A report is out this morning which states that the unemployment rate dropped unexpectedly in January to 9.7 percent. Emloyers shed 20,000 jobs. 

Excluding the beleagured construction industry, which shed 75,000 jobs, the private sector added 63,000 positions.Unemployment among women and black workers continued to worsen.

One of  the worst aspects of the nation’s high unemployment rate is the growing numbers of long-term jobless workers. Long term US unemployment, meaning those without a job for 27 weeks or longer  worsened in January to 6.3 million workers.

When both unemployed and underemployed workers are counted, there still are 25.5 million people without jobs or full-time work or 16.5 precent. The unemploymnet insurance (UI) extension for millions of workers is due to expire on February 28, 2010.

Tell the Senate to Extend Unemployment Benefits

The U.S. Senate must vote soon to extend benefits for jobless workers. Millions of jobless workers will run out of benefits at the end of this month if the Senate doesn't act fast.

Please urge your Senators NOW to extend unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers for the rest of the year.