Senator Collins released the following statement:
"Today's economic news is very encouraging. The GDP has increased at a rate faster than what most experts expected. We are beginning to see clear signs of investments soaring, inventories decreasing, and unemployment claims in some areas decreasing.
"Unfortunately, many workers in Maine have not yet felt the same positive effects of the economic recovery. This is especially true for the manufacturing industry, which has seen a loss of far too many jobs in Maine over the past couple of years.
"Today's news, however, is an indication that our economy is on the upswing and that tax relief has been successful in helping families and businesses throughout the nation.
"I am hopeful that this stronger economy will soon provide the opportunity for dislocated workers in Maine to get back to work."