(The Center Square) – According to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, Michigan’s 3.9% unemployment rate falls just below the national average of 4%.
May is the fourth consecutive month of the rate remaining at 3.9%, with 8,000 new added jobs last month. Michigan’s total labor force is now at 5.1 million employees, an increase of 53,000 since the same time last year.
“Michigan’s low unemployment rate of 3.9% is now below the national average for the first time since May 2023,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves and working hard to provide for themselves and their families, growing our economy and helping our communities thrive.”
For four consecutive months, the number of jobs in the state has grown. The 8,000 jobs added in May means payroll jobs have risen by 41,000 employees over the past year. With it being the summer months, the leisure and hospitality sectors have experienced the most substantial growth with 6,000 new jobs announced.
“To build on our strong momentum, we must pass another balanced budget that delivers on the kitchen-table issues and strengthen our economic development toolkit,” Whitmer said. “Let’s keep bringing good jobs and critical supply chains home, support small business owners as they look to expand, and help workers get the education and skills they need to get even better-paying jobs.”
The governor’s Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund has recently experienced criticism by both Republicans and Democrats for its spending choices. The SOAR fund looks to bring and retain employment opportunities to Michigan through building funds and tax breaks.
This week, Michigan House Democrats stalled a vote on the $6 billion economic development plan, while the minority House Republicans issued a letter to the governor expressing their equal concerns. With a 56-54 majority, and continued amendments made by the Democrats, it’s likely that the SOAR legislation will remain in limbo for a while.
