Anthony Musto

Musto Welcomes Good Jobs Report for Connecticut

Unemployment lowest in 3 years; 7,100 jobs added in January alone

State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) today welcomed a new report from the state Department of Labor that shows unemployment in Connecticut has dropped to a three-year low of 8 percent, and that 7,100 new jobs were added in January alone.

“The bipartisan Jobs Bill passed late last year was a big step in the right direction for workers and small businesses, and we should expand on that effort this year to keep this momentum building. This latest jobs report is very good news for everyone in Connecticut, and one of the first reasons in a long time to be optimistic about our state’s economic future. This is an early sign that an economic recovery may be under way, but we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball now.” said Senator Musto.

Among the largest employment sectors showing growth were the construction industry, which grew 6.3 percent in January and added 3,100 jobs (thanks in part to a mild winter). The transportation and utilities sector added 2,100 positions, while the education and health services sector grew added 1,500 jobs.

Over the past year, the largest job losses have occurred in the state and local government sector, which lost a combined 4,400 jobs, or nearly 2 percent of its workforce.

So far, Connecticut has recovered 35,900, or about a third, of the non-farm jobs it lost in the national recession which began in March 2008 and which technically concluded in February 2010.

Senator Musto is supporting a 5-point plan to create jobs and aid small businesses, which includes:

1. Expanding the definition of a small business from 50 employees to 100 employees thereby making them eligible for the Business Express Program and other jobs programs created during the October special session.
2. Expand the Step Up program to give businesses incentive grants to hire post 9/11 combat veterans returning form over seas.
3. Launch Connecticut Made marketing campaign to spur local businesses both for production and retail administered by DECD.
4. Institute Connecticut Treasures program. DECD would lead an effort to promote Connecticut’s many rich educational and enjoyable tourist destinations.
5. Preventing discrimination against the unemployed. Prohibit employers from discriminating in advertising against job applicants because they are unemployed.