While we welcome the news reported today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that 243,000 jobs were gained nationally as unemployment fell to 8.3 percent, these gains should not obscure the continued lack of relief for large segments of the population.

These groups include public sector workers, the long-term unemployed—those without a job for more than 6 months, as well as the part-time employed whose hours have been cut or who cannot find full-time work.

The public sector lost 14,000 jobs last month – and 300,000 in the last 12 months – largely due to budget cuts that have not only hurt state and local governments, but disproportionately harmed women and people of color.

Nor should we forget those workers who have fallen out of the labor market because they believe no jobs are available. Working America members are among the millions of those workers. This modest recovery is fragile and must be supported by good policy.
 
First, Congress should immediately pass a full and complete extension of unemployment insurance without imposing new requirements upon the nation’s unemployed or playing politics with a proven economic booster: every dollar spent on unemployment insurance spurs two in economic activity. They should also extend a payroll tax cut which will provide modest relief to working families across the country.

We applaud the latest news – but much more is needed.

Contact Aruna Jain: 202-674-6463
 202-637-3952