Gov. Bentley announced today that Alabama’s unemployment rate has dropped to 6.1 percent, the lowest it’s been since October of 2008.
“Alabama’s Unemployment rate is 6.1%, marking a five-year low,” Bentley said in a statement. “There are 59,400 more jobs today in Alabama than there were in January of 2011, with the greatest job growth coming from the manufacturing sector. There are over 40,000 new, future jobs coming to Alabama. We’re announcing new, well-paying jobs in six locations across the state this month alone. The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research just last week released its economic forecast which predicts greater growth and an estimated 25,000 jobs to be added in 2014. This is all great news for Alabamians who need a well-paying job, but I won’t be satisfied until every person who wants a job can get a job in this state.”
The unemployment rate can be deceiving, though, because it does not take into account that many people have simply given up looking for a job. They are no longer considered part of the labor force and thus not included in the unemployment stats. The total size of Alabama’s labor force has shrunk slightly since Gov. Bentley took office and Republicans gained the majority in the Alabama legislature.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard, whose home county (Lee) has the second lowest unemployment rate in the state, says the drop in unemployment is the result of Republicans’ focus on making Alabama one of the most business-friendly states in the country.
“Alabama is continuing to move forward as shown today by a 5-year low in the state’s unemployment rate,” Hubbard told Yellowhammer. “The people of Alabama elected a pro-business, pro-private sector leadership and our focus over the past three years has been on creating new jobs and growing new and existing industries in the state. With the tremendous workforce, innovative local leadership, and incredible business community in Lee County, it’s no surprise that we have the second lowest unemployment rate in the entire state. I’m proud to represent the people of Auburn and Opelika and will continue to work hard to ensure we lead the way.”
Shelby County currently has the state’s lowest unemployment rate, 3.8 percent. Wilcox county has the highest at 14.2 percent.
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