Congressman Eric Massa Calls For The Passage Of Stimulus Package In The Face Of Mounting Unemployment Figures

Press Release

In the largest one month increase in unemployment since 1974, January Unemployment figures increase to 7.6% after a December rate of 7.2%

CORNING, NY- This morning it was announced that January unemployment levels rose to 7.6% after a previous rate of 7.2% in December. During January, 598,000 jobs were lost around the United States. This news represents the single largest one month job loss since December of 1974 and is the highest unemployment rate since the fall of 1992.

With this dismal news, Congressman Eric Massa renewed his call for the passage of the Economic Stimulus plan which is currently being debated in the Senate. Last night on a telephone townhall meeting with approximately 10,000 of his constituents, Congressman Massa discussed the importance of passing this bill to help slow the increasing unemployment rate. The Economic Stimulus plan is projected to create and protect 3-4 million jobs, lower taxes for working Americans and this will all be done with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability.

"The fact that we've just seen 598,000 jobs cut in the month of January is unacceptable," said Congressman Eric Massa. "Our recession is deepening and we need real action right now. If passed, the economic stimulus package would create and protect 3-4 million jobs, lower taxes for working Americans and creates a new standard of transparency and accountability in the process."

"Our friends, neighbors, and families are suffering because of 8 years of failed economic policies from the Bush administration. I was elected to help the people of Western New York and that's why I voted to pass the economic stimulus package."

"If this bill is signed into law, it's been projected by the Governor's office that nearly $400 million will be spent right here in New York's 29th Congressional District. This money will be used to rebuild our roads and schools, keep teachers in the classroom, and create good jobs right here in Western New York. We need to take direct action to slow the recession and lower our unemployment figures before this recession deepens."

"I call on the Senate to put partisan politics aside and pass the economic stimulus package so we can start strengthening our economy."

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