| Press Release |
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| December 12, 2005 |
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Statement by Governor Ted Kulongoski November Unemployment Rate
(Salem) “Today’s announcement about Oregon’s unemployment rate continues to tell the positive story of the last three years.
“Oregon’s unemployment is at its lowest rate in five years. For the first time since April 2001 our rate is below 6 percent. Within the last year alone, we’ve created more than 50,000 new jobs and November 2005 sets a new record for the number of employed Oregonians.
“This progress does not mirror the national economy – we’re experiencing a 3 percent job growth rate while nationally job growth is at 1.5 percent. Our progress mirrors a clear vision for Oregon’s future coupled with smart choices about how to maximize state resources and create economic opportunity for our citizens and communities. Our choices are delivering results – and the sixth fastest growing economy in the country.
“Investments in infrastructure are not only creating family-wage jobs, but they are building a strong foundation for economic opportunities that can be sustained for the long-term. Our focus on workforce training is ensuring our high performance industries, such as manufacturing and high technology sectors, have the skilled workforce they need to succeed in a global marketplace. And by increasing investments in pre-k through 12 and expanding opportunities for Oregonians to access a post-secondary education, we’re creating more learning and earning potential for all of our citizens and our communities.
“We’ve come a long way over the last three years – from an 8.5 percent unemployment rate to 5.8 percent – and November’s unemployment rate is the closest to the national rate since 1998, which is a great accomplishment. But we’re not done yet.
“Creating and maintaining that job growth momentum has been the primary focus of my administration and I will continue to build a strong partnership with the private sector to ensure we continue this path and create economic stability and prosperity for future generations.
“The bottom line is that we should invest in what works – and the numbers today further confirm that we’re doing just that.”
- Governor Ted Kulongoski
Media Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6496
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