Jobs For Connecticut Now

Last week, the Connecticut Department of Labor released the newest statistics on employment in the state, with the jobless rate rising to 8.1 percent in August, up from 7.8 percent a month earlier. If the state’s unemployment rate had reached 8.2 percent, Connecticut would have qualified for $37 million in new federal aid for those struggling to find work.

Connecticut also shed 3,700 jobs in August — more than what most economists had expected — showing that for those seeking work the road will remain rough, even though the recession may technically be over. The state has now lost 79,100 jobs, or 4.6 percent of its total, since employment peaked at 1,709,400 in March 2008.

Economist Don Klepper-Smith predicts the state will lose closer to 100,000 jobs before there is a sustained recovery, perhaps beginning in the middle of next year. The labor department’s report showed six of the 10 major industry sectors lost jobs in August, led by leisure and hospitality and government. Three sectors — including manufacturing and construction, hit hard in the recession — were stable. Educational and health services was the only group to add jobs.

As the recession continues to affect residents of our region, there is no better time for policymakers to take action to turn the business climate around. Last week, Governor Rell announced the release of a strategic plan for Connecticut’s economy. While the plan is just a starting point in a continuing dialogue over the economic future of the state, we hope to be involved in the process of crafting a roadmap for the future as we all work to reverse the disturbing trend of job loss in the state.