Hagan Comments on August Jobs Numbers

Statement

U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) released the following statement after employment statistics showed that no new jobs were created in August and the national unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent.

"If the last several months of weak economic numbers have failed to get Washington's attention, today's abysmal jobs report absolutely should," said Hagan. "The political game-playing must stop and both parties simply must come together to create effective, bipartisan solutions to our ongoing jobs crisis. The status quo is unacceptable.

"In North Carolina, the unemployment rate is now above 10 percent. This means real and continuing hardship for families and communities, and Washington, resting comfortably in an economic bubble, needs to wake up. Outside of Washington, the American people are struggling, and the time for us to take action is now.

"I have introduced bipartisan bills that help tackle the jobs crisis America is facing. The Hire a Hero Act aims to get unemployed veterans back to work. Our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans face an unemployment rate of 9.8 percent, higher than the national average. Unacceptable and a dereliction of duty in Washington. I have also introduced the AMERICA Works Act to create an industry-recognized manufacturing credential to connect skilled workers with job openings anywhere in the country. We must work harder and smarter to create a better environment for businesses to grow and create jobs here in America."

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