Black Caucus "Cautiously Optimistic" On Jobs
“I am cautiously optimistic with the recent decrease in our nation’s unemployment numbers. The numbers continue to prove that the work we accomplished last Congress stopped the hemorrhage of remarkably high job loss. This began to lay the foundation to create new opportunities for all Americans. Unemployment in the African American community has stubbornly remained nearly double the national average. While15.3% is still extremely high, it shows progress and improvement including a sharp decline in black teen unemployment. It is clear that we are headed in the right direction and the CBC remains committed to working with President Obama and Congress to ensure that we continue on the path to full recovery for every community.
The CBC also remains committed to responsibly reducing the deficit, while safeguarding the progress that we have made in the job market by investing in our future. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership spending bill neglects to invest in our future by denying our children vital education opportunities, eliminating necessary job training programs, and threatening the livelihood of local community organizations across the country. Investing in our communities goes hand in hand with full economic recovery. No investment, no recovery.
