McCollum: New Jobs Numbers Show Positive Signs for Economic Recovery

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement in response to the Department of Labor's announcement that the economy gained 290,000 jobs in April - 231,000 of them in the private sector. This data represents the largest number of new jobs in four years and the fourth consecutive month of job growth.

"The addition of 290,000 jobs to our nation's economy is very good news. Democrats are making job creation a top priority, and we are seeing results.

"Regarding the increase in unemployment, two long years of recession fueled significant job losses. The unemployment numbers reflect the millions of Americans who want to go back to work but simply do not yet have the opportunity. Democrats are committed to fighting unemployment and getting America back to work.

"We are putting our nation's economy back on track - unfortunately without the Republicans' help - after the disastrous policies of the previous administration. During the last three months of the Bush Administration, an average 726,000 jobs were lost. Under President Obama's leadership in the last three months, an average 186,000 jobs were created."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
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