Virginia News Headlines: Friday Morning

Alternative (0.00 / 0)

There is a high-quality alternative to Bob Goodlatte this year - Andy Schmookler. The 6th District needs to trade its career politician with a nineteenth-century economic and environmental outlook for an articulate, highly intelligent person with a vision for the future. Andy will be holding a town hall meeting Saturday, Roanoke Elmwood Library, 2 p.m.

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by: Elaine in Roanoke @ Fri Apr 06, 2012 at 12:14:01 PM UTC

White House Statement on the Employment Situation in March (0.00 / 0)

Statement on the Employment Situation in March

WASHINGTON, DC - Alan B. Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, issued the following statement today on the employment situation in March. You can view the statement HERE.

The Employment Situation in March

Posted by Alan B. Krueger on April 6, 2012 at 9:30AM

There is more work to be done, but today's employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. It is critical that we continue to make smart investments that strengthen our economy and lay a foundation for long-term middle class job growth so we can continue to dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the severe recession that began at the end of 2007.

Employer payrolls increased by 121,000 jobs in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' establishment survey. The unemployment rate ticked down to 8.2% in March, according to the household survey.  However, employment was virtually unchanged in the household survey.

Both surveys indicate the continuing challenges facing construction workers, as a result of the collapse in homebuilding following the bursting of the housing bubble.  The unemployment rate for construction workers stands at 17.2%, more than double the national average.  Because of weak private sector demand for construction investment and the nation's continuing need for improved infrastructure, including maintenance of existing highways, bridges, and ports, the President's Budget proposal to increase and modernize the nation's infrastructure is well targeted to support the economy today and in the future.

Despite adverse shocks that have created headwinds for economic growth, including weak construction investment, the economy has added private sector jobs for 25 straight months, for a total of 4.1 million jobs over that period.

Manufacturing continues to be a bright spot and added 37,000 jobs in March.  After losing millions of good manufacturing jobs in the years before and during the recession, the economy has added 466,000 manufacturing jobs in the past 25 months-the strongest growth for any 25 month period since September 1995.  To continue the revival in manufacturing jobs and output, the President has proposed tax incentives for manufacturers, enhanced training for the workforce, and measures to create manufacturing hubs.

Other sectors with net job increases included leisure and hospitality (+39,000), professional and business services (+31,000), and financial activities (+15,000).  Retail trade lost 33,800 jobs, construction lost 7,000 jobs, and government lost 1,000 jobs.  State and local government job losses have moderated in recent months.  Almost three-quarters of the slower job growth in March relative to February was due to slower growth in temporary help services and health care and day care services.

As the Administration stresses every month, the monthly employment and unemployment figures can be volatile, and employment estimates can be subject to substantial revision. Therefore, it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report, and it is helpful to consider each report in the context of other data that are becoming available.

Alan B. Krueger is Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

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by: lowkell @ Fri Apr 06, 2012 at 14:04:33 PM UTC

Kaine campaign statement: " 25 straight months of private sector job growth is good news" (0.00 / 0)

TIM KAINE STATEMENT ON MARCH JOB GROWTH

Richmond, VA - Tim Kaine released the following statement on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly report showing that the U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 8.3% to 8.2% in March. The BLS says the U.S economy added 120,000 jobs in March, making it the 25th consecutive month of private sector job growth, and revised February's job gains upward from 227,000 to 240,000.

"As our economy continues to recover from its most serious challenges in a generation, 25 straight months of private sector job growth is good news for thousands of American families and a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction. But, we must find ways to accelerate job growth and ensure that every American has the opportunity to make the most of their talents and skills, and contribute to our economic success.

"I believe the best approach to accelerate our economic recovery is the one I have outlined in my vision for our economic future. It is based on Virginia's experience building a strong economy and is centered around growth, talent, and balance. If we enact policies that encourage our businesses to grow, ensure our workforce is the most talented in the world, and work together in Washington to address our fiscal challenges, we will secure our place as the world's economic leader in the 21st century. While I am encouraged by how far we have come since the depths of the recession, there is still much more work to be done. As Senator, I will fight every day to help create good job opportunities for every American."

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by: lowkell @ Fri Apr 06, 2012 at 15:43:46 PM UTC