Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Says Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Rate At 30-Year Low

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Record Job Growth Continues; Energy Independence Strategy Will Bolster Growth

April 19, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell said today Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has dropped to a level not seen since the 1970s and its economy continued to add jobs in March, setting a record high for the ninth consecutive month.

The statewide unemployment rate dropped two-tenths-of-a-percentage-point to 3.8 percent, hitting a 30-year low. The March rate was eight-tenths-of-a-point below the March 2006 rate, and six-tenths-of-a-point below the national rate of 4.4 percent.

The March gain of 6,000 jobs brings the statewide job count1 to 5,796,600, a net gain of 168,400 jobs since January 2003. Pennsylvania has added 55,800 jobs since March 2006, exceeding the average yearly job growth of 44,700 for the previous 10 years.

“Remarkable job growth over the past year and a 30-year low in the unemployment rate are signs that our economy is doing well,” Governor Rendell said. “This growth illustrates the success of our aggressive, strategic investments in a skilled workforce and businesses that create jobs.

“In order to continue creating jobs at such a remarkable pace, we have to step up our efforts and fundamentally change the way we do business,” the Governor said. “That is why I have proposed my Energy Independence Strategy to direct our investments to develop renewable, clean energy right here at home. This strategy meets our growing need for energy sources that protect the environment, reduce our reliance on foreign fuels, produce long-term cost savings for consumers, attract future investment and create jobs.”

Pennsylvania has created over 2,500 jobs in renewable energy production and technology over the past several months. The jobs, in manufacturing, construction, engineering and management, include the production of wind and solar energy and biodiesel fuel. This month, the Governor announced that start-up solar manufacturer, AE Polysilicon Corp., will bring its production facility and headquarters to Bucks County in July, adding 143 renewable energy jobs next year.

“We have rebuilt Pennsylvania’s economy by investing in projects that offer a promising return and create new opportunities for our people,” Governor Rendell said. “Our Energy Independence Strategy and the addition of renewable energy materials manufacturers enhance our ability to produce and consume alternative forms of energy that meet our needs, and, at the same time, create new jobs so Pennsylvanians can pay their bills.”

More information on the Energy Independence Strategy is available online at: www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Source: Pennsylvania Governor