Washington- Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that unemployment in the state of Pennsylvania was 8.9 percent during the month of December 2009, a significant increase from the 8.5 percent unemployment rate in November 2009.

Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:

“Unemployment in Pennsylvania rose again in the month of December and now stands at 8.9 percent. While unemployment continued to creep upward, Congress spent most of its time last fall fighting over a healthcare bill that wouldn’t create a single new job.

“This week the people of Massachusetts rejected an agenda that focused more on government expansion than on job expansion. I know it was just one state, but I think it’s an indication that the America people believe that Congress has misplaced priorities.”

Visit Rep. Pitts website to read “Ten Things Congress Should Do to Help the Economy.”

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