RGA Chairman Chris Christie: States with GOP Governors Continue To Lead on Job Creation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chairman Chris Christie issued the following statement regarding the May state unemployment figures released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

“Republican governors have the ideas that deliver results for their states, and it’s those ideas that are winning the fight for jobs and economic growth. These reformers are leading the way, putting in place pro-jobs and pro-growth policies for one reason: They work. Some politicians just talk about creating jobs and reviving struggling economies, but Republican governors are actually doing it. The result is stronger, more prosperous states that work.”

  • Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped five points since Governor Rick Scott was elected. Today, the state’s unemployment is down to 6.3%. Job creators are looking to Florida as a place where they can grow and succeed, and that’s just one reason Governor Scott’s leadership is working for Florida.
  • Governor Nathan Deal has been a difference maker for Georgia’s economy, fostering a drop in unemployment from 10.3% when he was elected to 7.2% today.
  • In Maine, unemployment today stands at 5.7%, an over two-point drop since Governor LePage was elected and a sure sign that his commitment to a brighter future in the state is yielding real results.
  • Governor Rick Snyder continues to set himself apart as Michigan’s difference maker. The state’s unemployment rate for May – 7.5% – marks a four-point drop since the voters elected him to right the state’s ship.
  • Governor Brian Sandoval has provided strong leadership that is driving change in Nevada, where the unemployment rate has dropped a remarkable six points since his election. Today’s 7.9% unemployment rate is the state’s lowest since September 2008.
  • Under Governor John Kasich, Ohio’s unemployment rate is down to 5.5%, a four-point drop since he was elected and the state’s lowest rate since April 2007. There’s no doubt about it – Governor Kasich works for Ohio.
  • When Governor Tom Corbett took office, unemployment in Pennsylvania stood at 8.2%. Today, the unemployment rate is down to 5.6%, the state’s lowest mark since September 2008. Governor Corbett’s commitment to more jobs and less taxes is putting the Commonwealth back on a path to prosperity.
  • South Carolina is experiencing record progress on job creation thanks to Governor Nikki Haley. The unemployment rate has plummeted five and a half points on her watch, down to 5.3%. The results Governor Haley has achieved for her state are exactly the kind of results voters expect from their elected leaders.
  • Governor Scott Walker’s bold leadership continues to move Wisconsin forward and the state keeps on winning. Unemployment has fallen steadily since he took office; this month it’s down to 5.7%, the state’s lowest point since October 2008.

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