Bush defends tax cuts

INDIANAPOLIS -- A crowd of 500 to 800 people anxiously awaited the arrival of President George Bush in Indianapolis Friday afternoon. Bush was visiting the state capitol to address economic concerns and raise funds for his 2004 re-election campaign. This was the president's second trip to the state this year. \nSpeaking at Langham, a global freight management company, Bush deflected recent criticism of his economic policy while acknowledging the country's deficit. \n"About a quarter of the deficit was caused by the tax relief," he told the mostly Republican crowd. "But the tax relief is helping us recover from the recession. It was needed to make this economy grow. And as the economy grows, more revenues come into the treasury." \nThe president explained that by having more money in circulation, more people are spending, which has a positive affect on the economy. Bush spoke of four families, which included Kevin and Lora Bibey, who received or saved money with this year's tax relief. \n"(The Bibeys) saved about $1,900 as a result of the tax relief. Kevin Bibey told me, 'You know, I'm going to use that money to help repair my car,'" he said. "That means the guy who repairs the car, he's getting a little extra work. That means he's going to be able to have a little money in his pocket, as well."\nBush also spoke of the benefits his tax relief plan provides for small businesses. \nCathy Langham started the Langham company 15 years ago. Langham said her business which currently consists of 55 employees, will now be able to hire five more workers because of the money she received from her taxes. She explained that the company will be able to buy new computer software that will boost Langham's competitiveness with other larger companies. \n"Small businesses across this country understand a very simple truth; we have a friend in George Bush," Langham said.\nDuke Brown, president of Duke's Earth Services Inc., said he was surprised by Bush's efforts and his recognition of small businesses. \n"Bush really understands our need to compete with larger corporations," Brown said.\nState Rep. Cindy Noe said she was thrilled that the president has small businesses on his radar screen. \n"(Bush) really hit the points I was looking for," Noe said. "I know everyone does not agree with everything Bush says, but personally I admire him because he is a man of character." \nContinuing his speech, Bush addressed further concerns about the country's deficit. He explained that a large part of the debt came from the Sept. 11 attacks, which cost America about $80 billion and subsequent military spending. \n"A quarter of the deficit is caused by the fact that we're spending money to defend America. My attitude is, anytime we put one of our troops in harm's way, they deserve the best pay, the best training and the best possible equipment," he said. \nBush also touched briefly on health care. Indianapolis residents Kent and Nancy Lochmueller said they had hoped Bush would have laid out more of a plan to attack the growing problem.\n"Health care is a growing issue in this country," Kent said. \nThough some from the crowd shared the Lochmueller's concerns, the majority were pleased with the outcome of the speech. \n"He did more than just speak; he inspired," said Indianapolis resident Scott Ferguson.\nAfter his speech at Langham, Bush attended a $2,000-a-head fundraising event, increasing his re-election war chest by $1.6 million. \n-- Contact staff writer Monica Dix at mcdix@indiana.edu.