It's not the heat in DC that's bothering me, it's the economic stupidity of blocking unemployment insurance extensions for those who are suffering and denying aid to states in need. State aid is needed to save critical jobs for teachers, firefighters, police officers and nurses.

Watch and share this short video with stories from people around the country and a message from me on jobs, the economy and what you can do.

It's tragic. Almost 15 million of America's working men and women are unemployed--26 million counting the underemployed--and nearly half of all the jobless have been out of work for more than six months. Families are stretched to the limit and state budgets are under incredible strain, putting hundreds of thousands more jobs in danger.

Yet the Republicans in Congress repeatedly have blocked efforts to take action, create jobs and rebuild our battered economy.

There is nothing more important than creating and saving jobs, and we need Congress to act now. In less than four months, every single member of the House of Representatives and other elected leaders will face you, the voters. Your voice and your vote are more powerful than ever.

Take time to make sure your elected officials know you demand concrete action to rebuild our economy and create jobs now...or they may not be elected officials anymore. So raise your voice, and join me in our fight for good jobs: Text JOBS to 225568.

In solidarity,

Richard Trumka
AFL-CIO President

P.S. Watch and pass along this short video on jobs, the economy and what you can do.