Hilda L. Solis: “let us clear the air. As President Bush crisscrosses the country touting the state of our economy, it is time for a…”

“let us clear the air. As President Bush crisscrosses the country touting the state of our economy, it is time for a reality check: 1.7 million jobs have been lost under this President's watch; 1.4 million people lost their health insurance last year; and 4.3 million people, 4.3 million people, have slipped into poverty. In my district in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, 30,000 people are looking for work, 24,000 people are now living in poverty, and one out of every three residents lacks health insurance in my district. Eight million Americans are looking for work. Now the Bush administration has announced an $11.60 increase in Medicare premiums. For seniors in my district, that makes a difference. That means they may not be able to afford food and clothing; $11 is a big deal for people in my district. Democrats have a plan to cut taxes for middle-class families, protect overtime, and provide incentives for businesses. It is time for us to change the President.”