WASHINGTON, D.C., (KNOE 8 News) - Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris paints a rosy picture based on February's unemployment numbers.
He has issued the following statement about the February 2013 Employment Situation report:
"This morning's report shows a resilient economy continuing to recover. The economy added 236,000 new nonfarm payroll jobs last month. February marks three uninterrupted years of private sector employment growth, with a total of 6.4 million jobs created over that time.
"The economy is fighting back, but we can do better. We can accelerate the recovery by acting on President Obama's agenda to build a strong American economy from the middle class out rather than the top down – making America a magnet for new jobs, equipping workers with the skills to succeed in those jobs and making sure that hard work leads to a decent living.
"The economy is poised for even more significant growth, but Congress should not hold it back. We can't cut our way to prosperity. Deficit reduction alone is not an economic strategy or a jobs plan. It's time for members of both parties in Congress to work together on a balanced deficit reduction plan and invest in the middle class – the engine of America's economic growth.
"The unemployment rate dipped slightly to 7.7 percent, the sixth straight month under 8 percent and the lowest level since December 2008.
"Growth was strong across economic sectors. Construction continued a 9-month growth trend, adding 48,000 jobs, the highest monthly increase since March 2007. Since January 2011, the economy has created 349,000 new construction jobs. Professional and business services added 73,000 new jobs and retail trade increased by 24,000 jobs."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:31 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:31:57 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Thousands of customers across north Louisiana and southern Arkansas are without power Tuesday evening.An Entergy spokesman tells KNOE 8 News that heavy winds are making for
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Thousands of customers across north Louisiana and southern Arkansas are without power Tuesday evening.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-07 23:51:36 GMT
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:06:05 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
Never a stranger to the big stage, David Beckham went out in a burst of fireworks and adulation Saturday in his final home game for Paris Saint-Germain before retirement.
Never a stranger to the big stage, David Beckham was finally overwhelmed and reduced to tears as he went out in a burst of fireworks and cheers Saturday in his final home game for Paris Saint-Germain before retirement.
