Reichert Calls for Action on Jobs as Unemployment Eclipses 10%
Washington, DC,
Nov 6 -
Congressman
Dave Reichert (WA-08) released this statement today following the announcement
of October’s unemployment numbers:
“Not since
1983 has the unemployment rate eclipsed 10 percent. Families are hurting and
continuing to struggle, and the stimulus bill has so far proven ineffective in
creating jobs. Congress must take bipartisan action on solutions with a proven
track record of creating jobs, including broad-based tax relief, opening new
markets through trade, and targeted infrastructure investments, not more
reckless government spending on the backs of our grandchildren.
“Getting
Americans back to work must be the absolute, number one priority. This is
especially critical to WashingtonState in light of the recent announcement of the
second Boeing 787 line going to South
Carolina. Yet instead of considering policies to
jumpstart our economy, Congress is debating a health care proposal that will
cost $1.3 trillion, running our country farther into debt while also taxing
small businesses. The last thing Congress should contemplate during these
difficult economic times is raising taxes on those with a proven record of
creating new jobs. To do so would only cloud our future with greater
uncertainty.”
Background:
According
to recovery.gov,
the Eighth Congressional District in WashingtonState has only had 175
jobs created due to the stimulus. Earlier this year, the White House projected
that 75,000 jobs would be created in WashingtonState as a direct result
of the stimulus law. According to state payroll employment data through the end
of September, Washington has instead lost
65,900 jobs, and 49 states and the District
of Columbia have also seen job losses – not gains,
with more than 3 million jobs lost nationwide since the stimulus began. In
fact, the Associated Press has reported
the President’s own economic advisor recently said that the stimulus would soon
likely be contributing little to further growth.
