Unemployment numbers underscore urgent need for federal aid to jumpstart economy, support working people

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement amid the Senate stalemate and reports of growing unemployment claims:

“The economy continues to plummet in a downward spiral. For 20 weeks in a row now, more than 1 million people have filed for unemployment benefits. That’s more than 1 million people wracked with anxiety about how they’re going to pay the bills and keep their heads above water.

“But unbelievably and unconscionably, the U.S. Senate continues to ignore the hardship of working families. The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program that was passed in May expired last week. State and local governments are facing unprecedented fiscal crises. And still, Mitch McConnell and his caucus are missing in action. With an election in less than three months, voters will know exactly whom to hold accountable if there is no help from the federal government.

“It’s time to end the partisanship and posturing. It’s time to pass a bill that will provide relief to working people, with investments in housing, health care, child care, food assistance, jobless benefits and at least $1 trillion in aid for states, cities, towns and schools. It’s time to get a package to the president’s desk that will stop the bleeding and kickstart an economic recovery.”