Maryland unemployment rate falls again in December

Maryland’s monthly unemployment rate fell again last month, to 6.7 percent, according to data released today from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  This is the lowest the rate has been since February of 2009.

The state added 8,100 jobs in December.  Unfortunately, there are still 125,000 fewer employed Marylanders than there were four years ago.

Given the continuing weak economy, Governor O’Malley is right to emphasize jobs in recent weeks.  Whether it is leveling the playing field for local employers by implementing an online sales tax, hiring new state workers in critical areas, funding infrastructure projects and school and rental housing construction through the capital budget, or asking the wealthiest Marylanders to help pay for services to help their less fortunate neighbors, finding the revenues to pay for vital services is responsible governing.

On the other hand, Maryland can ill afford more job-killing budget cuts to schools, healthcare providers, childcare centers, and other vital services that provide employment, help families get back on their feet, and keep Maryland competitive.  As the General Assembly takes up the budget, we call on them to build on the Governor’s proposal and pass a budget that helps low and moderate income Marylanders continue to recover from the effects of the Great Recession.