Technical information:

Household data:       (202) 691-6378  *  cpsinfo@bls.gov *  www.bls.gov/cps

Establishment data:   (202) 691-6555  *  cesinfo@bls.gov *  www.bls.gov/ces

Media contact:         (202) 691-5902  *  PressOffice@bls.gov

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION — JULY 2010

Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 131,000 in July, and the unem- ployment rate was unchanged at 9.5 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statis- tics reported today. Federal government employment fell, as 143,000 temporary workers hired for the decennial census completed their work. Private-sector payroll employment edged up by 71,000.

Household Survey Data

Both the number of unemployed persons, at 14.6 million, and the unemployment rate, at 9.5 percent, were unchanged in July. (See table A-1.)

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men (9.7 per- cent), adult women (7.9 percent), teenagers (26.1 percent), whites (8.6 per- cent), blacks (15.6 percent), and Hispanics (12.1 percent) showed little or no change in July. The jobless rate for Asians was 8.2 percent, not seasonally adjusted. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.)

In July, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and

over) was little changed at 6.6 million. These individuals made up 44.9 per- cent of unemployed persons. (See table A-12.)

The civilian labor force participation rate (64.6 percent) and the employment- population ratio (58.4  percent) were essentially unchanged in July; however, these measures have declined by 0.6 percentage point and 0.4 point, respec- tively, since April. (See table A-1.)

The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes re- ferred to as involuntary part-time workers) was essentially unchanged over the month at 8.5 million but has declined by 623,000 since April. These in- dividuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. (See table A-8.)

About 2.6 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force in July, an increase of 340,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally ad-justed.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were avail- able for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the

4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.)

Among the marginally attached, there were 1.2 million discouraged workers in July, up by 389,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally ad-

justed.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.4 million persons marginally attached to the labor force had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsi- bilities. (See table A-16.)

Establishment Survey Data

Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 131,000 in July, reflecting the departure of 143,000 temporary Census 2010 workers from federal government pay- rolls. Total private employment edged up over the month (+71,000). Thus far this year, private sector employment has increased by 630,000, with about two-thirds of the gain occurring in March and April. (See table B-1.)

Manufacturing employment increased by 36,000 over the month. Motor vehicles and parts had fewer seasonal layoffs than normal for July, contributing to a season- ally adjusted employment increase of 21,000. The industry had added 32,000 jobs in the first 6 months of the year. In July, employment in fabricated metals rose by 9,000. Manufacturing employment has expanded by 183,000 since December 2009.

Health care added 27,000 jobs in July. Over the past 12 months, health care em- ployment has risen by 231,000.

In July, employment in transportation and warehousing edged up by 12,000. Since a recent low in February, transportation and warehousing has added 56,000 jobs.

Mining employment rose by 7,000 in July, with the gain concentrated in support activities for mining. Mining has added 63,000 jobs since October 2009.

Employment in professional and business services was little changed (-13,000) in July. The number of jobs in temporary help services showed little movement (-6,000) over the month.

Employment in financial activities continued to trend down in July, with a decline of 17,000. So far this year, monthly job losses in the industry have averaged 12,000, compared with an average monthly job loss of 29,000 for all of 2009.

Construction employment changed little (-11,000) in July; 10,000 construction workers were off payrolls due to strike activity.

Employment in other private-sector industries, including wholesale trade, re- tail trade, information, and leisure and hospitality showed little change in July.

Government employment fell by 202,000 in July, largely reflecting the loss of 143,000 temporary workers hired for Census 2010. Employment in both state and local governments edged down over the month.

In July, the average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours. The manufacturing workweek for all em- ployees increased by 0.1 hour to 40.1 hours, following a decrease of 0.5 hour in June. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.1 hour to 33.5 hours in July. (See tables B-2 and B-7.)

Average hourly earnings of all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 4 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $22.59 in July. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 1.8 percent. In July, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees increased by 2 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $19.04. (See tables B-3 and B-8.)

