Califonia is facing not only a budget crisis, but a one of the highest jobless rates in the nation. Today, the Governor issued the following statement:

"Our economy continues to be difficult, especially for people who have lost their jobs or who have begun looking for one. As our state unemployment rate rises, my administration continues to work hard to generate jobs and help re-train people who have lost jobs in our hard-hit industries.

"I have urged the Legislature to pass an economic stimulus package that includes workplace reforms to help keep jobs in California and ways to speed up the release of billions of in-the-pipeline infrastructure and construction dollars into our economy; and our increased unemployment rate underscores the need for that package to be passed in the Legislature immediately.

"This week, through my Labor and Workforce Development Agency, I have taken action to pump out $33 million in job training funds directed toward regions of the state hit hardest by our economic downturn and to our military veterans. These grants will provide education, training, and job placement assistance for thousands of Californians.

"I also want to reiterate the need to shore up our state's Unemployment Insurance Fund. We've known for years that changes must be made to the Fund to keep it solvent, and it is unfortunate that now, when we need it most, it is racing toward the red. I have proposed a plan to ensure this important Fund continues to be a safety net for unemployed Californians and for our economy, and I urge the Legislature to pass it.

"I am pleased that, today, President Bush signed an extension of unemployment benefits that my administration had pushed so hard for, so that Californians out of work can continue to receive their benefits through the holiday season."