WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Vice Chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nonfarm payroll employment grew by 75,000 in May and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent. Average hourly earnings increased 3.1 percent from the prior year.
“Today’s payroll growth is very disappointing and far lower than economists had forecast, as factories and builders hired at a much slower pace. Wage growth has also decelerated and missed expectations in May. While it is too soon to know whether this all is a result of the president’s trade wars, today’s data should give everyone pause and reason to question his reckless and haphazard tariff policies.”
“I am also concerned about the persistent inequalities that prevent too many Americans from enjoying the benefits of a growing economy. Black and Hispanic unemployment remain well above the rates among whites and Asians. The share of women working or seeking work remains below pre-recession levels, as high day care costs and inadequate paid family leave policies make it hard for young mothers to stay in the job market.”
“That’s why it’s so important for Congress to pass a law that would allow workers to care for a child or sick family member without facing financial hardship. I also urge Congress to approve legislation that would require the Bureau of Economic Analysis to report economic growth by income decile and the top 1 percent. That would help us measure inequality and develop policies to ensure all Americans benefit from our nation’s economic progress.”
Congresswoman Maloney in March introduced the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (H.R. 1534) that would provide 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers. H.R. 1534 would guarantee paid leave for all instances covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, which currently guarantees only unpaid leave. She also introduced the Measuring Real Income Growth Act (H.R. 707) this Congress and in the 115th Congress. The legislation would require BEA to publish distributional analyses of gross domestic product.
Press Contact:
Randy Woods
Randy_Woods@jec.senate.gov
(202) 224-2599
