U.S Rep. Joe Pitts sent the following in reference to today’s news that the jobless rate here crept to its highest level in more than 26 years, to 7.4 percent, in July:

“These statistics underscore the seriousness of this recession. I think we all need to keep those who are unemployed in our prayers.

“Unfortunately, the stimulus bill passed by Congress has not been effective as little more than ten percent of the money appropriated has been spent so far.

“I know that employers in Lancaster are doing their best to keep up with payroll and that employees are working harder than ever to keep their jobs. I believe that our economy will recover because of these individual efforts, not because of government-directed spending that so often misses the mark.”