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for May was revised from +433,000 to +432,000, and the change for June was revised from -125,000 to -221,000

Can it really be true?  Is it really August already?  Yes, Virginia – it’s once again time to report to the classroom for another scholastic year of academic achievement and excellence.  For some the month of August is also the last gasp of summer vacations as at least one more trek into Arizona’s mountains or long weekend trip to San Diego is undertaken.  However, the one thread that’s common to all of us is the need to once again practice vigilance when we drive through school zones and crossings: slow down to 15 mph, don’t pass one another, and keep an eye out for children who don’t always wait for the crosswalk and a crossing guard.

Thousands of veterans in Pinal County recently dodged another bullet: this one coming from the State of Arizona.  The Department of Veterans Service lost its full-time Veterans Benefits Counselor for the Pinal County/Casa Grande office – and the rumor was that the office was to be shut down due to budgetary constraints.  A number of elected officials, including me, joined the swelling chorus of veteran voices urging the full restoration of staff and hours of service.  I, for one, had several conversations with senior staff in the Department who assured me that the office and vacant position would be restored as soon as the state’s bureaucracy released the recruitment and hiring authority.

Shortly after that first call, another call confirmed that the (full-time) position was being advertised and the office would remain open.  Our veterans deserve the best and having access to benefits counseling here in Pinal County is the least Arizona can do to say “thank you for your service to our country.”  And speaking of remembering our county’s veterans, a small but determined band of residents led by Cecil Ahliel, Joanne Galindo, and former Pinal County Sheriff Frank Reyes are seeking to construct a permanent memorial wall for our county’s fallen soldiers.  Their work is in the formative stages but expectations run high as they organize.  For more information, contact the Veterans Memorial Foundation at pinalcvmf@gmail.com or 520.466.0280.

Some of you Gentle Readers may know that the National Parks Service has been working with various local interests to enlarge the footprint of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument so it incorporates more of the known Hohokam town sites in the Coolidge-Florence area.   The bill to expand the Ruins passed out of the full Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives in mid-July.  The bill can now be calendared for a floor vote of the full House or packaged with a number of natural resource bills (omnibus bill) and brought to the floor.  This is a measure that Rep. Kirkpatrick has been working on – it has the full support of local governments, land owners, and the Native American communities.

Returning for a moment to our hot and sweaty August environment – I’d like to remind everyone about the dangers in having standing bodies of water around your yard or patio.  This summer has seen the return of mosquitoes in a really big way.  Several locations in western Pinal County have been swarmed with these flying, biting critters but fortunately most of them are not carrying West Nile Virus.  County residents have been very helpful in the fight against West Nile virus.  Our Environmental Health staff relies on your help to spot potential mosquito breeding sites – especially green or abandoned swimming pools.

Unmaintained pools are an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes of all kinds.  If left unattended, each one of these green pools has the potential to become a “mosquito factory” producing literally millions of mosquitoes in a short time.  By reporting green and abandoned swimming pools via the Mosquito Hotline (520.866.6200 or 866.287.0209 extension 6200) you can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your neighborhood.  Please keep in mind that it would be helpful when reporting a green swimming pool, if you include the street address of the house with the green pool and your name and phone number in the event that additional information is needed.

In the meantime, hang in there everyone: there’s only 60 (or so) days left before fall and cooler (I hope, I hope, I hope!) weather.

David Snider, Supervisor

Pinal County District 3

http://azgovernor.gov/documents/BorderSecurity/SB1070MythsandFacts.pdf
and more information from the governor’s website
http://azgovernor.gov/AZBorderSecurity.asp

http://www.azpost.state.az.us/SB1070infocenter.htm

The grant will provide funding for AzCI to purchase laboratory equipment, establish a “Mentor in Residence Program” and develop a commercialization training program that can be implemented state-wide. The grant is funded from federal stimulus dollars.

“This grant is a wonderful way to emphasize the importance of developing a technology based economy in our state by growing our own technology companies. We have the ‘idea’ assets with our universities and several strong industries, but need to develop a stronger infrastructure that supports the entrepreneur,” says Governor Brewer.  “Today, I am building on my vision for the new Arizona Commerce Authority – expanding the toolbox to help Arizona entrepreneurs, grow Arizona businesses, and create more jobs for Arizonans.”

