Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.6 percent in December, up from 5.4 percent in November, according to data released this morning by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio's nonfarm wage and salary employment decreased 5,100 over the month, from 5,454,500 in November to 5,449,400 in December....
...Among the state's 88 counties, the December 2006 unemployment rates ranged from a low of 3.4 percent in Delaware County to a high of 9.8 percent in Monroe County. Rates increased in 75 of the counties. The comparable rate for Ohio in December was 5.4 percent.
Seven counties had unemployment rates below 4.5 percent in December. The counties with the lowest rates, other than Delaware, were: Holmes, 3.7; Mercer, 3.8; Auglaize and Warren, 4.2; and Geauga and Hancock, 4.4 percent.
Eight counties had unemployment rates above 8.0 percent during December. The counties with the highest rates, other than Monroe, were: Pike, 9.7; Morgan, 9.2; Ottawa, 9.0; Vinton, 8.7; Huron, 8.6; Adams, 8.3; and Meigs, 8.1 percent.....
This is what remains from the Taft administration. It is too early to tell what Governor Ted Strickland can do to change these numbers. However, all Ohioans are hopeful that Governor Strickland can improve the situation in our state.