Governor Bush Heralds Florida's Strong Job Statistics

GOVERNOR BUSH HERALDS FLORIDA'S STRONG JOB STATISTICS

~~ ~Florida has lowest unemployment rate among the nation's ten most populous states ~ ~~

June 16, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today touted Florida's most recent employment numbers, highlighting the state's continued success as a national leader in job creation. According to statistics released today by the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Florida added 270,600 jobs (seasonally adjusted) from May 2005 to May 2006. Florida's unemployment rate is 3.2 percent, and its job growth rate is more than twice the national average.

"Today's report highlights the strength of Florida's pro-business climate and our commitment to ensuring Floridians have access to good jobs," said Governor Bush. "Our state's vibrant corps of entrepreneurs, employers and their dedicated workforce, along with a focus on innovation, will drive this positive employment trend well into the future."

According to statistics released today:

Ø From May 2005 to May 2006, Florida added 270,600 new jobs, seasonally adjusted.
Ø Florida's May 2006 unemployment rate was 3.2 percent, 1.4 percentage points below the national rate of 4.6 percent.
Ø Florida continues be a national model for the number of new jobs created with an annual job growth rate more than twice the national average.

In recent news, the Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index report highlighted 12 Florida metro areas in the nation's top 30 metros. The top three metro spots in the nation are all from Florida: Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Cape Coral-Fort Meyers, and Naples-Marco Island. The Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index ranks 379 U.S. metropolitan areas based on their economic performance and their ability to create, as well as keep, the greatest number of jobs in the nation. For the second year in a row, Florida metropolitan areas dominate the Index.

http://www.flgov.com/release/7925