Ohio Unemployment Rate Drops in All 88 Counties
By Tara Dodrill | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 19 hrs ago
The "Open for Business" sign the Kasich administration figuratively place on Ohio's border is already making a dent in the state's unemployment figures. No one policy can be touted as reason for the slight yet significant economic turnaround. A fiscally responsible mindset and a solid focus on courting new companies while bolstering existing businesses fostered a decrease in unemployment in all 88 counties.
August unemployment figures highlighted the progress which can be made when government and the private sector work together. President Barack Obama should have spent less time speaking and more time listening during his two recent visits to the Buckeye State. Ohio closed a nearly $8 billion deficit without raising taxes and is decreasing the jobless rate -- all without raising taxes on residents. Road blocks for eager entrepreneurs and out-of-state businesses looking to relocate have been removed. While still in its infancy, the JobsOhio agency is already paving the path to prosperity one fiscally responsible deal at a time.
The central Ohio area of Columbus showed the most significant drop in unemployment among urban areas. According to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, the rate dropped from 8.2 percent in July to 7.8 percent in August. Geauga and Holmes counties boast the best employment figures in the state with 6.2 percent unemployment. Cincinnati's unemployment rate dropped to 8.7 percent in August.
Even though the steady progress to get Ohioans back to work is a good thing, liberals are already picking the August figures apart. Progressives who would be physically unable to thank Gov. John Kasich even if Ohio boasted 100 percent employment are busy pointing to back-to-school sales as the reason for the increase. While at certain times of year retailers are more likely to have a fuller roster, there would be no need for more cashiers if Ohioans couldn't afford to buy new school clothes.
During the same time parents grabbed a cart to purchase markers, backpacks and fall fashions, summer employment ended. It would be very difficult and time consuming for even an experienced economist to compare and contrast the number of seasonal jobs ending, temporary employment starting and the number of permanent full-time positions added. Realistically, more Ohioans were able to earn a paycheck in August and opt to buy new items instead of making do with last year's book bag or shopping at yard sales.
Liberal admonishments that the drop in the August unemployment rate in all 88 counties stems from back-to-school shopping is more than a bit skewed. I live in a county where there is not a single mall, shopping plaza or even a Walmart. The decrease in unemployment figures in rural Ohio likely demonstrates permanent or full-time job growth.
Sawmill factories are increasing production and the explosives plant is putting more trucks on the road - those are real jobs and not just consumerism. Tractor-trailers on the road mean those workers need to pump gas and eat lunch, also bolstering the local economy.
Are we there yet? No. But we are on the right track with fiscally responsible lawmakers in the driver's seat.
