Oregon House Republicans concerned over latest job numbers

Oregon House Republican Office

SALEM, OR – House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) yesterday expressed concern over Tuesday’s announcement by the Oregon Employment Department that 4,300 Oregonians lost their job in June.

“Today’s jobs figures are deeply troubling and another sign that Oregon continues to trail the nation in job recovery and labor participation,” said Representative McLane. “Thousands of Oregonians want to work but can’t find a job, and small businesses are being squeezed by regulations and red tape. Our citizens deserve better. Helping Oregonians find stable, long-term employment should be the top priority of our state’s leadership in Salem.”

The employment numbers are particularly concerning given that the number of Oregonians either working or looking for work is at its lowest point in almost forty years. The labor participation rate dropped to 61.1% in June, while 6.8% of Oregonians are reportedly unemployed.

The Oregon Employment Department will release its next set of unemployment rate and employment survey data on Tuesday, August 12th.