RGA Statement on State Unemployment Data

July 23, 2012

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly report Friday on regional and state employment and unemployment levels, and the data shows that states with Republican governors are faring better than states with Democratic governors.

“Over the past 12 months, Republican governors have been making the tough choices necessary to provide certainty to job creators. Republican governors have closed massive budget deficits while holding the line on taxes, reined in unsustainable entitlements and seen their credit outlooks upgraded,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Chairman of the Republican Governors Association. “As a result, businesses in Republican-led states have been able to overcome strong national economic headwinds to add jobs and drive down unemployment.”

“States with Republican governors have significantly lower unemployment rates than states with Democratic governors, and GOP-led states are leading the nation in job creation,” McDonnell added.  “Simply put, the policy prescriptions and reforms of Republican governors are getting the job done.”

“Unfortunately, Friday’s report, which showed just 11 states decreasing their unemployment rates, coupled with other recent economic indicators, also serves as a stark reminder of the economic challenges confronting our nation,” McDonnell said.  “From sole proprietorships to large corporations, job creators of all sizes need more confidence that they will not be a hit with higher taxes or more regulatory burdens.”

Quick Facts:

Unemployment and Job Creation:

  • States with Republican governors have a 7.6% unemployment rate
  • States with Democratic governors have an 8.6% unemployment rate
  • Top 5 states with the largest unemployment rate drops over the last 12 months have GOP governors, led by Nevada, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi and Ohio.
  • Over the last 12 months, the unemployment rate in Republican-led states has decreased faster than in states with Democratic governors.
  • Over the last 12 months, states with Republican governors have added nearly 1.4 million jobs, accounting for more than 60% of the nation’s job growth.

Business-Friendly States:

CNBC Rankings:

CNBC recently released its annual rankings of top states for business and the list was led by states with Republican governors:

  • 4 of 5 top states have GOP governors
  • 8 of 10 top states have GOP governors
  • 12 of 15 top states have GOP governors

More states with GOP governors topped this year’s list than one year ago. In 2011:

  • 3 of 5 top states had GOP governors
  • 6 of 10 top states had GOP governors
  • 11 of 15 top states had GOP governors

Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc. Ranking:

  • 9 of 10 top pro-business states as ranked by Pollina are led by Republican governors, led by Virginia.

Site Selection Magazine:

Area Development:

  • 8 of 10 top states for business according to Area Development have GOP governors, led by Texas.

Chief Executive:

  • 9 of 10 best states in which do business according to Chief Executive are led by GOP governors.

Forbes:

Business Facilities:

  • 10 of 10 states for best business climate according to Business Facilities are led by GOP governors, led by Texas.

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