Markey Statement On Latest Jobs Reports

Statement

Today Congresswoman Betsy Markey released the following statement after the Department of Labor announced the U.S. economy lost 598,000 jobs in January, the largest one-month decline since 1974, and the unemployment rate hit 7.6%, its highest point in 16 years:

"Last month our economy lost 598,000 jobs," said Rep. Markey. "But these are not just numbers. These are people. Behind these numbers are people who have just lost their livelihoods and must now worry how they are going to pay their bills, feed their families, and heat their homes. It is clear that the economic recovery package that we pass in Congress must not only include measures to create new jobs, but it must include measures to save existing jobs. Without bold economic recovery legislation, more Americans will lose their jobs, their homes, and their health care. We cannot stand by and allow this recession to get worse. Now is the time for action to restore our economy and put Americans back to work."

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