The Guv has been traipsing across Indiana these past two weeks talking about expansions and making other economic development announcements. Perhaps he knew this news was coming today (emphasis added):
Between June 2008 and July 2008 nonfarm payroll employment increased in 14 states and the District of Columbia, and decreased in 36 states. The largest employment increases were recorded in Texas (+17,700), Ken- tucky (+11,300), Kansas (+8,800), the District of Columbia (+6,700), and Tennessee (+5,700). The District of Columbia posted the largest over-the-month percentage increase in employment (+1.0 percent), fol- lowed by South Dakota (+0.9 percent), Kansas and Kentucky (+0.6 percent each), and North Dakota (+0.3 percent). The largest employment decreases occurred in Florida (-21,400), Georgia (-18,900), Indiana (-16,500), California (-14,900), and Arizona (-14,100). Alaska experienced the largest over-the-month percentage decline in employment (-0.7 percent), followed by Indiana (-0.6 percent), and Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, and Utah (-0.5 percent each).
Yeah, our economy's really heading in the right direction.
For those of you playing along at home, here are a few additional fun facts:
• Between July 2007 and July 2008, Indiana's unemployment rate jumped from 4.4% to 6.3%, an increase of 1.9%
• According to figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Indiana was 44th in the nation last year in terms of GDP growth. [BEA, 2007 GDP Report]
• Between February 2005 and July 2008, Mitch Daniels has created only 20,500 jobs for the state of Indiana.
• Under the leadership of Gov. Joe Kernan - between September, 2003 and January, 2005 - Indiana gained 52,500 jobs.
But, Mitch and his buddies still made money, and that's all that counts.
Say what you will about John Edwards, but when he talked about 2 Americas and 2 economies, he was balls-on accurate (pun intended).
I realize it makes for a great headline, but just to maybe keep things in perspective, keep in mind readers there ARE 11 other months in a year.