Remarks Following a Visit with Senior Citizens in Des Moines, Iowa April 11, 2006
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Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Apr. 11 The President. You recommend people than thought. In other words, one of the look at this thing? That’s a leading ques- things that’s important for our society to tion—I’m not even a lawyer. [Laughter] understand is that when you trust people, Mr. Vanderfeltz. No, I appreciate it very good things happen. It happens for them, much. Needless to say, I didn’t have to and it happens for society as a whole. go to school very far to find out that it I’m proud to be here in Missouri. I want saved me money. [Laughter] to thank you all for giving us a chance The President. I bet you’re plenty smart; to come by and say hello. We’re dealing you know what I’m saying? [Laughter] I with big issues. We’re dealing with health bet you know what you’re doing. care; we’re dealing with keeping the peace; I hope you all have found this inter- we’re helping our small businesses thrive. esting. You may not believe me, but you’ll It is a fantastic opportunity to come and believe Bob, or you’ll believe Helen, or thank you all for really being, however, you’ll believe Jerry. These are real-life ex- the—representing the true strength of amples of people who said, ‘‘I think I’ll America. And the true strength of this just take a look.’’ Twenty-nine million country is not in the size of our armies Americans have signed up so far. There’s or in the size of our wallets; it’s in the 7 million more we’re trying to reach. If size of our hearts. you’re one of the 7 million who have not And for those of you who are helping signed up, at least take a look—take a look a neighbor in need, helping a child to learn at what’s available for you. how to read, or providing shelter for the This Government of ours has modernized homeless or food for the hungry or advice Medicare so that we can look seniors in to the seniors, I want to thank you from the eye and say, ‘‘We’re doing the best the bottom of my heart for helping to make we can to make sure your medicine is mod- this Nation the greatest nation on the face ern.’’ We don’t want people choosing be- of the Earth. tween electricity bills or food and their Thanks for coming, and God bless. pharmaceuticals, like that was happening a while back. This program makes sense for our sen- NOTE: The President spoke at 12:37 p.m. at iors. It makes sense for our taxpayers. Do the Etta and Joseph Miller Performing Arts you realize that because there’s choice in Center. In his remarks, he referred to Cyn- the marketplace, because we’ve trusted sen- thia Brinkley, president, AT&T—Missouri; iors to pick a plan that meets their needs, Carl Rausch, president, Lutheran Senior the estimated costs in the first year to the Services; and Gov. Matt Blunt and Lt. Gov. Federal Government are 20 percent less Peter D. Kinder of Missouri. Remarks Following a Visit With Senior Citizens in Des Moines, Iowa April 11, 2006 Senator Grassley and I are thrilled to it’s very important for people to understand be here. One of the things that’s happening that this is a very beneficial program. is that people around the country are be- And so I’m spending time today and to- ginning to realize there’s a new prescription morrow, as I have in previous months, re- drug benefit for folks on Medicare. And minding people that it doesn’t cost anything to look—that people ought to take a look 705 15 2010 09:35 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 211656 PO 00000 Frm 00705 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\211656.015 211656 Apr. 11 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 and see what this good program does for is happening all across the country. I want people. to thank those who are here for helping I want to thank Senator Grassley. He our fellow citizens understand what’s avail- was very instrumental in getting this impor- able. I fully recognize that when you have tant piece of legislation through the Con- a variety of choices from which to choose, gress. One of the things I remember him it can be a little confusing at first. In other saying to me is that ‘‘as we pass a Medicare words, people get on the computer and bill, let’s make sure that Iowa rural hos- say, ‘‘Look at all these different options.’’ pitals are taken care of.’’ In other words, But the good thing about the programs he was deeply concerned to make sure and the people who are willing to help Medicare was modernized, so seniors have is that they can design a program that choices and a prescription drug coverage, meets your needs. And that’s really impor- but he was also concerned to make sure tant. Now, if you’re a son or a daughter that rural health was available for the citi- whose mom or dad is Medicare-eligible, zens of Iowa and around the country. And please help your parent; please do your Senator Grassley has been a strong leader duty. If you’re in a church or a community in this effort. center, find an elderly citizen who has yet I strongly urge the seniors here in Iowa to sign up for Medicare and show him or to take a look. So far about 29 million her what is possible. This is a good program seniors have signed up around the country. for our seniors. It is a good deal, and it’s I met with some folks today that have saved very important for seniors to sign up prior good money. Today, for example, I met to May 15th. with Helen and Debbie. Helen saved $200 And so I’m thrilled to be back in your a month in her prescription drug coverage, State, Senator. Iowa has got a special spot and she convinced her friend, Debbie, to in my heart. I bring greetings from the take a look at the Medicare prescription First Lady Bush. And I also, again, encour- drug plan. Debbie now saves $1,200 a age the citizens here in Iowa and around month—saves $1,200 a month. the country who are eligible for Medicare, So I urge people not to listen to the to make sure you look at the program. And noise and all the politics—just get that out again, I remind you of the examples of of the system—and see whether or not the Helen and Debbie. Debbie’s case is an ex- prescription drug coverage makes sense. If traordinary case, where she is receiving a you’re a poor senior, this program will help lot of help. And that’s what we want this you a lot. As a matter of fact, the Govern- program to do, is to provide people with ment pays nearly—over 95 percent of the a lot of help. benefits for poor seniors. So thank you very much. The Senator Every senior is saving money, and that’s and I look forward to greeting you person- what people have got to know. There is ally. Appreciate you letting us come by to an easy way to find out how the program say hello. works, and that’s to call 1–800–MEDI- CARE, or you can go on the computer NOTE: The President spoke at 3:20 p.m. at systems at medicare.gov. Here we’re seeing Wesley Acres retirement community. A tape some of our fellow citizens reaching out was not available for verification of the con- to seniors to explain the program. And this tent of these remarks. 706 15 2010 13:51 Jun 03, 2010 Jkt 211656 PO 00000 Frm 00706 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\211656.015 211656 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Apr. 11 Remarks at a Reception for Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Nussle in Des Moines April 11, 2006 Thank you all. Please be seated. Thanks want is leadership. And they’ll get strong for coming. Governor, I appreciate that in- leadership in Jim Nussle as the Governor. troduction. I can’t tell you how delighted And I’m proud to be with his wife, I am to support Jim Nussle as the next Karen, the next first lady of the State of Governor of the State of Iowa. He was Iowa. I know something about First La- there—he was there in Amana. No ques- dies—I’m married to one. [Laughter] And tion about it. He introduced me. What he Laura sends her love. Nussle came out to forgot to tell you was, he actually sang. the airport, and he said, ‘‘Fine, I’m glad [Laughter] He’ll be known as the singing to have you here this time of the year, Governor of Iowa. [Laughter] but when we’re coming down the stretch, I’ve gotten to know this man real well. make sure you send the A Team.’’ [Laugh- I’ve seen him when the heat’s on. You ter] I said, ‘‘Which one, Mother or Laura?’’ know, you can judge a person in Wash- [Laughter] He said, ‘‘Both.’’ [Laughter] ington by how they react to pressure. Jim They both want Jim Nussle to be the Gov- Nussle stands strong when there’s pressure.