Washington, D.C.---- Congressman Bobby L. Rush issued the following statement upon the release of the new unemployment numbers by the U.S. Department of Labor:

“The release of today’s unemployment numbers show that the economy is picking up — but its not enough.  We have lost some over 3 million jobs in the private sector since President Bush took office.  Now, in the 2 ½  years since the Bush Administration has been in office, the unemployment rate in Illinois is still at an unacceptable 6.7%, higher than the national rate.  For African Americans, the unemployment rate is at 10.25%.  The number of long-term unemployed still remains at its highest level in 10 years.

These figures in no way reflect the disenfranchisement of the unemployed in my District.  The majority of African Americans still suffer more than any other ethnic group. History has shown us that African Americans are unemployed longer, and are less likely to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

 Before we adjourn next week, I urge my colleagues in the U.S. Congress to extend unemployment insurance benefits to help to create jobs here in Illinois. 

Let’s put American families back to work!”

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