NJ’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE UP AGAIN WHILE THE NATIONAL RATE FALLS

Senator Joe Kyrillos, the senior Republican Member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee issued the following comments regarding reports that New Jersey’s unemployment rate rose to 9.3% in July, the highest level in more than a quarter of a century.

“Jon Corzine’s record on job creation is abysmal. New Jersey’s economy was in decline long before the national recession took hold. Our unemployment rate remains higher than that of any neighboring state’s.

“More disturbing is the fact that New Jersey’s rate actually rose while the national rate was falling. Sadly, today’s numbers don’t tell the whole story. The official unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t include ‘discouraged workers.’ Discouraged Workers’ are unemployed men and women, who no longer qualify for benefits.

“Governor Jon Corzine must take immediate action to improve the worst-in-the-nation business climate of this state, in order to grow more private sector jobs. Until now he has failed miserably as a steward of the state’s economy, and families are suffering as a result.”