Pennsylvania adds jobs but unemployment doesn’t budge

Manufacturing and construction jobs lead the way

Pennsylvania is showing hopeful signs of economic recovery according to the latest unemployment numbers.

While the overall unemployment rate for the state remains unchanged since March, standing steady at nine percent, there are some promising indicators of a rebound in the job market.

Overall, Pennsylvania added 34,000 jobs in April, the largest single month increase since February of 1996.

Governor Ed Rendell credits the Stimulus.

“It’s having a dramatic ability on our economy and our ability to move these projects is one of the things that’s driving this job increase.”

Governor Rendell is particularly enthused about the manufacturing sector, which added 4,400 new jobs. He notes that while the unemployment rate remains high, it’s below the national average of 9.9 percent.