A Proclamation by the President of the United
States of America
The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust
and strong, and small businesses are thriving throughout our great
Nation. The opportunity to own a business is an important part
of the American dream. During Small Business Week, we celebrate
small business owners and employees who are willing to take risks
and work hard in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their
families.
Our economy has created almost 5 million jobs
since August 2003. Small businesses create most new jobs in our
country, and small businesses have been a driving force behind
America's tremendous economic growth and job creation. By adopting
sound economic policies that help small businesses continue to
grow and expand, we will keep our economy moving forward and create
more jobs for American workers.
My Administration remains committed to fostering
an environment where innovation succeeds and small businesses
can flourish. We are working with the Congress to make the tax
relief permanent and to pass Association Health Plans to allow
small businesses to join together and buy insurance at the same
discounts big businesses receive. We are encouraging small business
owners and employees to consider health savings accounts, which
help small businesses provide health insurance for their workers
and give consumers greater flexibility in how they spend their
dollars. We also are continuing to work to open new markets for
American products and services abroad. Putting a stop to the frivolous
lawsuits that drive up the cost of doing business will further
help small businesses enhance the quality of life for their employees
and their communities.
During Small Business Week, and throughout the
year, we applaud the men and women who own and operate small businesses
and spur economic growth. Through their entrepreneurial spirit
and commitment to excellence, they help ensure that America remains
a place where dreams are realized.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim April 9 through April 15, 2006, as Small Business Week.
I call upon the people of the United States to observe this week
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that celebrate
the achievements of small business owners and their employees
and encourage the development of new small businesses.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand
six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
