FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    June 7, 2013

Contact: Ayofemi Kirby
(202) 226-9776
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov

 Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge’s Statement on the May Jobs Report

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy gained 175,000 jobs and the unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent in May:

“In May, while the overall unemployment rate increased .1 percent, the African American unemployment rate increased from 13.2 to 13.5 percent, with more individuals reentering the workforce to search for jobs.  As sequestration threatens deep cuts into our social safety net by ending unemployment benefits and workforce development programs,  11.8 million Americans and 2.5 million African Americans remain out of work.

“Members of Congress must work together on solutions that restore confidence in our economy and that create jobs, without forcing struggling families to bear the burden of our inability to cross party lines. This includes investing in our communities through workforce development and in transportation and infrastructure projects, while preserving the programs that help unemployed individuals make ends meet each day. Many of these recommendations can be found in the Congressional Black Caucus’ Alternative Budget.

“It is past time for Congress to end its political posturing. We must come to the table and agree on a responsible budget that restores faith in our economy and improves our fiscal future. The American people need and deserve more.”

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