Dreier Welcomes Employment Numbers

March 9 , 2007

WASHINGTON, DC ‑ Congressman David Dreier (R‑San Dimas, CA), House Rules Committee Ranking Republican, welcomed today’s news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that payroll employment continued its three and a half-year growth streak in the month of February, rising by 97,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent. The BLS also reported that wages have increased by 4.1 percent over the past 12 months.

“Today’s news is yet another reminder that the Republican, pro-growth agenda of keeping taxes low and supporting our nation’s entrepreneurs has created tremendous opportunity for America’s workers,” said Dreier.

Payroll employment has increased for 42 consecutive months, adding close to 7.6 million new jobs. Job growth in December 2006 and January 2007 was stronger than previously reported, with an upward revision of 55,000 additional jobs over the two-month period.

“These numbers demonstrate an exceptionally strong workforce where Americans are finding new and better opportunities,” added Dreier. “The picture looks even brighter when we consider the entrepreneurs, small business owners and independent contractors who are not counted in the payroll survey. We must recognize the concrete results of the Republican, pro-growth agenda. Keeping taxes low and reducing wasteful government spending will ensure that our entrepreneurs have minimal burdens so they can create even more opportunities for the American worker and keep our economy on its path of continued growth. We must also explore ways to modernize our employment surveys, to ensure that our economic data accounts for the full range of job growth taking place in our economy.”