09.01.17

Scott Statement on August Jobs Report

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 156,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate at 4.4 percent.  

“Today’s jobs report shows that job growth under President Trump has slowed in comparison to the last six months of the Obama Administration. While some states are experiencing stagnant job growth and even job loss, the Trump Administration has still not offered a plan to increase wages and create jobs.

“According to a recent analysis of the job reports, state employment data shows that five states — Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming and New Hampshire — have actually lost jobs since January 2017. In addition, in seven more — West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, South Dakota, Delaware, Idaho, and Louisiana — job growth has been unchanged and has fallen below the levels needed to keep up with population growth. For working people who are working harder than ever but still struggling to make ends meet, we must come together to strengthen our nation’s economy. 

“Congress returns to work in September and we have a new opportunity to focus on strengthening our economy and prioritizing working people and families. Democrats have put forth a better deal for working Americans that creates millions of jobs, raises incomes, and gives everyone the opportunity to achieve the education and skills to succeed in the 21st century. I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure our economy puts families and working people first.” 

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