The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this morning that the unemployment rate edged down last month to 9.5 percent, though total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 125,000. That number was affected by the end of the Census Bureau's temporary worker program; private sector payroll employment actually increased by 83,000, though that was reportedly below expectations.
The results were mixed, and therefore both parties are reacting to it differently. Here is how the White House and the Republican National Committee responded to the news:
Christina Romer, chairwoman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers:
"Today's employment report shows continued signs of gradual labor market recovery. Private nonfarm payroll employment increased by 83,000 in June and the unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percentage point to 9.5%. June marks the sixth month in a row that private sector employment has increased. These continued signs of healing are important, particularly given the recent volatility in world markets and the mixed behavior of other recent economic indicators. However, much stronger job gains are needed to repair the damage caused by the financial crisis and put the millions of unemployed Americans back to work."
RNC Chairman Michael Steele:
"For the millions of American families that are continuing to struggle, no amount of White House spin can cast 9.5 percent unemployment in a positive light. While a dip in the unemployment rate should be welcome news, this decline should be taken with a grain of salt. The 125,000 jobs lost last month coupled with a sharp drop in employment reflects a labor force that continues to deteriorate."
