Washington- The Pennsylvania State Department of Labor today reported that unemployment in Lancaster has reached 7.4 percent, the highest in 26 years. Furthermore, economists predict that unemployment could continue to increase before the end of the year.

Rep. Pitts statement follows:

“These statistics underscore the seriousness of this recession.  I think we all need to keep those who are unemployed in our prayers.

“Unfortunately, the stimulus bill passed by Congress has not been effective as little more than ten percent of the money appropriated has been spent so far.

“I know that employers in Lancaster are doing their best to keep up with payroll and that employees are working harder than ever to keep their jobs. I believe that our economy will recover because of these individual efforts, not because of government-directed spending that so often misses the mark.”

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