Calls on Lance to join her in denouncing Bush Administration, Republicans in Congress for opposing extension of unemployment benefits

June 13, 2008

FANWOOD – The Bush Administration and Republicans in Washington continue to demonstrate how out of touch they are with the struggles working families face. Yesterday, House Republicans voted against a Democratic initiative to extend unemployment benefits for 13 weeks beyond the 26 weeks currently authorized under law for all states, and President Bush has threatened to veto this vital legislation.

“New Jersey families are hurting, yet the Bush Administration and Republicans in Washington continue to show how out of touch they are with the hardships families must endure because of an economy on the brink of recession,” said Linda Stender, candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District. “Already in 2008, 325,000 Americans have lost their jobs, and extending unemployment benefits would help give struggling individuals the time they need to find a job. The failed policies of the past seven years have left our economy in shambles, and we need a new direction in leadership to get our country back on the right track.”

“In the face of a weakened economy, I call upon my opponent to join me in supporting efforts to help bring New Jersey families real relief. President Bush and former Republican Leader Leonard Lance should be standing up for working families rather than supporting an open-ended commitment in Iraq and continuing to spend $12 billion a month on a war a majority of Americans oppose. We must bring our troops home safely and responsibly, so we can refocus our efforts on domestic priorities. In Congress, I will fight for long-term solutions to revitalize our economy and create good paying jobs for middle class families,” Stender said.

Background:

One year ago, the unemployment rate was 4.5%.

The Department of Labor yesterday reported that the number of people who filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week increased by 25,000 from the previous week.

The May unemployment rate reached 5.5 percent, up from April’s 5 percent, marking the largest one-month gain in 22 years. [Washington Post, 6/12/08]

According to the Department of Labor’s jobs report for May, released one week ago, 325,000 American workers have already lost their jobs in 2008.

Jobs have been lost for the fifth straight month. In May alone, 49,000 people lost their jobs. [The New York Times, 6/5/08]

The House legislation, passed yesterday and facing hurdles in the Senate and a presidential veto threat, would extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks beyond the current 26 weeks authorized under law in every state.