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Michigan Unemployment Rate Hits 10.6 Percent
Unemployment Rate Up 1 Full Point over Previous Month

Washington, Jan 21 -

The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (MDELG) today announced that Michigan’s unemployment rate increased to 10.6 percent in December, up from 9.6 percent in November.



“Michigan’s latest unemployment numbers are discouraging news, but we need to continue to press hard in our efforts to become competitive,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. “State and national leaders need to think more creatively than ever before to develop opportunities to recover from the current economic crisis.”



Hoekstra will soon introduce legislation that would enable states to reprioritize federal job training, education and transportation funds during times of such economic distress. He is also encouraging the new Obama administration to respond to the current national economic crisis in part by suspending the preferential status that allows Federal Prison Industries to simply take federal government contracting opportunities that should be open to bid in the private sector.



“The economy is clearly hurting at both the state and national levels, with Michigan continuing to feel some of the most pain,” Hoekstra said. “Efforts need to be undertaken across the board in Lansing and Washington to help alleviate the economic hardship.”