yakima, Washington and Portland and Eugene, Oregon.
A detailed schedule will be released on Monday, February 16, 2004 on www.treas.gov.
Interview requests should be directed to Ginny Ward at 202-482-1008.
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