(Washington, D.C.)- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement on the March jobs report.

"Although the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 9.7 percent, today's economic report was bolstered by the largest growth in jobs creation in three years—a clear sign that the nation's economy is improving.

"However, while these figures offer an optimistic outlook on the general direction of the overall national economy, the numbers are another reminder that the recovery continues to be uneven with some communities lagging behind.

"The unemployment rate for African Americans, in particular, remains unacceptably high growing from 15.8 percent in February to 16.5 percent in March. Unemployment among Latinos also grew slightly from 12.4 to 12.6 percent.

"These numbers undergird the continued importance for legislation to directly create more jobs for unemployed Americans, particularly the chronically unemployed.

"Since launching our jobs campaign a month ago, members of the Congressional Black Caucus have been laser focused on job creation and have partnered with the Obama Administration, leadership and members of Congress, and coalition partners to develop a strategy to strengthen our economy.

"We have worked with Chairman George Miller of the Education and Labor Committee to craft provisions in the recently introduced Local Jobs for America Act to target chronic unemployment, by creating local public and private sector jobs. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this legislation immediately when we return to Washington.

"Our efforts have also led to the House of Representatives passing $2.5 billion for direct job creation to help people transition out of poverty and $600 million to create 300,000 summer youth jobs.

"These are a few modest steps toward addressing the needs of the chronically unemployed but we must do more. The onus begins with the U.S. Senate acting quickly and with a sense of urgency to jobs emergency gripping communities across America.”

To exchange information and ideas with the CBC, please email congressionalblackcaucus@mail.house.gov.