Governor Martin O’Malley today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor’s release of preliminary employment data for the month of April:
“While the preliminary jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the month of April indicates a loss of 6,200 jobs, together, Marylanders have created 34,600 new jobs over the past 12 months while driving our unemployment rate down to 6.5 percent – the lowest rate in more than four years.
“There is no progress without jobs – and that’s why in Maryland, we’re working every day to harness the full potential of our Innovation Economy. With new initiatives like EARN, the Veterans Full Employment Act, and enhanced strategic tax credits – we are fueling innovation and investing in the things that create jobs, strengthen our workforce, expand opportunities for middle class families and give people the tools they need to compete and win in the 21st century economy.
“Our work has not gone unnoticed. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Maryland #1 for the second year in a row for entrepreneurship and innovation, and Entrepreneur Magazine recently named us the best state in the nation to start a new business. But there is still more work to do. Only by working together can we build a better, stronger and more prosperous future for our children.”
