Chairman Scott Statement on May Jobs Report

WASHINGTON – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 75,000 jobs in May and the unemployment rate held at 3.6 percent.

“Today’s jobs report suggests that American workers are being put at risk by the president’s erratic economic policies. The report also shows that workers’ wages are still not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. Congress must take action to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of economic growth.

“Raising the minimum wage is a proven tool to give workers a raise. But this month will mark the longest period without an increase in the federal minimum wage since it was established in 1938. The purchasing power of the minimum wage has declined by more than 15 percent due to inflation since the last federal minimum wage increase in 2009.

“Congress must pass the Raise the Wage Act, which will benefit nearly 40 million workers, strengthen local economies across the country, and rebuild America’s middle class.”

Democratic Press Office, 202-226-0853                                              &am