The President has an aggressive agenda to help sustain the economic recovery, foster long term economic growth and prosperity, and usher in a new era of integrity in American business.

To discuss this agenda, and to foster discussion of a new ideas for economic growth, the President will hold the Economic Forum at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The President will bring together government decision markers, small investors, small business owners industry experts,workers, business ethicists, unions, corporate executives, economists, young Americans, and others, to discuss how the current economy is performing and the steps needed to foster sustained economic growth for the future. The President has also encouraged Members of Congress to hold similar discussions in their congressional districts.

The Forum will feature multiple breakout sessions on key economic issues.from corporate responsibility to job creation, and from small investors to trade.

Agenda

*Economic Recovery & Job Creation
Chaired by Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill

*Corporate Responsibility
Chaired by Commerce Secretary Don Evans

*Small Investors & Retirement Security
Chaired by Council of Economic Advisors Chairman Glenn Hubbard

*Health Care Security
Chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson

*Small Business & Smarter Regulation
Chaired by Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels

*Education & Workers
Chaired by Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Rod Paige

*Trade & Agriculture
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and
U.S.Trade Representative Robert Zoellick

*Technology & Innovation
Chaired by Energy Secretary Spence Abraham

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RADIO ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH TO THE NATION

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Tuesday, I will host an economic forum at Baylor University, in Texas, to meet with people on the front lines of the American economy. Small business owners, working people, investors, corporate leaders, economists, farmers and government policy makers are coming together to discuss where our economy stands, the impact of the policies we have put in place, and the steps we are taking as we move forward

After a recession that was beginning as I took office, the terrorist attacks of September the 11th and the corporate scandals that have recently come to light, the American economy faces challenges. Yet, the great strengths of America are more than equal to its challenges. American workers are productive, American entrepreneurs are visionary, and we are acting to reach the full potential of our economy.

These efforts began last year with a tax cut that boosted our economy at just the right time, and continues to put more money into the hands of consumers. I have just signed into law Trade Promotion Authority, which I will use to open foreign markets to American goods, creating high paying jobs at home. I worked with Congress to enact new laws designed to keep corporate executives and auditors honest, and to punish those who are not. And we are actively investigating, arresting and prosecuting corporate wrongdoers.

And this week, hundreds of companies will submit signed statements to the SEC, either verifying that their financial records are accurate, or investors know if there are any problems.

Yet, there is more we must do: more to promote long-term growth and create jobs in our economy; more to enforce budget discipline in Congress, so we can focus on urgent priorities like the war on terror; more to guarantee pension security and improve access to affordable health care; more to educate every child for economic and personal success.

At next week's economic forum, we will discuss all these topics. Economists will provide their latest ideas and analysis of the economic recovery. But I'm also eager to hear from Americans from all walks of life, who are working hard to make ends meet during these uncertain economic times. And I expect I will get a wide variety of suggestions on strengthening the economy.

Let me tell you about some of the Americans participating in this forum. Xavier Teixido, a restaurant owner from Delaware, he immigrated to this country from Paraguay when he was two years old, and worked his way up in the restaurant business. He was recently elected Chairman of the Board of the National Restaurant Association.

Maria Sobrino is another entrepreneur who will attend the forum. In 1982, she brought her mother's traditional Mexican desserts to the U.S. market. Twenty years later, she owns a successful food production company in Southern California.

Mr. Teixido and Mrs. Sobrino will tell us about the obstacles small business owners face, and offer opinions about how the federal government can help small businesses thrive and create more jobs.

Robert Landon and Jimmie Morgan will also join us at the forum. Robert is a driver for UPS down in Waco, and a member of the Teamsters. Jimmie works for Boeing in Wichita, Kansas, and he has held a number of jobs in the company, from factory worker to management. Robert and Jimmie know that more trade means more jobs, and they want to be sure our nation continues to open foreign markets to American goods.

With the help of Xavier Teixido, Maria Sobrino, Robert Landon, Jimmie Morgan and other participants, the economic forum will generate ideas to strengthen our economy, and make workers and investors more secure. I look forward to participating in the discussions and sharing our findings with the American people.

Thank you for listening.

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