Report: Job losses continue

ATLANTA – There was more bad economic news today.

“Overall, employment declined by 125,000 (in June) and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 percent,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a statement. “The job losses are largely a result of 225,000 temporary census workers ending their service. However, over the first half of the year, we’ve seen the creation of 600,000 private sector jobs — steady growth averaging 100,000 new private sector jobs each month.

“While this steady private sector job growth is encouraging, the large number of Americans without a job reminds us we need to continue working to create jobs and grow the economy,” Solis added.

In response to the new job numbers President Obama said, “Now, make no mistake: We are headed in the right direction.” But, Republicans took the opportunity Friday to criticize President Obama for not helping to stem the job losses.

“Disappointed Americans are dropping out of the workforce in increasing numbers as people across the country continue to ask, ‘Where are the jobs?’” U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., said in a statement. “Private sector growth is still not where it needs to be, and the demise of temporary Census jobs has predictably left hundreds of thousands of Americans without work once again.

“Entrepreneurs and small business owners will not grow their companies without a basic understanding of future costs,” Price added. “Responsible leadership that respects the private sector would do wonders for our economy. Republicans stand ready to rein in Washington’s excessive spending and foster a friendly environment for job creators.”