Commerce Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Kathleen B. Cooper had the following statement about the President's economic growth and jobs package.

"President Bush's plan encourages short-term growth and long-term confidence. The package is balanced, fair, and innovative - providing more take-home pay for taxpayers and more incentives for business to invest.

"By merely accelerating the effective date of the 2001 tax cuts, the President builds on the success of last year's measure, which passed with bipartisan support. Abolishing the double taxation of dividends is a boost for seniors, as almost half of this benefit would go to those 65 and over.

"The President's plan will help those who have lost their jobs in two ways. First, we promote investment that leads to job creation. Second the President is calling for extended unemployment benefits and new reemployment accounts to get displaced workers back on the job."