So Much For Being Better Off Than Most States

Maryland ranks 44^th in percent job growth over the past year

ANNAPOLIS, MD – New numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Maryland ranks near the bottom of all states when it comes to job creation. According to Maryland Republican Party Chairman Alex X. Mooney, Governor O’Malley and the Democrat led legislature’s tax-and-spend polices are moving Maryland backward, while other states reap the rewards.

“These numbers indicate what we and the historic number unemployed Marylanders already knew – Governor O’Malley is all talk when it comes to job creation,” Mooney said.  “Instead being better off than other states as O’Malley claims, the truth is, Maryland is floundering at the bottom.”

The numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Maryland has created only 5,400 jobs in the period from March 2010 through March 2011. The numbers when compared to other states puts Maryland at a dismal 44^th in percent change from a year ago. When compared to neighboring states, Maryland ranks below all but West Virginia in total jobs created over the last year and dead last in the percent change in new jobs.  

“Maryland is loosing the battle with our neighbors to compete for jobs and grow our economy,” said Mooney. “O’Malley and the Democrat controlled legislature continue put tax hikes and more bureaucratic red tape over job creation, and these dismal job numbers are the result.”

O’Malley’s jobs rhetoric, out-of-touch with reality:

February’s jobs report shows that Maryland employers continue to outperform the rest of the nation. (Governor O’Malley, “Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on the Gain of 8,100 Jobs in February,” Press Release, 3/25/11)

Last month’s jobs report shows Maryland continues to add jobs at twice the rate of the rest of the nation…. we continue to see signs of job creation and economic growth that indicate we are coming through this national recession more quickly than other states.” (Governor O’Malley, “Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on the Gain of 2,100 Jobs in November,” Press Release, 12/17/10)

Since January, as many other states have struggled to come through this national recession, Maryland employers have added 40,600 jobs to the payrolls.  (Governor O’Malley, “Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on the Addition of Nearly 6,000 Jobs in Maryland Last Month,” Press Release, 11/23/10)

Our ability to sustain job growth, which is now triple the rate of the rest of the nation. (Governor O’Malley, Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on Hundreds of Additional Jobs Gained, Press Release, 8/20/10)

But Governor O’Malley is right about one thing:

“In this fight, there will be some states that lose, and some states that win… (Governor O’Malley, “Governor Martin O'Malley Convenes Forum on Jobs and the New Economy,” Press Release, 12/20/10)

And Maryland is losing the jobs fight:

Maryland ranks 44th in the nation for percent change in job growth from March 2010 through March 2011; last among neighboring states. Pennsylvania (1.37%), Delaware (1.37%), Virginia, (1.02%), Washington D.C. (0.76%), West Virginia (0.71%), Maryland (0.22%). (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://link.sc.states.gop.com/?65-1542-3078-125-12641, Accessed 4/25/11)

Maryland ranked 38th in the nation for annual employment gains through the end of the first quarter. (G. Scott Thomas, “Maryland adds 5,400 jobs in the past year,” Baltimore Business Journal, 4/25/11)

Maryland ranks 38^th in the nation for jobs created from March 2010 through March 2011, second to last among neighboring states. Jobs created: Pennsylvania (76,500), Virginia (37,000), Delaware (5,600), Washington D.C. (5,400), Maryland (5,400), West Virginia (5,300). (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://link.sc.states.gop.com/?65-1542-3078-125-12641, Accessed 4/25/11)

Marylanders and businesses fleeing to work in other states:

Employers in the state cut 5,900 jobs in March, but nearly 12,000 more Marylanders were working… That apparent contradiction –  fewer jobs, more workers — could be the result of a growing number of people commuting to jobs outside the state. (Jamie Smith Hopkins, “Fewer jobs in Maryland, but more people working,” Baltimore Sun, 4/19/11)