Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases national and state-level data on U.S. employment, which provide useful information about the state of the labor market and progress toward building a better America. To highlight key trends in the monthly data, the Joint Economic Committee compiles state-by-state fact sheets for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The most recent state-level data, which cover the month of June, were released on July 21, 2023. The latest national data were released on July 7, 2023.

The Schedule A shortage occupation list was created in the 1960s to help the United States attract and hire international talent to address labor shortages in a range of high-demand occupations and industries. However, because the Schedule A list has not been updated since 2005, it no longer includes the occupations where the United States faces major labor shortages.

LGBTQI+ advocates and leaders have moved us towards a more inclusive society and economy. Unfortunately, continued right-wing attacks on LGBTQI+ rights and safety jeopardize this progress as they seek to further institutionalize discrimination in the labor market, schools, and elsewhere. While the Biden administration has engaged in major efforts to protect this community, Congress must do more to help ensure LGBTQI+ equality.