“The steep job loss for February reported today by the Labor Department is simply confirmation that the Bush Administration’s economic policies are failing the American people, and another indication of the economic insecurities that face hard-working families.

           

“What is especially troubling is that this is the second straight month of job losses, and that the Labor Department had to reduce their original numbers for December and January.  Only 41,000 jobs were created in December – far less than the 82,000 originally reported and well below the monthly increase of 150,000 that is necessary just to keep pace with population growth.  Even more jobs were lost in January than previously stated, with 22,000 jobs lost as opposed to the 17,000 announced a month ago.

           

“The bipartisan economic stimulus passed by the Democratic Congress and signed into law by President Bush earlier this year was an important step forward, but it cannot possibly make up for the dismal performance of our economy over the last seven years.  Under this Administration, household incomes are down, while the number of uninsured has skyrocketed, poverty has risen, college costs have exploded, and gas prices have more than doubled.

           

“The Bush Administration seems flummoxed when it comes to the economy, and has taken a ‘hands-off’ approach.  It is imperative that our nation and our economy head in a new direction, and that will only occur when a Democrat occupies the White House.”