What have learned about the “job creation” numbers the past few years?
Everyone brags about how many jobs were “created”, but what about the number that were LOST?
In August 2008, Texas had about 10.64 million jobs. About a year later, with the recession in full swing, Texas had about 400,000 less (per PolitiFact).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps annual data, starting from April 1 each year, on total private sector job gains and losses. During the most recent three years — 2008, 2009 and 2010 — California gained an average of 1.3 million jobs annually, while Texas posted an average of 935,000 jobs. However, California also lost an average of 1.8 million jobs while Texas lost 992,000.
Another thing is how the jobs are measured. Comparing employment in a single month in 2006 with the same month five years later, Texas’ job numbers grow. Shorten the time period to three years, and Texas shows a net loss in jobs, going from 10.56 million jobs in January 2008 to 10.47 million in January 2011.
Remember, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. Rick Perry or any other candidate better be prepared to talk details, not just toss numbers out and take credit.
I’m not saying he’s lying - I’m saying it depends on what is measured, how, and when. And then there’s the whole separate issue of the quality of the jobs, i.e. minimum wage, benefits, etc.
Time to run a level four diagnostic on your BS Detector, cuz we’re going to need ‘em...
Could I get a link to that?
Never mind, I got it...Thanks.