Durbin Statement Regarding Unemployment Numbers

[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin made the following statement in response to new unemployment numbers out today from the U.S. Department of Labor:

"Since the inauguration of President Bush, Illinois has lost a staggering 175,400 jobs. Only 3 states - New York, California and Ohio - have faced greater losses. Currently, the economy is creating only one job for every three unemployed workers, and the Administration's own budget predicts high unemployment for the rest of this year.

"Unfortunately, new unemployment numbers out today paint a picture that is deteriorating from bad to worse. Unemployment has risen to 6 percent, claiming another 48,000 American jobs.

"Those who are out of work because of the Bush recession need help, and they need it now. In these bleak economic times, our first priority must be to get Americans back to work.

"We have declared victory in Iraq; now it is time we got serious about fighting for jobs and fortifying our economy here at home. But we will never prevail with a one-note battle plan of tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy and ignore the middle class.

"In Illinois, 45 percent of residents would receive less than $100 from the latest Bush tax break and 29 percent would receive nothing at all, yet the Administration continues to tout this flawed plan as the weapon of choice to combat our sagging economy.

"What the American people and the people of Illinois need is an honest plan to spur economic growth and return them to work while keeping our economy strong in the years to come. We need to follow our victory in Iraq with a win at home on the economic front, and we simply cannot follow the President's suggested course of attack."