Bert Miller critical of lackluster jobs report

Numbers reveal that many unemployed have stopped looking for work

NAPERVILLE, IL – Republican 11th Congressional District candidate Bert Miller today said the latest unemployment report continues to underscore the truth about the sluggish economy and the lackluster recovery that's failed to put Americans back to work. The Labor Department reported that unemployment dipped to 6.7 percent in December, but that number was largely driven by 340,000 individuals who have dropped out of the labor market and no longer seek work. 

"When you count the numbers of people who are working part time jobs and those who've stopped looking for work altogether, you really understand how bad this recovery has been," Miller said. "Let's not let the lower unemployment rate fool us into thinking we're making substantial progress. Job growth is still unacceptably slow, especially in the 11th Congressional District."

Economists had expected the report would show an increase of 193,000 nonfarm jobs. Instead, employers added just 74,000 jobs, the fewest in three years. 

"Bill Foster thinks our economy is doing just fine," Miller said. "Well, let's talk to the families of those who've been out of work for more than a year or those who've been forced to accept low-wage positions just to make ends meet."

Miller said that the confusion over Obamacare, which Foster voted for, has only made things worse as we head into 2014. "The story keeps changing about every other week," Miller said. "It's no wonder more employers aren't hiring. They're not sure they can afford any new workers."

Miller also said a new $8 billion tax on health insurance premiums for small business is sure to take a heavy toll on employment. "We're attacking the very people who are poised to create the most jobs. I thought it was called the "affordable" care act."

Throughout his career, Miller has been a leader and strong proponent of economic development through common-sense, pro-business reforms. His business, Phoenix Closures, makes plastic lids and caps for bottles and jars, all with American-made products and equipment. He is also a former Chairman of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and board member of the National Association of Manufacturers. 

In addition to his business experience, Miller has served on the boards of Hales Franciscan High School, a South Side institution dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth prepare for higher education, and the Big Shoulders Fund, a group with a mission to provide support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner city Chicago.

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