Prosperity Watch: The Problem is Lack of Jobs

As policy makers consider reforms to the state’s unemployment insurance program, the latest issue of Prosperity Watch provides some sobering news. Despite an improving national economy, North Carolina’s labor market continues to struggle, as the state’s unemployment rate remains stuck above 9 percent and the jobs deficit continues to grow. Given these trends, it is clear that the problem facing North Carolina’s workers is the lack of available job openings–a fact with significant implications for the unemployment insurance reform debate. See the latest issue of Prosperity Watch for details.