Larson Praises Unemployment Extension, Says We Must Put Americans Back To Work Now

Press Release

Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, responded to Congress' approval of legislation to extend unemployment insurance for up to 20 weeks, extend the first-time homebuyer's tax credit, provide mortgage relief to our military families, and provide tax breaks to small businesses.

"The House of Representatives made it clear today that we are standing with the American people who have lost their jobs, their homes and their health insurance, with short-term help to weather these difficult economic times and long-term solutions to get our economy back on track. By extending unemployment we are providing a direct stimulus to ailing local economies and helping families make ends meet. Almost 12,000 residents in my home state of Connecticut will see their unemployment benefits extended thanks to the action we are taking today. Providing unemployment checks and boosting the housing market, while important, are not the final answers to our economic problems.

"We must put the American people back to work. Although we are seeing early positive economic indicators, a jobless recovery is simply unacceptable to me. My colleagues and I are working tirelessly to find ways to create jobs and put our economy on sound footing for the future. That means encouraging investment in alternative energy to create jobs in new industries that will reduce our reliance on foreign oil. It means rebuilding our nation's ailing infrastructure from high speed rail to broadband internet access. It means making sure that our small businesses, the engines of our economy, have access to the loans and investments they need to create jobs and thrive. I am committed to working to make these goals a reality."

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