WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today reacted to reports from the Bureau of Labor that show the U.S. economy has lost 3.9 million private sector jobs in the last year while federal, state and local governments have added 293,000 jobs nationwide.

“Job creation is so important for our national economy, and I am extremely concerned that the emphasis of the government’s job creation efforts has focused on making government bigger,” Emerson said.  “Americans really deserve a better approach, one that focuses on our economy and keeps our businesses open, operating and growing.  With so much opportunity to bring innovation and entrepreneurial ideas to our economy, especially in the manufacturing sectors of our rural economy, we can’t afford to ignore the private sector.”

Emerson noted that Southern Missouri businesses are working hard to stay competitive under difficult economic circumstances.

“Without question the emphasis on growing government is a bad longterm strategy for growth and prosperity in our U.S. economy.  Instead, we need to promote our talented, dedicated workforce through education, investment in transportation infrastructure and sound economic fundamentals.  There are too few opportunities in Congress to advance that agenda; we need to create more,” Emerson said.