Washington, D.C., January 25, 2007-- The following statement is from Michael Makin, President and CEO of PIA/GATF, in response to President Bush’s State of the Union Address: “PIA is encouraged by many of the significant proposals put forth by President Bush in the State of the Union Address, and looks forward to ensuing policy dialogue on important issues like access to affordable health care, energy security and immigration reform. America’s printing industry provides health insurance to approximately 1.07 million workers, and rising costs continue to threaten the industry’s ability to provide quality benefits. PIA/GATF members support initiatives, such as Association Health Plans (Small Business Health Plans), Health Savings Accounts and other tax incentives, which provide more choice and flexibility in the health care marketplace to both employers and workers. Energy costs are also a serious pain point for American printers. PIA applauded the President’s signing of last year’s Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, and is hopeful that the White House will continue working with the Congress to achieve further energy independence which will, in turn, translate to energy cost savings for consumers. Immigration reform is another issue important to PIA members, and we encourage the President and the Congress to work toward an immigration policy that does not unfairly penalize employers who follow the nation’s laws in good faith. PIA looks forward to working with President Bush and the Congress to achieve important legislative solutions to the many challenges facing our industry and the business community as a whole.”