The number of state and local government jobs has dropped in 39 states but risen in 11 others over the past year, the Rockefeller Institute reports today, based on the latest federal employment data. "Overall state-local government employment is now 2 percent below its level at the start of the recession, while private employment is down 5.8 percent over the same period," say authors Lucy Dadayan and Robert Ward.
Those 11 states with rising government employment include (wait for it!) .. Wisconsin. In fact, the employment statistics compiled by Rockefeller Institute indicate that while Wisconsin state government employment has dropped 5.4 percent in the past year (the biggest decrease in this category), local government employment in the Badger State has risen 2.7 percent (the largest increase in the country). This just might be evidence that Governor Scott Walker's collective bargaining reforms are achieving their stated purpose: preserving the public jobs and services that matter most to Wisconsin taxpayers. Richard Trumka, call your office!
Other states with rising state-local government employment over last year included some relatively strong economic performers (Texas, North Dakota, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, for example) and some surprises, given their struggling economies (Delaware, Florida and Minnesota). The biggest percentage drop in state and local employment has come in New Jersey, which also has experienced very weak private-sector job growth in the past year.
Other states with rising state-local government employment over last year included some relatively strong economic performers (Texas, North Dakota, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, for example) and some surprises, given their struggling economies (Delaware, Florida and Minnesota). The biggest percentage drop in state and local employment has come in New Jersey, which also has experienced very weak private-sector job growth in the past year.
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