WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 8, 2011) Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics unveiled the June unemployment statistics, showing the economy gained just 18,000 jobs, raising the unemployment rate to 9.2 percent. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster:

“With over 14 million Americans without work, and millions more discouraged or only able to find part-time employment, and tens of thousands of public employees laid off in the name of deficit reduction, we need a national jobs plan that focuses on positioning the U.S. to compete globally in the 21^st century.

“But Congress and state legislatures across the country have failed to move forward on any meaningful plan to secure jobs now and to create new employment opportunities, instead choosing job-stifling austerity as a measure of their success. Unfortunately, these policies are actually making our economy worse.

“Jobs21! is a nationwide, grassroots campaign coordinated by the BlueGreen Alliance to maintain our jobs now and create new employment opportunities to ensure America leads the 21st century economy. By concentrating on making America cleaner, more efficient and more competitive – through renewable energy, transportation and transit, energy efficiency, broadband, a smart electrical grid, recycling and green chemistry – we can revitalize the our economy, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and leave a better planet for future generations.

“We can start by continuing the investments and tax credits that spurred the development of a clean energy economy in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and passing a comprehensive transportation reauthorization bill that will ensure we have the infrastructure to compete globally.

“America needs a national plan to put people back to work in the industries and occupations that will make our economy more competitive in the global economy. That’s the only way to grow our way out of our budget deficits. It’s time for Congress to get to work putting America back to work.”