Job Creators Network Reacts to Weekly Unemployment Claims Report
Washington, DC (December 23, 2020) — New data released by the Department of Labor reveals the number of first-time unemployment claims was 803,000 last week.
Alfredo Ortiz, President and CEO of the Job Creators Network (JCN), released the following statement:
“In case there was any doubt, today’s report shows the critical importance of the economic relief bill Congress passed this week. While we recognize that President Trump has some concerns about the bill, it’s essential that he sign it as soon as possible. The bill renews the Paycheck Protection Program, making nearly $300 billion available to small businesses starting in the first quarter. This is a big win for America’s small businesses, but it should have taken place months ago. Speaker Pelosi held PPP hostage for months to help Joe Biden win the election – she even admitted it shortly after he won. If PPP funds had been available for the past four months – as President Trump and Leader McConnell wanted – the fast-rising tide of unemployment claims would be slowing down today. Still, as the saying goes ‘better late than never,’ and we appreciate the Members of Congress in both parties who voted for the final bill. We have a challenging next few months ahead of us, but we will pull through – thanks in large part to the PPP and the spirit and ingenuity of America’s small businesses.”