Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor reported today that the country lost 524,000 jobs in December and the national unemployment rate jumped to 7.2%.  More than 11 million Americans are now unemployed, the most in nearly 25 years.  In total, the country lost about 2.6 million jobs in 2008, the most since 1945. 

In light of today’s report, Congressman Gary Peters issued the following statement:

“We lost over two-and-a-half million jobs in 2008, and experts believe we could lose 2 million more in 2009 if nothing is done to bolster our economy.  Congress must work quickly and deliberatively to create an effective economic recovery package that includes substantial job-creating investments in infrastructure, technology and manufacturing. 

“I will fight to ensure that states like Michigan, which have been hardest hit by this economic crisis, get an appropriate share of recovery funding.  Possible investments under discussion include auto plant re-tooling and battery technology development that will create good-paying jobs in Michigan and grow our economy for years to come.

“This is not a typical recession, and politics as usual will not solve this crisis.  Both parties must work together to enact a job-creating recovery package or more jobs will be lost and more businesses will close.”

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