In March 2003, more than 108,000 jobs were lost and the unemployment rate held at 5.8 percent. In addition, unemployment insurance claims hit their highest level in one year; more Americans stopped looking for work last month because they were discouraged over job prospects, and the critical growth in the service sector has abruptly ended. Under President Bush, unemployment has increased 41% and long-term unemployment has increased by 170%. [Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4/3/03].