California construction-job losses among the nation’s worst
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When it comes to construction jobs, California won and lost in November, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers. The state lost more construction jobs from November 2009 to November 2010 than any other state. But it also gained more from October to November 2010 than any other state.
The state lost 36,900 construction jobs over the year, a 6.4% drop. That ranks California 41st in the nation for construction employment growth. Nevada was last -- it lost 22% of its construction jobs.
Only 13 states gained construction jobs year over year, including Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma, which gained the highest percentage of jobs, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The number of states adding jobs year over year was higher in November than at any time since February 2008.
‘The data also make clear that these gains are as spotty as they are tenuous,’ said Ken Simonson, chief economist of the contractors group.
Extensions of tax cuts recently signed into law could help grow more construction jobs by driving new demand for construction, the contractors group said.
Other states losing a large number of jobs in construction over the year included Georgia, Missouri, Washington and West Virginia.
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-- Alana Semuels
