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OPA News Release: [02/07/2003]
Contact Name: Kathleen
Harrington
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao on
Unemployment Numbers for January 2003
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the
following statement today about the unemployment data for January:
“The unemployment rate dropped to 5.7 percent from the previous
month’s 6.0 percent level, and payroll employment rose to 143,000 in
January, almost completely reversing December’s decline.
“Today’s numbers are evidence of the hard-won gains the
economy is making and underscores the need to pass the President’s growth
package to expand job growth in both the short and long term.
“We are encouraged by the fact that January’s unemployment
report is stronger than expected, and it only fuels our commitment to ensuring
that every American who wants a job can secure one to support their own needs
and those of their family. The President’s personal reemployment account
proposal should be enacted as soon as possible to help the long-term unemployed
make a quick return to work.”
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