For Immediate Release
January 9, 2009 |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Office: 202.225.4961
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Jobs Report Underlines Need for Economic Recovery Package |
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Unemployment Insurance, Training, and Job Creation Essential |
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(Washington D.C.)- {In response to today’s announcement from the Department of Labor (DoL) that the number of unemployed Americans went up to more than 11 million -- the highest level in 25 years -- Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) today reiterated the importance of fast action on a recovery project and inclusion of unemployment insurance expansion, Trade Adjustment Assistance and job creation funds. DoL figures released today indicated that 524,000 jobs were lost in December alone, with over a million jobs lost in the last two months, and 2.5 million jobs lost in 2008. The national unemployment rate also jumped to 7.2 percent.
“This recession is growing deeper for our nation and much more difficult for individual families,” said Rep. Levin. “We must act quickly and effectively to both jumpstart the economy and put in place long-term recovery measures like job creation, job training and key investments in advanced technology manufacturing.”
December national employment data:
• National unemployment rate for December: 7.2%. Up from 6.8% in November (this number was revised up from the originally reported rate of 6.7% for November). The current unemployment rate is the highest since January 1993.
• Jobs lost nationally in December: 524,000. Over 2008, the U.S. has lost 2.51 million jobs. 1.1 million were lost in the last two months alone.
• Manufacturing jobs lost in December: 149,000. Since August, 445,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the U.S. has lost 791,000 manufacturing jobs.
• Number of unemployed people, December: 11.1 million. Since the start of the recession, the number of unemployed people has increased by 3.6 million. The current level is the highest in 25 years.
• Number of long-term unemployed, December: 2.6 million. This number is almost double what it was in January 2008. It is still the highest level of long-term unemployed since 1983.
In addition to continuing to Chair the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, Rep. Levin has joined the Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee with direct jurisdiction over the unemployment insurance program.
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To Contact Congressman Levin: -
Email Congressman Levin In Michigan: 27085 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066 | (586) 498-7122 | (248) 968-2025
In Washington: 1236 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-4961
