March 4, 2009

Markell: Delaware Must Focus on Long-Term Job Growth to Overcome Historic Rise in Unemployment

DOVER – Gov. Jack Markell made the following statement Wednesday in response to the release of updated data that shows 29,600 Delawareans are unemployed. Delaware's unemployment rate in January reached 6.7 percent, up from 5.7 percent in December.

"Delaware workers have been hit hard by the national economic downturn, and the sad fact is that our unemployment rate in the short term could climb even higher," Markell said. "The next few months will be painful, but we will act boldly to put Delaware on a course toward a brighter future. We must confront the historic challenges facing us by growing the economy and creating new jobs. That is why Delaware is the only state taking part in the landmark nationwide Climate Prosperity Project to improve the health of our environment and economy. My administration is doing everything it can to make Delaware the best state in the nation for starting a business and to create an economic climate where businesses can thrive across a range of industries."