National League of Cities Releases Statement Responding to Today's Unemployment Numbers

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Jul 08, 2011, 01:08 ET

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities releases the following statement responding to today's unemployment numbers:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081022/NLCLOGO)

Today's unemployment numbers are confirmation that the nascent recovery being seen in some sectors is not taking place in local governments. The figures demonstrate that the job cuts made by local governments as they continue to deal with the effects of the economic downturn are a drag on the economy.

The job cuts being seen are the result of deep service cuts being made as local governments move to balance their budgets in the face of difficult fiscal circumstances. NLC forecasted these cuts two years ago and sees further job cuts coming for at least the next 18 months. A continuation of job losses at these levels will dampen growth in the private sector.

For the economy to bounce back, robust public and private sector employment must be achieved. Local governments are at the forefront of job creation, infrastructure improvements and economic development and must have the tools necessary to compete in the global market.

As Congress and the Administration negotiate strategies to reduce the federal deficit, they must also protect investments that provide a foundation for future growth. Now more than ever, our nation's leaders must recognize that budget cuts should not overly impact the already dire economic challenges facing our communities.

The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. 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