FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2008
Indiana continues to struggle with job losses, unemployment
Gov. Daniels dodges self-imposed accountability for economic problems
INDIANAPOLIS - New figures released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed that Indiana continues to struggle under the leadership of Governor Mitch Daniels and the Governor has failed to acknowledge the difficulties of the Indiana economy.
As in previous months, the state posted lackluster job growth numbers,
and Indiana had the largest one-month unemployment jump in the nation.
With nearly 44,000 additional Hoosiers becoming unemployed over the
last year, Daniels continues to avoid his record on employment.
"In 2004, Mitch Daniels
traveled across this state telling Hoosiers that he would take full
responsibility for creating new jobs," said Indiana Democratic Party
Chair Dan Parker. "Four years later, this Governor refuses to have an
honest discussion about his failure to live up to his own standards."
"Mitch Daniels may believe he can hide behind his rose-colored
advertisements and talking points, but Hoosier families are hurting and
are tired of broken promises and campaign spin," he added.
Mitch Daniels in 2004
On the campaign trail, Mitch Daniels spoke at length of Indiana's economy, stating that, "We're trailing the nation, and we need to catch up." [South Bend Tribune, 07/10/04]
Daniels also asserted that the Office of the Governor should be held accountable for job growth in Indiana, stating, "There's simply no way to try to evade the responsibility." [South Bend Tribune, 01/15/04]
Mitch Daniels in 2008
Under the leadership of Gov. Joe Kernan - between September, 2003 and January, 2005 - Indiana gained 52,500 jobs. [Seasonally adjusted job figures, BLS]
Despite having twice the amount of time in office, Daniels has only added 44,300 new jobs since he was sworn in as Governor. [Seasonally adjusted job figures, BLS]
According to figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Indiana was 44th in the nation last year in terms of GDP growth. [BEA, 2007 GDP Report]
The number of mass lay-offs has increased every month in 2008, and in addition to yesterday's announcement of 1,400 lost jobs at the Monaco Coach, over 400 Hoosiers learned this month that they will lose their positions. [BLS mass lay-off figures, Indiana DWD WARN notices]
For more information: Thomas Cook, 317-231-7125
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Paid for and authorized by the Indiana Democratic Party, Daniel J. Parker, Chair.
This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
