Cities Jobs Response: Modest Growth Demands Long-Term Investments and Balanced Deficit Reduction

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Nov 02, 2012, 11:21 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 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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"Today's jobs report shows modest employment growth, but the nation must find ways to assist those who remain unemployed and underemployed by creating a climate ripe for investment with a focus on long-term economic sustainability.

"While Tuesday's elections will bring some certainty, the nation also needs certainty in federal fiscal policy. Congress and the Administration must pursue a bipartisan and balanced plan for deficit reduction that puts the nation on a course towards long-term fiscal health and promotes investment in our communities. The impacts of the automatic spending cuts could wreck the economic recovery and set back the national economy for years to come.

"This issue is far too important to play politics with. City leaders from across the nation have shown a willingness to tackle the difficult economic conditions facing their communities. We have made the tough decisions to balance our budgets. At the same time, we have found innovative ways to start new programs and continue making progress on much needed projects, and otherwise invest in our hometowns' futures. The nation needs Washington to follow our example in laying a foundation for long-term economic success."

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.

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SOURCE National League of Cities