Governor Pence Issues Statement on Strong Employment Numbers; Praises Hoosier Businesses and Workforce

Governor Pence Issues Statement on Strong Employment Numbers; Praises Hoosier Businesses and WorkforceIndiana’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.5 Percent 

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today issued a statement regarding news that Indiana’s unemployment rate stayed consistent in September at 4.5 percent, marking a 3.9 percent drop since January 2013. Indiana’s total labor force, a measure of Hoosiers employed or seeking employment, has increased 75,566 since the start of the year, with 75,425 being added to the employment rolls. Labor force has increased by nearly 200,000 since January 2013. Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 65.4 percent, compared to the national labor force participation rate of 62.9 percent. In addition, September was the 15^th consecutive month that Indiana has recorded private-sector employment above the previous peak level in March 2000.

“We have worked diligently in Indiana to maintain a business climate that encourages job creation and economic growth,” said Governor Mike Pence. “This means keeping taxes low, holding regulations to a minimum and supporting policies designed to sustain rather than drain businesses and entrepreneurs. We are grateful to every company that chooses to start or expand operations here, and we are thankful for a Hoosier workforce that is second to none. The numbers from the September employment report demonstrate once again that we have the right strategies in Indiana for a state that works.”

Background

The Indiana unemployment rate stands at 4.5 percent in September 2016. Indiana’s labor force decreased by 2,144 over the month, with a decrease in employment of 614. Unemployment decreased by 1,530. Since January 2013, Indiana’s private sector has grown by 161,800 jobs. Indiana’s total private employment grew by 41,400 over the year. Total private employment is now at 2,654,700. The highest levels of growth occurred in the following sectors: Private Educational & Health Services; Construction; Leisure & Hospitality; Professional & Business Services; and Manufacturing. Total private employment for September stands at 42,100 above the March 2000 peak.