WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJF) today reported that Ohio’s unemployment rate rose to 8.8 percent in January—the state’s highest jobless rate in 23 years. In response, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued the following statement:
“Ohio’s unemployment rate is much more than a statistic—it’s a reflection of eight years of wrong-headed priorities that betrayed Ohioans who worked hard and played by the rules but saw their jobs shipped overseas and their financial security jeopardized.
“Thankfully, we passed critical economic recovery legislation this month that will provide Ohio with more than $8 billion in federal funds. These funds will support job-creating infrastructure and green energy projects while also providing extended unemployment insurance and health coverage for unemployed workers. The next step is stabilizing the housing market and the banking industry.
“While there are challenges ahead, there are many signs of hope in Ohio. We’re working to revive our state’s manufacturing base to create a new generation of green energy jobs. Ohio’s auto industry is transforming to build advanced energy car components. Ohio workers will compete in a 21st century economy.”
