Governor Bush Heralds Florida's Strong Job Growth

GOVERNOR BUSH HERALDS FLORIDA'S STRONG JOB GROWTH

~~ ~~Florida leads the nation's ten most populous states in job creation ~~ ~~

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 219,300 (seasonally adjusted) from October 2005 to October 2006. Florida's unemployment rate is 3.1 percent, and its job growth rate is more than twice the national average.

"Today's report is a validation of the state's pro-business policies and aggressive focus on economic diversification," said Governor Bush. "Florida will remain steadfast in its efforts to maintain a favorable business climate, ensuring continued economic growth well into the future."

According to statistics released today:
?From October 2005 to October 2006, Florida added 219,300 new jobs, seasonally adjusted.
?Florida's October 2006 unemployment rate was 3.1 percent, 1.3 percentage points below the national rate of 4.4 percent.
?Florida's unemployment rate has been below the national rate since mid-2002.
?Florida continues to be a national model for the number of new jobs created with an annual job growth rate that is more than twice the national average.
?As of October 2006, there were 8,109,500 jobs in Florida compared to 6,732,900 in January 1999, an increase of 1,376,600 jobs (seasonally adjusted).

Governor Bush has made diversifying Florida's economy a top priority, placing particular emphasis on fostering the development of emerging technologies. New measures passed by the Florida Legislature to enhance Florida's innovation economy include: $50 million for a World Class Scholars Program and a Centers of Excellence program to build and enhance our innovation infrastructure, $45 million to expand Florida's Quick Action Closing Fund, $43 million to secure Florida's position as a leader in the Space and Aeronautics industry, and $200 million to create the Florida Innovation Incentive Fund to bring large scale research projects, private sector business or prestigious institutions to our state. Under the Bush/Jennings administration, the state has sustained seven years of strong economic growth, providing $19.1 billion in state and local tax relief through 2006-07, increasing state reserves by more than 500 percent and becoming a national leader in job creation. For more information on Florida's economic development efforts, please visit www.myflorida.com.

http://www.flgov.com/release/8392