Courtney: Unemployment rated shows economy hasn't yet bottomed out

December 15, 2008

OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT

NEWS RELEASE: December 15, 2008
CONTACT: Robin Maxey, (503) 986�]1605, robin.maxey@state.or.us

COURTNEY: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE INCREASE SHOWS ECONOMY HASN�fT YET BOTTOMED OUT

�gThe unemployment figures released this morning are another indicator that we don�ft yet know how deep this recession will become. Since June we have seen unemployment increase from 5.4 percent to over 8 percent. November�fs unemployment rate is the highest in Oregon in more than five years and no one yet knows how high it will go. As a state, our budget future remains uncertain.

�gWe cannot lose sight, however, that the unemployment rate is more than a number. The future is also uncertain for thousands of families who are struggling to keep a roof over their head and food on their table. In this holiday season, it is my hope that Oregonians would be mindful of those who are less fortunate by expressing the spirit of giving by helping a neighbor or even a
stranger.�h
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