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Skriven 2005-05-25 23:33:08 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050525d) for Wed, 2005 May 25
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National Homeownership Month, 2005
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 25, 2005

National Homeownership Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America




For millions of individuals and families, the American Dream starts with
owning a home. When families move into a home of their own, they gain
independence and confidence, and their faith in the future grows. The
spread of ownership and opportunity helps give our citizens a vital stake
in the future of America and the chance to realize the great promise of our
country.

From the earliest days of our Nation, homeownership has embodied the core
American values of individual freedom, personal responsibility, and
self-reliance. A home provides children with a safe environment in which to
grow and learn. A home is also a tangible asset that provides owners with
borrowing power and allows our citizens to build wealth that they can pass
on to their children and grandchildren.

The benefits of homeownership extend to our communities. Families who own
their own homes have a strong interest in maintaining the value of their
investments, the safety of their neighborhoods, and the quality of their
schools. Homeownership is also a bedrock of the American economy, helping
to increase jobs, boost demand for goods and services, and build
prosperity.

More Americans than ever own their own homes, but we must continue to work
hard so that every family has an opportunity to realize the American Dream.
In 2002, I announced a goal to add 5.5 million new minority homeowners by
the end of the decade. Since then, we have added 2.3 million new minority
households. My Administration has also set a goal of adding 7 million new
affordable homes to the market within the next 10 years. In my FY 2006
budget, I proposed a single family housing tax credit and two mortgage
programs the Zero Downpayment mortgage and the Payment Incentives program
to help more families achieve homeownership. In 2003, I signed the American
Dream Downpayment Act, and I have proposed more than $200 million to
continue the American Dream Downpayment Initiative to provide downpayment
assistance to thousands of American families. By promoting initiatives such
as financial literacy, tax incentives for building affordable homes,
voucher programs, and Individual Development Accounts, we are strengthening
our communities and improving citizens' lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2005 as National
Homeownership Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe
this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities recognizing the
importance of homeownership.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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