by Valerie Norton, Public Policy Fellow, 
National Women's Law Center 

The unemployment data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics paint a bleak employment picture. The economy lost 467,000 jobs over the last month and the nation’s unemployment rate climbed to 9.5%, the highest rate in nearly 26 years. At the start of the 4th of July weekend, we’d like to be thinking about sunny days and summer fun – but we know for millions of families, the rain is unrelenting. 

Unemployment among women who maintain families – who have no other income to fall back on and are especially vulnerable – jumped to 11.7%, an increase of 17% in three months. Unemployment among African-American and Hispanic women  reached 11.3% and 11.5%, respectively.

There are efforts underway to provide families some shelter from the storm. We’ve previously written about the Economic Recovery Act, which is providing assistance to many in need and creating jobs for women and men. And, thanks to advocacy by a coalition of civil rights, environmental and labor groups, including the Center, the climate bill (American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) passed by the House requires the creation of a Green Construction Careers Demonstration Project that will help targeted groups, including low-income women, gain access to quality jobs. But while those storm clouds persist, we know there’s more work to do.

• Tags:
• Employment
• Poverty & Inequality
• Valerie Norton
• unemployment

View Original Post at womenstake.org