Brewer Claims “Comeback” but Numbers Haven’t Budged

Despite repeated claims by Gov. Jan Brewer that Arizona’s economic “comeback is coming” or has already begun, nearly 10 percent of the state’s workforce is still seeking employment.  

The latest Arizona employment figures released today by the State’s Department of Commerce show no change in unemployment in the state, with the overall rate at 9.7 percent for September. [Arizona Workforce Employment Report, 10/21/2010]
        
“Gov. Brewer continues to ignore the jobs emergency in our state.  A massive number of Arizonans are still unemployed or underemployed, and our economy continues to suffer under the weight of her unbalanced budget,” Attorney General Terry Goddard said. “For our governor to make statements that our economy is on the mend, during a statewide jobs crisis of this magnitude, is downright irresponsible. Not only is Jan Brewer out of touch with the people of Arizona, she refuses to accept the statistics presented to her by her own Department of Commerce.”

Arizona’s unemployment rate remains slightly higher than the national average of 9.6 percent, also unchanged in September. To read the full report, click here.

“We cannot afford to ignore this problem any longer, and we certainly cannot afford four more years of Gov. Brewer’s failed leadership,” Goddard added. “It’s time to get Arizona working again, and on November 2nd, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

To read Terry Goddard’s comprehensive emergency jobs plan for Arizona, “Making Arizona Work Again,” please click here.