Continued Job Losses Reflect Largest Drop in 5 Years; Demand Greater Government Response

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement after reports from the Labor Department that overall employment fell 63,000 in February. Additionally, the agency revised the job loss in January to 22,000 - an increase from the initial 17,000 estimate.

Along with the significant shortage we have seen in construction as a result of a severe lack of investment in our deteriorating infrastructure -39,000 jobs lost this month alone - we also saw 52,000 manufacturing jobs lost, 34,000 retail jobs cut, and business and professional services jobs cut 20,000. Additional warning signs come from job losses among temporary staffing firms, which cut nearly 28,000 jobs, and hotels cut about 4,000 jobs.

"The second straight month of significant job losses in almost all sectors is a reflection of the Bush Administration's abysmal handling of the economy. Had it not been for gains in government employment, labor-force participation would have seen a sharper drop. It is also an indication that the federal government must take further steps to blunt the impact of the Bush economic downturn.

"The economic stimulus package will quickly get financial relief to middle class Americans, but clearly more is needed. By investing in infrastructure - projects already in the works and those still in the planning stages - we can make both the immediate and long-term investments the economy and the American people demand.

"In rebuilding our roads and bridges, we will benefit public safety, as well as create critical jobs, which cannot be outsourced. For every $1 billion spent on construction, approximately 47,000 jobs that cannot be outsourced are created and up to $6 billion is added to Gross Domestic Product. Importantly, we also have an opportunity to build green infrastructure - that makes us more energy efficient and reduces our reliance on foreign oil.

"In the form of roads, bridges, water projects, schools or public transportation, infrastructure represents the lifeblood of any economy."

Source