DATE=AUGUST 30, 2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH LABOR DAY (S)

NUMBER=2-307007

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says record tax cuts are helping revive a struggling U-S economy. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, Democrats say the president's tax cuts are creating huge federal deficits.

TEXT: President Bush says American workers celebrating this Labor Day weekend are taking home more of their paychecks thanks to a series of tax cuts he has pushed to stimulate the economy.

Millions of families have now received checks for up to 400-dollars per child as part of those cuts. Mr. Bush says the 13-billion-dollar pay-out is helping many people cover back-to-school expenses.

/// BUSH ACT ///

As consumer spending rises, manufacturers are seeing more new orders for their goods. Low interest rates mean businesses have better balance sheets, and families have saved billions of dollars by refinancing their homes. These are the signs of a reviving economy.

/// END ACT ///

Labor Day is the traditional start of the presidential campaign, and the economy will be central to Mr. Bush's bid for re-election. He is visiting the states of Ohio, Missouri and Indiana in the coming week to talk about the economy.

Democratic opponents say the president's tax cuts unfairly favor wealthier Americans and blame Mr. Bush for more job losses as unemployment now tops six percent.

(SIGNED)

NEB/MEM