Joachim Hero, M.P.H.

This report on job and unemployment trends during Connecticut's economic recession finds that the Health and Education job sector is the only area of the economy showing significant growth since the recession began in December 2007. The combined Health and Education sector (the state's largest sector) added 9,700 jobs (3.7% growth) from December 2007 to March 2009, while nearly all other major job sectors declined. Since the Health and Education sector relies on public sector investment, major state budget cuts to health and education programs could undermine the only significant area of growth in the state's economy and weaken Connecticut's competitive advantage -- its well-educated workforce.

The largest job losses were in Professional and Business Services; Construction; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; and Manufacturing. Of the 9,700 jobs gained in the Health and Education sector, 8,000 were in Health Care and Social Assistance (including health, social work, family services, and child care) and 1,700 were in Education. (May 2009)

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