Congresswoman Lofgren Outraged at New National Job Loss Figures

New Numbers Show 9 Million People Unemployed Nationwide, with 225,200 Jobs Lost in California Since President Bush Took Office

Media Contact: Christine Glunz, 202.225.3072

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today noted that the number of jobs lost nationally continued to climb during the month of May.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released this morning, the nation’s unemployment rate rose to 6.1% in the month of May, the number of unemployed persons was 9 million, and the unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 8.2%.  "I believe our country needs a new plan that will help stimulate job creation and economic growth, not the same old reckless, budget-busting tax schemes to rescue our economy.”

“Job losses in San Jose, in Silicon Valley, and across this country shows that the Administration's economic plans and policies are a failure,” Rep. Lofgren said.  “Unemployment is increasing, and lasting longer for millions of American workers.  Forty-eight of the 50 states have seen unemployment rise since President Bush took office.”

In addition to the national job loss figures, it was announced last week that the number of jobs lost in the state of California continued to rise during the month of April.  According to BLS data released last week, 13,100 jobs were lost in the state of California in the month of April alone, and 255,200 jobs have been lost in California since President Bush took office.   Furthermore, the number of unemployed has risen in 48 of the 50 states since January 2001, the worst record in nearly half a century.

The unemployment rate in California has risen from 4.7% in January 2001 when President Bush was inaugurated, to 6.7 % during the month of April.  Nationwide, the unemployment rate is currently 6.1%.  The last time the unemployment rate was higher was in July of 1994.  Despite these figures, last month President Bush signed a tax bill that will do nothing to create jobs. 

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