Fattah: Jobs Report Shows 'Modest' Improvement

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a Senior Member on the House Appropriations Committee and lead Democrat on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, released the following statement on the September jobs numbers: 

“The jobless rate fell to 7.2%, while the private sector added 126,000 jobs in September, according to the jobs report released today. This month’s report marked the 43rd month of consecutive private sector job growth. 

“The September jobs numbers show modest signs of economic improvement, and while we’re not where we want to be, we have made steady, continuous improvements and are a long way from where we were five years ago, when in 2008, the U.S. lost 2.6 million jobs. 

“As we look ahead, we must focus on smart, targeted investments, including the Make it in America grant awards announced today, and stop with these self-inflicted wounds to our economy, like the government shutdown. 

“The Make it in America Challenge—funded by the Department of Labor and the Department Commerce—awarded grants to ten projects in nine states around the country committed to boosting job creation, encouraging foreign investment, and training local workers. By renewing our focus on manufacturing, and supporting regional cooperation to make our cities more business-friendly, we can spur job growth and put our economy on the right track.” 

To see the list of Make it in America awardees and project descriptions, visit: 

http://www.eda.gov/challenges/MakeItInAmerica/winners.htm