Today, U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor announcement that the economy gained 120,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate fell to 8.6 – the lowest in two and a half years: 

“With the announcement that the economy gained 120,000 jobs, it has become evident that we have made progress, but that we must continue our efforts.  Our top priority must remain the creation of secure jobs for the American people.”

“Though we are moving in the right direction, we must not forget the 13.3 million Americans who remain unemployed.  Unemployment rate for African-Americans rose slightly to 15.5 percent from 15.1 percent, which continues to be a crisis that must be addressed with tangible solutions. Democrats continue to cross the aisle, and we hope Republicans will join us.  Let us work together to help move the American people forward to reignite the American dream.”

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