WASHINGTON, DC (November 2, 2012) Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the October unemployment numbers, showing the economy gained 171,000 jobs and the unemployment rate changed to 7.9 percent. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster:

“Another month of growth for the economy is encouraging for American workers and the economy overall. However, there’s more work to be done. Congress still has time this year to pass a plan that will sustain long-term economic growth and create jobs, something they have failed to do for the last two years.

“The most important agenda items that can immediately be put to work protecting existing jobs and spurring growth include renewing the Production Tax Credit for wind energy before it expires in December, extending the Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) and the Investment Tax Credit to get offshore wind projects up and running. All of these will spur growth in the vital manufacturing sector and create good American jobs building our clean energy future.

“Important decisions loom large on renewing job-creating clean energy tax extenders and on the structure of the federal budget. Critical programs, like worker-training programs, will be slashed considerably or eliminated if some in Congress have their way. This irresponsible action will be detrimental to workers, communities and the economy. Creating jobs in the clean economy in transportation, clean energy, energy efficiency, infrastructure, recycling, and the strengthening and preparation of our workforce — the cornerstones of the BlueGreen Alliance’s Jobs21! blueprint to create and sustain good jobs and a strong economy — is working. Clearly, now is not the time for cuts. We cannot lose focus now on the highest priority — continuing to create jobs and put people back to work.”