BALTIMORE (1/22/10) - Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez
announced that Maryland's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose in December to 7.5 percent, from
November's revised rate of 7.3 percent. The unemployment rate in Maryland continues to be substantially below
the national rate, which was 10.0 percent in December.
"By most accounts the worst of the economic downturn appears to be behind us, but we know employment is a
lagging indicator," Secretary Sanchez said. "Given these realities we must continue to do everything we can
to create jobs in our State and keep people employed."
Secretary Sanchez added, "Creating jobs in our State and keeping Maryland families employed is why
Governor O'Malley has proposed a $3,000 tax credit this year for each person an employer hires who is on the
State's unemployment rolls or who has recently exhausted unemployment benefits."
The jobs tax credit is part of a package of bills that includes $83 million in unemployment insurance
rate relief for employers and a proposal to expand existing loan guarantee programs to increase access to
credit for small businesses.
Maryland employers cut approximately 8,700 payroll jobs during December. Losses were spread across a
number of industry sectors, with some of the largest private sector reductions occurring in retail trade,
real estate, accommodations, construction and administrative support.
The state's unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in December 2008.
County unemployment numbers will be available at DLLR website
beginning Friday, Jan. 29. Unemployed Marylanders are encouraged to visit
our website to find their local One- Stop Career Center.
Maryland Employment Situation
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