Washington, D.C. – “The alarmingly high number of new applicants seeking jobless claim benefits mandates that Congress include a new 13-week extension of unemployment benefits in the upcoming economic stimulus package.  It is also important that we create new and high-paying jobs by making substantial investments in our aging infrastructure.

“Our under-performing economy and declining housing market have led to unexpectedly high job loss, record foreclosures and plunging home values.  In order to help working Americans navigate through these economically turbulent times, it is imperative that the Bush Administration cooperatively work with Congress in supporting an extension of unemployment benefits.  Additionally, the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans must abandon their zeal for wanting to provide more tax incentives to the super-rich and instead work with Congressional Democrats in supporting initiatives that create jobs and provide tax relief to middle-income Americans. 

“The success and long-term efficiency of our economy rest on our ability to help middle-income families in Indiana and across our nation.  By providing the middle-class with enhanced employment security and improved homeowner protections, we can reverse our country’s current economic misfortunes and bring real relief to working Americans in their urgent time of need.”

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