WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding President Trump’s remarks on encouraging rural prosperity:

“President Trump’s commitment to reducing the barriers that stand in the way of rural development is already having an impact.  For instance, after losing jobs in 2016, mining and logging industries created more than 54,000 jobs in 2017.  The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that every American has access to demand-driven education to bridge the skills gap and fill the open jobs being created in our growing economy.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the December 2017 Employment Situation report:

“December’s jobs report shows steady growth with 148,000 jobs created.  The unemployment rate remains at 4.1%, a 17-year low.

“The American workforce showed impressive strength in 2017 with 2.06 million jobs created.  Manufacturing and mining and logging outperformed other industries, reversing job losses in 2016 by creating more than 250,000 new jobs in 2017.  Construction also outperformed 2016 figures, creating 210,000 new jobs in 2017.  Hispanic and African-American unemployment rates reached all-time lows in 2017.  In the last two reported quarters, the GDP growth rate exceeded 3%.  Measures of consumer and business confidence reached highs unseen in more than a decade.  Americans’ retirement savings benefited from dramatic gains, fueled by a more than 35% increase in the stock market since Election Day 2016.

“With President Trump signing tax reform into law, 2018 will continue last year’s successes and, we hope, bring needed increases in wages and labor force participation.  Job creation, wage growth, and retirement savings drive prosperity and financial security.  Strong growth in all is necessary.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the start of Human Trafficking Awareness Month:

“During this month, we shine a light on the offenses of human trafficking and modern slavery, and recommit to ending practices that harm individuals, families, and communities. The Department of Labor will continue to call on our trading partners to take strong steps against trafficking, offering our assistance where requested, and enforcing trade agreement provisions. We must act to end exploitation and abusive labor practices at home and abroad.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding President Trump’s signing of tax reform legislation:

“Tax reform will continue the strong economic growth we’ve seen this year. Tax reform is about job creation and is great news for any American who has a job, is looking for a job, or creates jobs.

“President Trump understands that when the people keep more of their hard-earned pay, our nation prospers.  Since January, the economy has added 1.7 million jobs and unemployment has fallen to a 17-year low. This reform will encourage investment in America and keep our economy moving forward.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today in response to Congressional approval of tax reform legislation:

“Passage of tax reform is welcome news for American workers, job seekers, and job creators. We’ve seen strong job growth since President Trump took office, with 1.7 million jobs added since January. Tax reform that makes America more competitive will bolster continued job creation and will help increase wages for American workers.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta visited Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this past weekend to meet with senior officials managing the recovery efforts and to inspect Job Corps centers damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“My visit to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands allowed me to see firsthand the resilience of our fellow Americans who are recovering from the devastation of this year’s hurricanes,” said Secretary Acosta.  “We will continue to support the workforce as local communities continue to rebuild.”

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Secretary met with Lt. Governor Osbert E. Potter and Commissioner of Labor Catherine Hendry to discuss recovery efforts and the effects of the storms on the workforce.

In Puerto Rico, Secretary Acosta met with Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis Gerardo Rivera Marín, Secretary of Labor and Human Services Carlos Saavedra-Gutiérrez, and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Carlos Mercader. The officials discussed rebuilding efforts and the current workforce situation.  The Secretary also toured all three of the island’s Job Corps centers to survey damage and speak with officials about recovery and the status of the centers.

Secretary Acosta met separately with Acting Regional Administrator of FEMA Region II Michael Byrne to discuss the Agency’s priorities.  

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement regarding the release of the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions:

“Today, President Trump made clear the progress his Administration is making in bringing common sense to regulations that hold back job creation and prosperity.  The President’s regulatory reform agenda is contributing to renewed economic optimism that has resulted in 1.7 million jobs since January and reduced unemployment to a 17-year low. The Department of Labor will continue to protect American workers’ interests while limiting the burdens of over-regulation.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement today regarding President Trump’s remarks on tax reform:

“Getting tax reform legislation through Congress will help continue the strong job growth we have seen under President Trump’s leadership. We are moving in the right direction, with 1.7 million jobs created since January and unemployment continuing at a 17-year low, however there is more work to do. Right now, 6.6 million Americans are looking for work and we want to see stronger wage growth for hard-working Americans.  By enacting tax reform, job creators will be well-positioned to hire and increase wages.” 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the November 2017 Employment Situation report:

“November’s jobs report shows steady growth fueled by optimism about the pro-growth, pro-jobs policies being advanced by President Trump’s Administration. Last month, the American economy added 228,000 jobs. Since January, the economy has added 1.7 million jobs.

“The unemployment rate remains at a 17-year low of 4.1%. The unemployment rate in manufacturing dropped to 2.6%, the lowest ever recorded. The unemployment rate among Hispanics dropped to 4.7%, the lowest ever recorded. The unemployment rate for individuals with less than a high school diploma dropped to 5.2%, also the lowest ever recorded. While the unemployment rate remains low, wage growth at 2.5% is below expectations. Stronger wage growth will put more dollars in the pockets of working Americans.

“For two consecutive quarters, GDP growth topped 3%. Consumer confidence is at a 17-year high¹. Since Election Day, November 2016, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has moved from 18,000-plus to over 24,000, an increase of more than 30%. This economic growth has increased the value of Americans’ 401(k) and retirement accounts.

“Job creation, wage growth, and retirement savings drive prosperity and financial security. Strong growth in all is necessary.”

¹https://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerconfidence.cfm

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on National Miners Day:

“On National Miners Day, we recognize and celebrate miners for all they do to maximize our natural resources and make our modern life possible. Mining is a source of good, family-sustaining jobs. At the Department of Labor, we are committed to ensuring miners have safe and healthy working conditions so they can return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each shift. Today, and every day, I thank our miners for their hard work and dedication, which strengthens our nation.”