Hilda L. Solis: “Having a job is essential to being a part of the middle class.”

I do feel that it is important for this country to have a solid middle class.

Since I last came here and testified before you more than a year ago many economic indicators show we are moving on a path to long-term economic recovery.

However, you and I know we still have a lot more work to do because we realize there are 12.8 million people that are still looking for work.

As the President said in the State of the Union Address, we must renew our commitment to revitalizing our Nation's economy and to building an America that is built to last--where everyone gets a fair shot, does their fair share, and plays…