Rendell: PA Economy Added Jobs in October as Recovery Continues

Rendell Emphasizes Importance, Success of Investment in Key Industries

Governor’s News Release

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania’s statewide unemployment rate1 fell to 8.8 percent in October as the economy added 15,900 non-farm jobs2, Governor Rendell said today, noting that investments in manufacturing and other key industries are helping drive the state’s economic recovery.

The Department of Labor & Industry reported today that October unemployment was down 10,000 to the lowest level in a year. Total non-farm jobs are up 48,000 from October 2009, including a 3,000 net increase in manufacturing jobs — that sector’s first over-the-year growth in a decade.

“Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point from September. That marks the third month in a row the rate dropped; now it is nearly a full percentage point better than the national rate of 9.6 percent,” Governor Rendell said. “In fact, our rate has been at or below the national rate for 91 of the past 94 months.

“This is great news for Pennsylvania’s economy and for people looking for work,” said Governor Rendell. “The investments we’ve made in manufacturing and other crucial industries are helping attract employers to Pennsylvania, keeping employers here and helping them to add jobs and hire people.”

Governor Rendell noted that in the past 30 days, the state announced investments to help manufacturing businesses in Franklin, Jefferson, Mercer and Schuylkill counties create more than 140 new jobs.

“These investments are just recent examples of the investments we have consistently made over the past eight years that helped make Pennsylvania among the nation’s most attractive places to live, work and do business.

“The targeted investments we’ve made in various industries — competitive grants, low-interest loans, industry partnerships and incumbent worker training — are helping connect employers with the skilled workforce they need to be successful in the global economy,” Governor Rendell said. “They helped employers weather the worst of the recession and they are helping connect workers with career-focused employment that pays a family-sustaining wage.

“By working closely with employers, listening to what they need and helping create an environment that lends itself to their success, we can make investments that will stimulate job growth now and for years to come,” he added.