Background documents

Employment Surveys Are Telling the Same (Sad) Story
This report released on May 15, 2004 by the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland analyzes both the payroll (or establishment) survey and the household survey. It finds that, compared to past recessions and recoveries, the current cycle has had an exceptionally poor job market. It notes the continued loss of jobs in this cycle compared to the substantial gain in jobs by this stage of previous cycles. It also compares changes in the employment to population ratio and also finds a uniquely poor performance in this cycle. It concludes that the household survey "tends to paint a picture of the labor market that is very much in keeping with that presented by the establishment survey."

Strengthening America’s Economy—The President's Jobs and Growth Proposals
This report released on February 4, 2003 by the President's Council of Economic Advisers analyzes the economic impact of the Bush Administration’s 2003 tax cut proposal known as the "Jobs and Growth Plan."

Grading the Jobs and Growth Plan (EPI publication)
Background material regarding the administration's promises for labor market growth can be found in the EPI release Grading the Jobs and Growth Plan.

National jobs and wages
Visit JobWatch's National jobs and wages page for more documents on these topics.

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