06.01.18

Scott Statement on May Jobs Report

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 223,000 jobs in May, with the unemployment rate at 3.8 percent. 

“The latest jobs report shows that while the employment numbers remain stable, workers are still not getting a fair return on their work. Despite a tightening job market, wage growth remains stubbornly sluggish. Today’s report shows that while unemployment dropped to 3.8 percent, wages grew by a disappointing annual rate of 2.7 percent in May. This imbalance strongly suggests there are structural problems in the economy that disadvantage American workers.

“Unfortunately, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans have prioritized cutting taxes for the wealthy and undermining access to health care over improving the lives of working families and people. This $1.9 trillion tax scam does little to create jobs, overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy, and squanders an opportunity to makes investments that will promote inclusive economic growth.  Congress needs to refocus on more productive, bipartisan solutions that offer Americans a better deal by investing in education, creating good-paying jobs, and expanding access to affordable health care coverage.”

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