Press Releases

The Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report released this morning disappointed expectations by adding only 74,000 jobs to the economy last month, despite predictions that nearly 200,000 would be added. While, the U.S. unemployment rate saw a slight decline to 6.7%, the number of Americans actually participating in the workforce declined from last month and is at its lowest since 1978.

Rep. Bucshon (IN-08) released the following statement:

“Today’s job report is a disheartening reminder that Americans are struggling in the Obama economy,” said Bucshon.  “The number of people participating in the workforce is the lowest it has been since the 1970s. Millions of Americans have given up hope on finding a job or have been forced to accept part-time work.  Not to mention, their healthcare costs are skyrocketing and even more middle class families are feeling the pinch of the Administration’s war on coal.  This new normal is unacceptable and I know we can do better.

“In the House, we want every American to have a fair shot at finding a job.  This starts by growing the economy so that more jobs are available. We achieve this by investing in American energy resources, getting the government out of the way, and protecting businesses from burdensome regulations that are an impediment to growth. We also need to equip workers with the necessary skills to find work by improving our job training programs. Over the past year, the House has passed legislation to address all of these challenges, yet each bill sits idle in the Senate under Harry Reid’s watch.  Hoosiers want jobs and they want to work. I hope the Senate will listen to these concerns and make job creation a higher priority in 2014.”  

BACKGROUND:

7.8 million Americans are involuntarily part-time workers, which means they are employed “…part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find full-time work.” (BLS; 1/10/2014)

3.9 million Americans have been unemployed for 6 months or more (accounting for more than 1 out of every 3 persons unemployed),  while the total number unemployed is 10.4 million. (BLS; 1/10/2014)

Real unemployment, a measure that includes discouraged workers and those employed part-time who would rather work full-time, was 14.0% and the labor force participation rate was at 62.8%. (BLS; 1/10/2014)