WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson released the following statement today about the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's announcement that the state of Indiana gained 22,700 jobs in April.

"Combine Indiana's largest over-the-month increase in employment since 1999 with national numbers released earlier in the month, and it becomes clear the significant impact the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act is having on our state and nation.

"Nationally 290,000 jobs- 231,000 of them in the private sector - were added in April, which marked the largest number of new jobs in four years and the fourth consecutive month of job growth. Here in Indiana, the April boost in jobs means we are well on our way to recouping the jobs we lost in the previous year.

"While the unemployment rate in Indiana did increase slightly, it can be attributed to jobseekers resuming or starting up their employment search. This trend is indicative of positive momentum. However our focus must continue to be on reducing the high rate of unemployment in the Hoosier state and across the nation.

"That's why legislation like the America COMPETES Act, which was delayed for the second week in a row due to political games by Republicans, needs to move forward. This bill will create good-paying jobs and invest in research and development to strengthen our economy for the long haul."

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