Recession

January 28, 2008 -- The economic storm clouds that hang over our nation and this state call for hard choices and shared sacrifice. Economists I spoke to just this morning are forecasting a sustained economic downturn, which demands fiscal restraint from leaders across the country.    » read more »

January 24, 2008 -- Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “It is extremely disappointing to hear that Congress is considering a band-aid, half-hearted solution to the economic crisis we’re facing. Congress will be making a big mistake if they pass an economic stimulus deal that ignores the needs of state and local governments.    » read more »

January 25, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following is a statement from Change to Win chair Anna Burger regarding the agreement reached by House Democrats and the Bush administration on an economic stimulus plan.

“Economic recovery is made in working America. The purchasing power of working families is the engine of economic growth that is fueled by good jobs with wages that can support a family and provide affordable health care and retirement benefits.    » read more »

2007 Annual Jobless Rates Up Slightly in Most Areas

January 25, 2008 - Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased over the month in 13 of Michigan's 17 major labor market areas, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. In December, total employment and labor force levels declined seasonally in most regions.    » read more »

January 24, 2008 -- With news media reporting that the administration and Congress have reached agreement on an economic stimulus package, Economic Policy Institute President Lawrence Mishel issued a statement sharply critical of the contents of that deal.

Statement by EPI President Lawrence Mishel:

"The real test of any anti-recession plan is whether it helps working Americans to keep earning their paychecks and paying their bills.    » read more »

January 24, 2008 -- The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today issued the following statement by AWEA Senior Director of Governmental & Public Affairs Gregory Wetstone:

“While a stimulus bill is welcome, it is a major disappointment that, at least as proposed, this package does not extend the renewable energy incentives which expire at the end of this year.    » read more »

January 24, 2008 -- Washington, DC - “I am heartened to see that Speaker Pelosi and the Bush Administration have reached an agreement on stimulus that would extend immediate tax rebates to more than 100 million hardworking Americans, including 35 million families who would have been left out under the Administration's initial proposal. I have been calling for extending tax rebates to these lower-income Americans, and will push to ensure that these families receive the full assistance that they need.    » read more »

January 24, 2008 -- Washington, DC — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today in response to the agreement reached by Congress and the President on a bipartisan stimulus package to revive our faltering economy:    » read more »

24 January 2008 -- Economic policymakers attending the World Economic Forum in Davos express optimism the recent turmoil on global financial markets does not portend wider economic doom. But bankers and business executives are not as confident.

With the financial markets stabilizing after a roller-coaster ride earlier this week, the talk at the World Economic Forum is more relaxed. There appears to be little sense of panic or impending catastrophe.    » read more »

01/24/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after President George W. Bush and House leaders announced an agreement on an economic stimulus package:

"I'm pleased that this bipartisan stimulus package is on the fast track to reverse the nation's economic slowdown.    » read more »

Washington, D.C. -- January 22, 2008 -- Today U.S. Senator Arlen Specter spoke on the Senate Floor to introduce two pieces of legislation designed to help stimulate the sluggish American economy.

Full text of his speech follows:    » read more »

January 23, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. — Unemployment rates rose in 74 Kentucky counties between December 2006 and December 2007, fell in 33 counties and remained the same in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet.    » read more »

January 18, 2008 -- As the nation prepares to commemorate Martin Luther King Day, the Economic Policy Institute warned that a national economic recession will result in disproportionately high unemployment rates for African Americans unless Congress enacts an emergency program to reduce joblessness and restore working people’s purchasing power.    » read more »

Sweeney Says Bush Action is “Encouraging” But Does “Not Address Crucial Problems”

January 18, 2008 -- The AFL-CIO today urged Congress to pass a stimulus package that helps the economy by extending unemployment payments, increasing food stamp benefits, sending fiscal relief to state and local governments and investing in ready-to-go school, bridge and sewage construction, in addition to providing tax rebates targeted to middle- and low-income taxpayers -- while also beginning to address underlying causes of the current weakness.    » read more »

January 22, 2008 -- Greenville, SC - Senator Barack Obama today will deliver the following remarks on recent economic developments at Furman University in Greenville, SC.

As Prepared for Delivery:

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Economic Speech
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008
Greenville, SC
EMBARGOED for Delivery    » read more »