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Maryland's unemployment rate inched up to 7% today in the latest state employment picture released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From June to July, the state netted a gain of 800 jobs, while June's numbers were revised sightly upwards.  The June unemployment rate was 6.9%, while January was 6.5%.

"This is not nearly enough job growth to say we're competitive in the region," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "And a spike of half a point in the unemployment rate since the beginning of the year is a disturbing trend to say the least."

Virginia saw a gain of 21,300 new jobs, the third-highest in the country between June and July, and its unemployment rate is 5.9%.

"Maryland has a formidable competitor south of the Potomac and Virginia once again is showing the way forward in job growth," added Hogan.