Posted on 10/19/2004 8:03:36 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Job growth in California remained weak last month, lagging behind the rest of the country and illustrating how the state's budget problems are hindering the job market, state officials reported Monday. The unemployment rate held steady at 5.9 percent in September, and employers added 4,900 jobs, a pace that was well below the U.S. average, according to the state Employment Development Department.
Given California's population and the 96,000 jobs that were created nationwide last month - itself a fairly disappointing job-growth number - the state should have generated about 11,000 jobs in September, said UCLA economist Joe Hurd.
California is "not doing so hot," Hurd said. "We can't even get our share of the weak U.S. number."
Sacramento-area unemployment held steady at 5 percent. The region picked up 2,200 jobs, but that was mostly a reflection of seasonal trends. Local governments added 2,900 teachers and other school employees. But their school payrolls are still almost 2 percent slimmer than a year ago as school districts labor under budget cuts related to the state's multibillion-dollar deficit.
Still, the job picture in greater Sacramento is somewhat better than it was a year ago, when the unemployment rate stood at 5.4 percent.
---snip---
Still, some economists believe business climate issues are hurting the state. Jack Kyser, economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., said red tape and high costs are making employers cautious about hiring in California.
In some cases, employers are leaving the state. Momar Industries Inc., a small tech manufacturer, left San Jose for Reno early this year in a move that shaved $60,000 a month off operating costs, said owner Victor Monia.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
The overachievers in the state legislature keep us behind the 8 ball, regulation and economy-wise,, how special.
Gee. It can't have anything to do with high taxes and crushing regulation.
Just wait until the "Millionaire Tax", "Phone Tax", and "Mandated Employer-Provided Health Insurance" propositions pass... those will do wonders for the business environment. [/sarc]
Yeah really. Sounds like California isn't friendly to business.
Professional job growth is certainly negative, though the service industry is no doubt showing positive gains in California. No company in its right mind is bringing new, high-paying professional jobs to this state in these times.
In view of the fact that college graduates earn more, I'm waiting to see the ballot initiative that grants every Kalifornia resident a degree of their choice.
There's a reason why I moved from CA to AZ over the summer. The 'Big Brother' regulation of daily life is reaching oppressive levels in CA, cost of living is just stupid expensive (I could buy 4 houses here in AZ for what one costs there), and tax levels were eating me alive.
I took about a 30% pay cut to move, but incredibly I actually have more disposable income now. After factoring in the cost of living difference, I actually got a net pay raise of around 5%.
Drudge is reporting that Arnie just endorsed prop 62, the "open primary' bill...
If "Mr. Popularity" had a brain in his head he would lead the effort to eliminate the state income tax instead of wasting his time supporting embryonic stem cell research which has been documented to not have any medical benefit and costs the state another 3 BILLION DOLLARS that we don't have...
but then if he did that, the wife would "cut him off" forever instead of just 14 days!!! LOL
>>Drudge is reporting that Arnie just endorsed prop 62, the "open primary' bill...
Yep.
Governor (Schwarzenegger) bucks Legislature and GOP in backing new (open) primary system
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1249525/posts
It's possible that new/current employers are waiting for the new crop of propositions to be voted on in two weeks before making a decision to move to, or stay in, California.
I know I would be waiting to see that.
BTTT
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