The Arizona Center for Innovation provides structured business development for new technology companies. It works with University of Arizona students, faculty and staff in moving technology through the commercialization process to create new companies in Southern Arizona as well as entrepreneurs from the community. Founded in 2003, AzCI has assisted over 36 technology companies in the region.

“The Arizona Center for Innovation is pleased with the announcement of this grant as it will provide the funding to allow us to further develop programs to assist technology entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona and throughout the state,” says Bruce Wright, president of AzCI. “We have identified several needs where we could significantly enhance our programs and services for our clients, but were limited as a non-profit by a lack of funding and resources. This is a significant step in building the ‘Entrepreneurial Ecosystem’ in Southern Arizona and throughout the state of Arizona.”

The Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI) is a non-profit, high tech business incubator located at the UA Science and Technology Park. The incubator promotes the development of high technology companies in Southern Arizona through a disciplined program of business development. Interested companies should contact the Center at 520.382.3260 or visit our website at www.azinnovation.com

Office of University Research Parks (OURP) plays a significant role in economic development with a focused approach on utilizing research parks and business incubators as technology development and commercialization tools.  OURP accomplishes this by creating environments that support and promote research, education, technology innovation and commercialization, and high technology business development and attraction.  OURP oversees the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park), Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI), and the Arizona Bioscience Park (UA Bio Park).

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and its private-sector leadership board position Arizona to be more responsive to business needs and opportunities.  Governor Brewer will serve as chair of the board and will be joined by a prestigious and powerful mix of Arizona’s business leaders, all of whom are committed to securing a more complete global competitiveness strategy to advance Arizona’s economy and create quality jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping businesses in targeted, high growth, base industries.

This team has committed to remove problem areas within 24 hours of reporting, if  they have the paint and color match of the buildings or walls. They have established a relationship with Sherwin Williams of Casa Grande with the assistance of Karen Moore (520.316.0745 office, 520.252.6886 cell), to purchase paint at a greatly reduced price.

Please contact Brian Duncan at (520) 568-9098 if you need to utilize this service.

To bring attention with amazing outdoor adventures that can be found throughout the state, AOT has developed the new Arizona Parks and Monuments Web site resource listing all of the national parks and monuments, federal recreational areas, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites, state parks, Tribal Lands, cultural and historical locations, and city parks. In fact, Arizona boasts more than 250 locations where visitors can experience the state’s exhilarating outdoor activities. The webpage can be found on www.Arizonaguide.com under the Places to Visit tab and by clicking on Arizona Parks and Monuments.  For more information on what to see and do in Arizona visit www.Arizonaguide.com.

Contact: LaTricia Woods, Public Information Officer
Phone: 520/316-6816

City of Maricopa Researching Maricopa Meadows Issue.

Maricopa, Ariz. (May 6, 2010) – The City of Maricopa became aware of citizen concerns regarding potential problems with the soil conditions in the Maricopa Meadows subdivision in the latter part of March of this year. Since then, staff has been working to gather and review documents from the archives of the City and Pinal County that may provide further information regarding soil conditions in that subdivision. These documents have, so far, not yielded any conclusive information about the issue in question. To better understand the issue, the City recently engaged the services of a geotechnical engineering company to prepare an independent, scientific study of the soils in that area. The results of that study are expected in approximately 30 days.

We want the residents of Maricopa to know that the City is not only aware of this potential issue but is working diligently to gather information concerning this matter. If you are concerned about this problem on your property, we encourage you to do your own additional research as it pertains to your specific home and determine what potential remedies are available to you.

We will keep the citizens of Maricopa informed of the progress of our research, the research findings and any conclusions produced on the basis of those findings. In the meantime, if you have any questions or any additional information that you feel will be helpful to the City of Maricopa, please contact LaTricia Woods, Public Information Officer, at 520/316.6816 or latricia.woods@maricopa-az.gov. If you have a question of a technical nature, please submit it to http://ask.maricopa-az.gov and a member of staff will contact you.

