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 Proclamations Proc. 8024 Proclamation 8024 of May 24, 2006 Nationa] Homeownership Month, 2006 By the President o/the United States o/America A Proclamation Owning a home is an important part of the American dream. During Na- tional Homeownership Month, we raise awareness of homeownership and encourage more Americans to consider the benefits of owning their own home. Nearly 70 percent of Americans enioy the satisfaction of owning their own home, and my Administration continues to promote an ownership society where the promise of America reaches all our citizens. The American Dream Downpayment Act of 2003 is helping thousands of low to moderate income and minority families with downpayment and closing costs, which represent the greatest barrier to homeownership. Since 2002, when I an- nounced our goal to help 5.5 million minorities become homeowners by the end of this decade, the rate of minority homeownership has climbed above 50 percent, and more than 2.5 million minority families have become new homeowners. My Administration will continue to provide counseling and assistance for new homebuyers and expand homeownership opportuni- ties for all Americans. During National Homeownership Month and throughout the year, we ap- plaud the men and women who work to achieve the dream of homeowner- ship, and we are grateful for those who provide counseling, lending, real estate, construction, and other services to these individuals. The hard work, financial discipline, and personal responsibility of our country's home- owners help transform neighborhoods throughout our Nation and reflect the best qualities of America. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 2006 as National Homeownership Month. I call upon the people of the United States to ioin me in building a more hopeful society and recognizing the importance of expanding the ownership of homes across our great Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH 61

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