Unemployment Rate Highest in Nine Years

Media Contact: Christine Glunz, 202.225.3072

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) called on President Bush today to focus on putting more Americans back to work.  The Department of Labor reported a rise in the unemployment rate to 6.4 percent in June, the highest level since April of 1994 and a 0.3 percent increase since May.  In addition, the Hispanic unemployment rate has risen from 7.5 percent in April to 8.4 percent in June.

“This Independence Day, celebrations will be underway all over the U.S., but our country continues to struggle in this weak economy,” said Lofgren.  “Today’s numbers show that the unemployment rate continues to rise nationwide and our President is not focused on putting Americans back to work.  In the month of June another 360,000 Americans lost their jobs, bringing the total to 9.4 million people who will not return to work Monday morning.  Mr. President, every American deserves the opportunity to work.  Now is the time to focus on creating jobs and getting them back in the workforce.”