Commonwealth Employment

For John, BLUF:  We are still losing jobs here in the Commonwealth—fewer people working.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

Today's Boston Herald has an article on rising Massachusetts unemployment rate.

The Massachusetts unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent for September -- up from 6.3 percent in August -- even as a separate survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the Bay State added 5,100 jobs for the month.

Yes, maybe that is the situation, but my concern is overall employment numbers.  Here comes the Bureau of Labor Statistics with a chart for the last few years.  The numbers are squished together, month to month, but it is clear that today's employment (people working) is not as high as it was in December 2006 or January 2008.  Where did all those folks go?  Retired?  Left the Commonwealth?

Regards  —  Cliff