GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.—The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment released its unemployment numbers for the month of August today. The report shows Colorado’s unemployment rate now sits above the national average and more Coloradans have stopped looking for work.

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Ryan Call issued the following statement in response to the new data:

“For the first time in seven years, Colorado’s unemployment rate is above the national average. Private sector payroll jobs shrank but government jobs grew by an equal amount.

“Colorado cannot afford the President’s unchecked spending and unchecked expansion of government. Our tax burden continues to grow while the economy continues to disappoint.

“The President’s belief that redistribution and more government create wealth is wrong and employment numbers continue to show it. Mitt Romney has a five point economic plan that will create 12 million jobs by 2016 and create new economic opportunity across America. In 46 days, voters in Colorado will finally have the opportunity to hold the President accountable for his failed economic agenda.”

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