Lieberman Expresses Concern About Increase in Unemployment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Joseph Lieberman today expressed concern about the continuing loss of jobs and a jobless rate of 10.2%.

Senator Lieberman said, "Today's troubling news about the continuing loss of jobs from our economy and a jobless rate of 10.2% shows that workers in Connecticut and throughout the country are continuing to struggle to find work and make ends meet. The latest unemployment numbers underscore that the number one responsibility of Congress is to create jobs and spur an economic recovery. People are hurting and I am pleased that the President will sign legislation extending unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed and the tax credit for homebuyers. However, we have much more to do to create jobs and we must also ensure that we do not jeopardize our long term economic prospects by increasing the deficit and national debt. That is my focus for the people of Connecticut."

Senator Lieberman continued, "The bill will provide essential relief to those who have been out of work for prolonged periods of time, helping them buy food for their families, pay their rents, and heat their homes as the winter season begins. The highest jobless numbers in more than a quarter of a century show that we are not yet out of the recession. I am pleased that the bill includes the homebuyer tax credit provisions that I have sponsored and strongly supported. By extending the credit through April 30, 2010 and expanding its availability to move-up homebuyers, I believe that we can provide much needed support to the Connecticut housing market, create new jobs in the construction industry, and build a strong foundation for economic recovery in our state and throughout the country."

Senator Lieberman worked with his Senate colleagues to ensure that 14 weeks of additional benefits would be available to Connecticut workers, compared to the original version of the legislation that would only have provided four additional weeks. If Connecticut's unemployment continues to move higher, workers could become eligible for an additional six weeks of jobless benefits. Senator Lieberman thanked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), the original sponsors of the legislation, for working with him and other cosponsors including Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to include the homebuyer tax credit provisions they have supported as well as the provisions to ensure that Connecticut workers receive the full benefit of the unemployment provisions.