Gov. Statement on Lowest Unemployment Rate in 23 Years  

by | Jul 20, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 20, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Lowest Unemployment Rate in 23 Years 

Labor force increases by 23,000, 76,000 jobs added year over year, unemployment rate drops to 3.6%, only third time below 4% since the 1970s and 2nd time since governor was elected. 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.6% in June, the lowest rate in 23 years. The state’s labor force participation rate continued increasing, the labor force grew by 23,000, and the economy added 76,000 jobs year over year. Michigan’s labor force has increased by 85,000 in the first half of 2023, the most ever for the first six months of a year since the data series began in the 1970s.

 

“Michigan’s economy continues to grow.

 

“Our unemployment rate is the lowest in 23 years. Our labor force participation rate is up again, meaning more people are working and filling open positions at businesses across the state. Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves, working hard, and bringing home more money to provide for themselves and their families.

 

“The investments we have made this year to win manufacturing projects, build housing, revitalize communities, and empower workers are paying off. We are making it in Michigan. Soon, I will sign my fifth balanced, bipartisan budget that will further lower costs for Michiganders, power economic development, and build all kinds of infrastructure.

 

“Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and build on our economic momentum.”

 

Another Strong Jobs Report

  • Unemployment rate dropped to 3.6% in June, the lowest in 23 years.
  • Since the mid-1970s, Michigan’s unemployment rate only fell below 4.0% during three periods: periodically from 1998-2000, from November 2019 to March 2020 (during the Governor’s first year in office), and now, from April 2023-present.
  • The state recorded 4,439,000 payroll jobs, an increase of 2,000 over the month and 76,000 over the year.
  • The state’s labor force rose by 85,000 in the first half of 2023, the most ever for first six months of a year since the data series began in the mid-1970s.
  • Labor force participation rate climbed to 60.7 percent this month.