PA Governor Rendell Says Pennsylvania Added More Jobs in May

Economic, Energy Solutions Would Create More Jobs, Stimulate Growth

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Rendell said
today that Pennsylvania's job count(1) rose by 2,900 in May, while the
statewide unemployment rate(2) went up just two tenths of a percent to 5.2
percent.

"The 2,900 new jobs reported in May marks our second consecutive monthly gain
and our unemployment rate remains below the national rate of 5.5 percent,"
Governor Rendell said.

"With two consecutive months of net job gains, Pennsylvania is faring better
than much of the nation," he said. "However, Pennsylvania's future is in the
balance as we fight against the faltering national economy while families and
businesses struggle to deal with the sharply rising cost of fuel and energy.

"We would be in an even stronger position to add jobs and grow our economy if
the General Assembly takes action now on the economic stimulus proposals I
presented in February," Governor Rendell said.

"Oil and gas prices seemingly reach new highs on a daily basis, and the cost
of groceries and other goods is stretching household budgets to the limit. Add
to that the shock families and businesses will get from electricity rate
increases that will soon go into effect, and it is clear that we need to act
now to provide relief for workers and business."

"Car dealers and other private companies are offering cost-saving economic
incentives as a form of relief from rising prices, while our General Assembly
has yet to approve my Energy Independence Strategy and Rebuild Pennsylvania
initiatives that provide the tools consumers need to mitigate energy price
increases, invests in clean and renewable energy sources, funds bridge and dam
repair projects and creates thousands of skilled jobs that pay
family-sustaining wages," Governor Rendell said.

"Key portions of my Energy Independence Strategy have passed the House
overwhelmingly but have languished in the Senate. We have made progress with
the legislature in the past couple of weeks and I urge the Senate to pass
these measures now because the longer it delays, the more difficult it's going
to be for their constituents to manage the full force of the energy price
increases that are just around the corner."

In particular, the Governor pointed out Special Session House Bill 1, which
has yet to be acted upon by the Senate, targets $850 million in new state
resources to attract $3.5 billion in private investment from the alternative
and renewable energy industries to create 13,000 new jobs.

In addition to the Energy Independence Strategy, Governor Rendell noted how
the "Rebuild Pennsylvania" portion of his stimulus package will improve our
economy - almost immediately.

"If the economic stimulus package I offered were passed today, $750 million in
new capital spending for the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and an
increase the job creation tax credit from $1,000 to $3,000 per employee would
get projects moving and create jobs now.

"We've made much progress in Pennsylvania," the Governor said. "But my Rebuild
Pennsylvania initiative will do more to jump start infrastructure restoration,
invigorate the economy, and keep residents, communities and businesses safe by
investing $700 million over the next three years putting residents to work
building and repairing infrastructure assets - bridges, dams, airports, rail
freight lines and flood mitigation projects. This investment will help keep
our state competitive for decades to come.

"As energy costs continue to rise, we must also raise our level of attention
to this issue," the Governor said. "Just as with rising gas prices, our
citizens cannot afford to wait any longer for some form of economic relief
from state government. The time is now. We must take action."

For more information on Governor Rendell's economic stimulus proposals before
the General Assembly, visit www.pa.gov.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more
about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter,
visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry today released
"Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: May 2008." To receive a copy, call (717)
787-7530.

(1) The monthly Nonfarm Job Count is based on the Current Employment
Statistics (CES), also known as "payroll," survey and is the source of nonfarm
jobs data by industry. It is a monthly survey of employers conducted by L&I's
Center for Workforce Information & Analysis in conjunction with the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, reaching about 18,000 businesses. This data may
include multiple jobs held by a single individual.

(2) The monthly Unemployment Rate is based on the Current Population Survey
(CPS). CPS, also known as "household" survey, data is the primary source of
Civilian Labor Force and Employment statistics. It is a monthly household
survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reaching about 2,500
households in Pennsylvania. This survey counts how many people are employed,
regardless of how many jobs they are actually working.

CONTACT:
Troy Thompson (L&I)
717-787-7530

Barry Ciccocioppo
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Troy Thompson of the PA Department of Labor & Industry, +1-717-787-7530, or
Barry Ciccocioppo of the PA Governor's Office, +1-717-783-1116