Regional and State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2008-05-16

Regional and state unemployment rates were little changed in April. Overall, 28 states and the District of Columbia recorded over-the- month unemployment rate decreases, 14 states registered increases, and 8 states had no change, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Over the year, jobless rates were up in 35 states and the District of Columbia, down in 13 states, and unchanged in 2 states. The national unemployment rate, at 5.0 percent, was little changed between March and April, but was up from 4.5 percent a year earlier. Between March and April, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 10 states and the District of Columbia, decreased in 39 states, and was unchanged in 1 state (Missouri). The largest employment increases were recorded in Texas (+15,400), South Carolina (+4,500), Colorado (+3,800), and Pennsylvania (+2,300).