Bush says economy will come out stronger

updated 3:10 p.m. ET March 26, 2008

STERLING, Va. - President Bush said Wednesday the sagging economy will "come out stronger than ever before" with the help of tax rebates from the recently enacted economic stimulus package.

"I fully recognize that people are concerned about our economy, but they must understand that this package has yet to fully kick in yet," the president said.

He commented after a visit to a printing company, ColorCraft of Virginia, Inc.

The troubled economy is the No. 1 concern of voters in this presidential election year, surpassing the war in Iraq.

The administration says that although the economy has slowed, it will be revived when millions of Americans begin receiving tax rebate checks in the second week of May.

"A lot of folks are going to be getting a sizable check," the president said. "I'm looking forward to that day and I know they are as well."

The president said his administration _ with legislation approved by Congress _ had taken "decisive action" by getting money for taxpayers and businesses, which are to receive tax incentives to invest. He said that will create new jobs.

"Small business owners are dreamers and doers," Bush said. "We want to watch them and help them expand."

Bush says there is a rough patch right now in the economy, "But I'm confident that in the long term, we'll come out stronger than ever before."

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