After the Bureau of Labour Statistics released disheartening unemployment numbers, the country’s political arena was full of job-talk this week, as politicians attempted to calm job-market panic:

• Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced $180,000 worth of grants for small businesses on Tuesday. He declared that the city’s number-1 priority is to create jobs, reported WNYC. The Department of Small Business Services will give this round of grants to four businesses. After unpopular budget cuts this summer that resulted in 777 school employees losing their jobs, Bloomberg hopes that the grants will provide spark to New York City’s job-market.

• In what was seen by some as a referendum on President Obama’s ability to handle the country’s economic woes, Bob Turner (R) won the race to replace ex-Rep Anthony Weiner, reports the New York Times. Turner beat David Weprin (D), in a tightly contended race that ended on Tuesday. “We seek leadership and direction in returning prosperity and finding jobs for the people of this district,“ said the congressman-elect in his victory speech. Jobs and the faltering economy were central issues in a race that saw District 9 elect their first Republican to congress since 1923.

• Obama proposed his new Jobs Act to congress last Thursday, in the hopes to stimulate the country’s stagnant job-market. If passed by congress, the bill would provide tax cuts for small business owners as well as a number of spending measures. Obama has said that the $447 billion bill would be funded by deficit reduction measures determined by the Joint Congressional Committee.