Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments after the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) announced the State’s unemployment rate in June rose one and one-tenth percentage points to 15.2 percent.

“I remain committed to improving Michigan’s economic situation in the quickest and smartest way possible. Today’s numbers are another indication of just how much work we have to do. The announcements that General Motors and General Electric will bring new, large projects to Southeast Michigan creating thousands of jobs is an indication of the fine work that Governor Granholm is doing trying to create new opportunities in our state. Still, the problems facing both the auto industry and the entire country during this recession create a challenging environment in the weeks and months ahead. I can’t lie; we face a long road back to economic recovery.


“This is why it is so important that we plant the seeds for sustained success now. We must lift the burden the high cost of health care has placed on so many of our largest employers. People that find themselves unemployed find themselves worrying about putting meals on the table, making their mortgage payment and preparing their children for the upcoming school year. The last thing needed on that list is wondering how they will be able to afford to fill their mother’s prescription or whether they can take their sick child to the doctor. Families need to have access to quality, affordable, portable care, even when they are without or in between jobs, and should not have to choose between a roof over their heads or a trip to the emergency room.”