Ron Klein: “our economy is in trouble, and millions of hardworking American families are feeling the impact as we speak. Since 2001…”

“our economy is in trouble, and millions of hardworking American families are feeling the impact as we speak. Since 2001, the real income of a typical working family has fallen by $2,500, and workers' wages have failed to keep up with the inflation for the fourth time in the past 5 years. In December, the unemployment rate shot up to a 2-year high of 5 percent with over 900,000 more Americans looking for work over the same period last year. Stagnant wages are not only forcing families to squeeze more out of every dollar, but are also taking a toll on our overall economy. Retailers suffered their worst December shopping season in 5 years, and consumer confidence fell this month to its lowest point on record. Last week, the House approved a bipartisan economic package that will provide urgent relief to 117 million Americans. This is a fair economic package that gets money to the workers, the people who need it the most; and they are most likely to spend it on necessities like groceries and gas. Economists estimate that each dollar of the rebate will lead to $1.26 in economic growth. Mr. Speaker, economists also say we have to act fast. That's exactly what this House did, and I hope the Senate joins us.”