Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) heralded the strong economic indicators released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Tax relief works. Today's economic news proves that lowering the tax burden faced by working families, not increasing it, is the way to a more prosperous economy for all Americans. Tax relief continues to make our businesses more competitive allowing them to create more jobs," said Ways and Means Committee member Kevin Brady.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced this morning that:
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The nation's unemployment rate declined again in January to 5.6 percent, a significant improvement from the 6.3 percent rate in June 2003.
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According to BLS's Payroll Survey, 112,000 jobs were created in January and the estimates for November and December were revised upwards slightly. Job growth in January was particularly strong in: retail services (+76,000), construction (+24,000), education and health services (+22,000) and leisure and hospitality (+21,000).
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According to BLS's companion Household Survey, 496,000 jobs were created in January. Furthermore, the Household Survey indicates total employment rose to an all time high of 138.6 million. This survey indicates 2.9 million jobs were created since January 2002. 
