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OPA News Release: [08/06/2004]
Contact Name: Lisa
Kruska
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao on July
Unemployment Numbers
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released
the following statement on the July unemployment numbers released today:
“July’s unemployment rate declined to 5.5 percent even as more
people entered the workforce, and the household survey shows that the number of
people who found new jobs increased by 629,000. (The labor participation rate
increased from 66% to 66.2%.) This is the 11th straight month of job
creation, with over 1.5 million jobs created since August 2003.
“While the payroll survey shows that new jobs increased by only
32,000, both surveys show continued growth and employment. In a very dynamic
workforce of 148 million people, it is difficult to measure and forecast
exactly the precise number of new jobs created.
“We will not be satisfied until every worker who wants a job can
find one. When Congress returns from its recess, it is imperative that its
members act on the President’s proposals to further strengthen our economy
through tort reform, energy independence, health insurance access for small
businesses, and permanent tax relief for working families.”
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