President Obama Speaks On Unemployment Rate

While many enjoyed a day off this Labor Day, other Oklahomans would be happy just to have a job. With an unemployment rate holding steady at nine percent, jobs and the job market are at the front of many minds.

Monday, September 5th 2011, 10:59 pm

By: News 9


Dana Hertneky, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- While many enjoyed a day off this Labor Day, other Oklahomans would be happy just to have a job. With an unemployment rate holding steady at nine percent, jobs and the job market are at the front of many minds.

Oklahoma is fortunate to have an unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent, which is way below the nation's average of 9.1 per cent. Still that rate climbed slightly this past month.

Maysea Rainer has been working at the Bricktown Brewery for the past eight months. She moved here to Oklahoma from Southern California in 2009 to find work

"I was working at a preschool as a teacher there…I couldn't find anything else," she said.

While Oklahoma has an unemployment rate better than most of the nation, businesses say they have still been hit hard by the economy. And fewer customers, means fewer jobs.

In a preview of his plan, President Obama said Monday he will propose more construction jobs.

"We've got roads and bridges across this country that need rebuilding," said President Obama, "We've got private companies with the equipment and manpower to do the building. We've got more than one million unemployed construction workers ready to get dirty right now."

Republicans will also present their plan to jump start the economy this week.

Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole says he will push to reduce government regulation: "To bring the jobless rate down, the best thing the federal government can do is get out of the way and let job creators operate free from burdensome government interference."

President Obama's plan also includes incentives for businesses to hire, including a tax credit up to $5000 per worker; and an extension of payroll tax cuts.

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