Tag: Jobs and the Economy

Merkley Statement on the National Unemployment Rate

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement today on the announcement by the Department of Labor that the national unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent, the highest rate since 1983: “The unemployment rate isn’t just a statistic we use to measure the state of the economy. 

Wyden, Merkley Announce $40 Million To Boost Geothermal Energy in Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Continuing efforts to advance alternative energy resources and break our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced nearly $40 million in Recovery Act funding for the exploration and development of geothermal energy technologies in Oregon. “This funding

Providing Assistance to Unemployed Americans will Aid Economy

 Mr. President, I rise today to address the devastating jobs crisis hitting my home state of Oregon. Last Monday we got new job numbers and on the surface it was good news.  The rate of unemployment dropped from 12.2% to 11.5%.  Of course, we would all expect that this is

Health Care Reform will Cut Costs for Small Businesses

It is a pleasure to stand to talk about health care following upon the remarks of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Mark Warner, both whom as governors had the opportunity to know firsthand how important health care reform is to taking our nation forward.  They come from very diverse states, but

Banking on Our Small Businesses

Washington, DC – To get lending going again, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) introduced legislation Wednesday that will assist community banks in extending credit to small businesses and consumers, urging economic growth and assisting in job creation.  By allocating existing TARP funds under a new Community Credit

Wyden, Merkley Help Save Oregon Manufacturing Jobs

Washington, D.C. – Fighting against a decision by the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) that would have devastated Oregon knife manufacturers, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) saw the amendment they co-sponsored to prohibit the reclassification of certain knives as switchblades included in the final FY

Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Clears Senate and Heads For President’s Desk

Washington, D.C. – Working to improve Oregon’s waterways and alternative energy technology capabilities, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced today that the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is on its way to the President’s desk for signature. The bill, which includes nearly

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