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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ali Jost, 202-730-7159,Mark McCullough, 202-730-7283,Kawana Lloyd, 202-730-7087

Jobs Numbers Underscore Why Pending Budget Vote Is Wrong Priority

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released jobs numbers today revealing the nation's unemployment rate slightly declined to 8.1 percent in April and employers added 115,000 jobs. Following is a statement by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry.

"It's promising that more workers were able to get back to work in April, support their families and help strengthen our communities. Under the leadership of President Obama, our country has made great strides, but we still have a long road to go to create an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy elite and big corporations.

"For working families, there is no priority more important than creating good jobs. Yet next week, House Republicans will push a budget vote that gives the store away to the rich through tax breaks and loopholes while slashing education, job training and other vital programs that millions of Americans depend on. This obsession with tax breaks for huge corporations and the rich demonstrates just how out of touch some lawmakers are with the daily lives of their constituents.

"Working people want good jobs so they can provide for their families and know that their children will have the opportunity to have a better future than they did. Creating good jobs and making sure the economy works for everyone will never come with policies that benefit the top 1 percent. Job growth will only come with smart, innovative policies that bring working people, elected leaders, and the private sector together at a common table. Policymakers should focus on the needs of working people and work on creating good jobs now."

With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.