Cities Jobs Response to Feds: Don't Hold Policy Hostage to Politics

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is from Ted Ellis , President of the National League of Cities, and mayor of Bluffton, IN, in response to today's unemployment report:

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"While today's jobs numbers show an unemployment rate at its lowest level since January 2009, millions of people remain unemployed or underemployed in this country. Throughout the day, campaigns across the country and the media will be dissecting the jobs numbers.  But, the numbers should not become another argument in political scorekeeping and bitter partisan politics.

"It's time to stop holding policy making hostage to politics.  Instead, the numbers should contribute to a real conversation about federal policy actions that promote a climate for investment and long-term economic competitiveness. 

"We need Congress and the Administration to consider a balanced approach to deficit reduction and to do what is necessary to prevent the automatic spending cuts from taking effect in January. There is consensus across party lines that this is bad policy that may lead to a recession and the loss of millions of jobs. It is not only bad policy, but given the uncertainty and the likely consequences, failing to address the automatic spending cuts is simply irresponsible. 

"Our mayors and council members are taking action every day to find ways to move our local economies forward. We need a strong federal partner in Washington, DC, to counteract the spectre of significant cuts to federal programs that cities use to promote local innovation and create jobs."

The National League of Cities is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

SOURCE National League of Cities