To: STATE EDITORS

Contact: Troy Thompson, L&I, +1-717-787-7530, or Chuck Ardo of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116

Points to Infrastructure Investments, Clean Water Referendum

to Boost Economy, Create Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that Pennsylvania's unemployment rate(1) of 5.7 percent in September remains below the national rate of 6.1 percent. The Governor also pointed out that, as the national economic climate deteriorates, the state's nonfarm job count(2) felt the effects - dropping 12,200 jobs in September.

"The fact that the state's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for 67 out of the past 69 months is positive news, but the loss of 12,200 jobs reminds us of the national economic reality," Governor Rendell said. "Economic recovery on the national and state level will not happen overnight. But, we can jump start the recovery by investing in infrastructure projects that will generate thousands of jobs and orders for concrete, steel and other materials.

"Our state and nation are facing very tough economic conditions. However, Pennsylvania continues to take proactive steps toward economic recovery by investing $350 million to speed the repair of 411 structurally deficient bridges this year. These additional dollars will help the commonwealth restore or replace vital transportation links and create jobs."

In addition, more funding is provided in this year's budget for infrastructure improvements at Pennsylvania airports and railroads. The General Assembly also approved an $800 million investment to repair and upgrade the state's drinking water and wastewater systems, flood control projects and high-hazard dams.

A referendum on the November ballot gives voters the opportunity to approve investing $400 million for repairs and upgrades to municipal water systems statewide.

"Everyday, more than 10 million Pennsylvanians in homes and businesses across the state depend on a supply of clean and safe drinking water from public systems.

"These investments literally lay the foundation for rebuilding two vital components of Pennsylvania: our infrastructure and our economy," Governor Rendell said. "If our infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate, so, too, will Pennsylvania's economy, business climate and property values. Our strategic, targeted infrastructure investments can speed Pennsylvania's economic recovery and keep it on track for the future.

"Washington should follow Pennsylvania's lead on infrastructure investment. America's highways, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit have fallen behind because the federal government is contributing only 25 percent of infrastructure funding and the rest is coming from financially strapped state and local governments.

"In 1961, when Dwight D. Eisenhower left office, the federal government was allocating 12.5 percent of its non-military spending to infrastructure. Today, that percentage has fallen to 2.5. If Washington steps up its commitment of resources for infrastructure investment, we could create millions of jobs across the country and turn this economy around," Governor Rendell said.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit:www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry today released "Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: September 2008." To receive a copy, call (717) 787-7530.

(1) The monthly Unemployment Rate is based on the Current Population Survey (CPS). CPS, also known as "household" survey, data is the primary source of Civilian Labor Force and Employment statistics. It is a monthly household survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reaching about 2,500 households in Pennsylvania. This survey counts how many people are employed, regardless of how many jobs they are actually working.

(2) The monthly Nonfarm Job Count is based on the Current Employment Statistics (CES), also known as "payroll," survey and is the source of nonfarm jobs data by industry. It is a monthly survey of employers conducted by L&I's Center for Workforce Information & Analysis in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reaching about 18,000 businesses. This data may include multiple jobs held by a single individual.

CONTACT:

Troy Thompson, L&I

717-787-7530

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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