March
Unemployment Rate Down Again
Although still higher than the national
average of 7.6 percent, Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 8.5 percent for
March as the state reported both lower numbers on unemployment and higher total
employment. The 8.5 percent rate is another .3 percent lower than February’s
8.8 percent and a full ½ point lower than the 9 percent rate in March of 2012.
The roughly 396,000 people considered unemployed marks the first time since June
2008 that the number fell below 400,000.
Capital
Community Mourns Farley
Jonathan Farley, Chief of Staff to State
Senator David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc) passed away Wednesday after a battle
with cancer. Jonathan was 40 years old and is survived by his wife, Erika, and
their two children. The Public Affairs Associates team joins everyone in the
Capital community in extending our warmest thoughts and prayers to Jonathan’s family
and friends.
Reports
Show Tourism’s Continued Growth
Two reports issued at the Pure Michigan
Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Detroit this week show tourism growth in
2012, and projects continued growth in 2013. A Michigan State University study
showed a 6 percent increase in tourism spending in Michigan in 2012 and
projects a 5.5 percent increase in 2013. The Pure Michigan campaign also
released a report finding increased spending and resulting increased state tax
revenues.