Jobs Report Illustrates Failed Economic Policies

DeGette Comments on Jobs Report Showing Another Month of Decline

DENVER - Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) issued the followingstatement today on the disturbing jobs report from the US LaborDepartment, which showed that the US economy lost 63,000 jobs inFebruary, the largest monthly job decline in nearly five years.

"I am deeply disturbed by the steep job loss reported yesterday --the second straight month of reported job losses. It is clear theAmerican economy is struggling because of the Bush Administration'sfailed economic policies. A mere 41,000 jobs were created in December –far less than the 82,000 originally reported and well below the monthlyincrease of 150,000 that is necessary just to keep pace with populationgrowth. As for January, even more jobs were lost – 22,000.

"Coloradoans and Americans nationwide struggle every day as theywatch health care costs skyrocket, college tuition explode, and oil andgas prices hit record highs. This Administration continues to turn ablind eye to the needs of every day Americans.

"The Democratic Congress recently passed a strong stimulus packagethat will help jumpstart and strengthen our economy putting us on aroad to recovery."