WASHINGTON, DC (May 3, 2013) – Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the April employment numbers, showing the economy added 165,000 jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 7.5 percent. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster:

“While the jobs numbers in April were better than expected, it’s only a matter of time before budget cuts from the sequester take their toll. Worsening economic news from Europe continues to show that austerity programs lead to recession, economic contraction, and greater deficits. The negative effects of the sequester are holding back the American economy. The best strategy for long-term economic growth is an environment of economic certainty.

“We can create and sustain growth through long-term investments in our wastewater infrastructure, transit systems, electrical grid, roads and bridges, and communications systems. At the same time, this strategy will create good jobs for workers and keep our communities safe from the impacts of climate change. We can’t delay. We must make rebuilding the systems we rely on every day a priority so that we can protect the environment and strengthen the economy.”