FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 3, 2021
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country Statement on August Jobs Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, One Country Project co-founder Heidi Heitkamp issued the following statement after the release of the August jobs report:“The lackluster August jobs report confirms that resurging COVID-19 outbreaks are impeding the trajectory of recovery for the U.S. economy, underscoring the urgency of ramping up vaccination efforts as cases of the delta variant spike across the country. After several impressive months of job growth and economic recovery, August’s 235,000 jobs added should push lawmakers at the state and federal levels to continue to provide opportunity and aid directly to American families.
“The COVID-19 delta variant is wreaking havoc in rural communities. Infections are spreading rapidly among unvaccinated people, including the young and the healthy, and rural hospitals are struggling to keep up with the overwhelming case rate amid a national shortage of health care workers. While many lawmakers continue to shirk public health guidance, ensuring communities have effective education campaigns and expanding opportunities to get vaccinated is critically important to stop the spread of the virus in rural America and further economic recovery nationwide.
“The bipartisan infrastructure deal is also an important next step to giving American families more opportunity in the post-pandemic economy. The bill, passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, includes several provisions to bring good-paying jobs to rural communities through new infrastructure projects, broadband expansion, and investments in the clean energy industry. Ensuring this bill makes it into law is key to bringing jobs and sustainable economic success to communities across the country.”
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About One Country ProjectThe One Country Project, led by former Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, is working to promote greater opportunities for rural communities and ensure leaders earn their support. One Country is reengaging with rural Americans, serving as a clearinghouse of research and information for rural Americans, and working to ensure leaders regain trust by fighting for these communities. To learn more, visit the website, OneCountryProject.org.