Number: R40080
Title: Job Loss and Infrastructure Job Creation During the Recession
Authors: Linda Levine, Specialist in Labor Economics 
Abstract: This report first examines trends in employment and job loss since the start of the latest recession. It next focuses on job creation estimates associated with increased spending on infrastructure, placing a heavy emphasis on explaining the limitations and caveats associated with the inputoutput methodology that often is utilized to develop the estimates. The report will be updated after the 111th Congress convenes to reflect legislation that includes "direct job creation" provisions, i.e., economic stimulus bills having the government raise demand for goods and services through increased federal spending for the purpose of creating and preserving jobs. It will not discuss stimulus measures that give consumers more money in the hope they will spend rather than save it and that provide income support such as extension of unemployment benefits.
Pages: 11
Date: December 23, 2008