Gillibrand Statement On October Unemployment Number

Statement

Today, as the U.S. Department of Labor announced October unemployment reached 10.2 percent, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement:

"Today's unemployment number is a dire indication of how deep the current crisis has pushed our economy.

"We are now over a year into the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and every family is hurting in one way or another. While the stock market has rebounded and we've begun to make long-term stimulus investments in infrastructure and energy projects, we are not creating jobs fast enough and must take additional, immediate steps to help save and create jobs.

"This week, after several weeks of Republican delays, we passed important new legislation that will provide economic assistance to millions of hard working New York families and businesses. Unfortunately in the 25 days of delays, over 185,000 Americans lost unemployment benefits due to GOP delay tactics. We need to make sure that we do everything possible to support the economy and not let partisan politics get in the way of helping American families.

"By extending unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks, extending the first-time homebuyer tax credit for another five months, and providing targeted tax relief for businesses, we have taken another step toward providing a job for every American who wants to be working."

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