By John Gubbash
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, April 2, 2010 8:10 AM MST
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Photo by Eric Mungenast/Maricopa Monitor, Maricopa Unified School District business services director Aron Rausch speaks Thursday night at a special Governing Board meeting discussing plans for the district’s budget shortfall. Plans to possibly close Maricopa Wells Middle School and cut dozens of teachers were postponed by the board until early next week.

In front of a packed and emotional audience, the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board tabled its vote to both potentially close Maricopa Wells Middle School and Reduce in Force, or RIF, 89 classified staff members Thursday night.

On top of that, the board learned the district now has to reduce its budget even more.
More than 150 teachers and parents came to the approximately three-hour meeting, with a majority of it devoted to a call to the public section, with repeated pleas to avoid cutting certain programs.

A slew of Maricopa Wells teachers and students spoke on behalf of keeping the school open, including science teacher Thad Miller, who called the RIFs a “cruel joke.”

“This was all news to us (staff) that Maricopa Wells was being repurposed,” said guidance counselor Donna Wittwer.

The night before the meeting, an Ad Hoc budget advisory committee, consisting of teachers and community members, overwhelmingly voted to recommend closing the school, and recommended having the closure as one of the earlier cuts.

If the vote to close Wells does pass, superintendent Jeff Kleck said at least 24 teachers would receive RIF notifications, and the district could see every teacher at the school receive a notification, although board attorney Jill Osborne is researching the situation to see what other options could be available in that situation.

If repurposed, the six elementary schools would offer kindergarten through sixth grade, and moving all seventh and eighth grade students to Desert Wind Middle School.
Wells was chosen after the district personnel discussed the ramifications of closing one of the elementary schools, Kleck said, a decision that was not financially feasible.

The fact that the school is in corrective action from the state, which could lead to the state replacing half of its staff if the school does not pass Adequate Yearly Progress this year, was another factor in the decision.
“It becomes difficult to keep the school in corrective action and close the school (Desert Wind) that’s performing,” Kleck said.

If repurposed, the school could be used to house emotionally disabled private placement students, which would save the district additional money, at most $600,000, by allowing them to place those students within the district.

Alternatively, the district could rent the space to an online or charter school or rent out the school to Central Arizona College and the City of Maricopa.
The move would save the district approximately $1.1 million for next year.

The other item up for a vote was the elimination of approximately 89 certified staff members and staff positions, among them assistant to the superintendent Burnie Hibbard and volunteer coordinator Margaret Jackson, as well as the assistant principals at each elementary school.
It also includes a reduction of 35 teachers, with 21 of them leaving the district by their own volition.

All-day kindergarten, which the state will likely no longer fund next year, also had its own chorus of parents and teachers asking to make sure the district still provides it next year.

Parent Amy Jamieson was the most emotional speaker of the night, and credited her daughter’s ability to excel in school to all-day kindergarten.

“And I cannot believe we have to go through this drastic measure,” she said.

Butterfield Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jennifer Seaman said the teachers take advantage of the time allotted to them with all-day kindergarten, and said the program needs to remain “free of tuition.”

“A lot of things have changed over the years,” she said. “Please, don’t take a step backward.”

Other speakers wanted to ensure other programs on a potential chopping list, including middle school arts, security and to maintain facility managers, remained viable for next year.

However, budget advisory committee vice-chair Justin Price pointed out that “everyone in this room thinks everything on this list (of suggested cuts) is worth saving,” a sentiment Santa Rosa Elementary teacher Michael Russoniello concurred with.

“It’s a numbers thing,” he said. “It (cuts) has to come from something else.”

Governing Board President Geoff Goddard motioned to table the decisions because two board members, Carrie Vargas and Tim White, were absent, saying he did not want to make a vote without a full board.

He also wanted to have the budget advisory committee and the district send out surveys to see if employees would be willing to take a percentage from their salary to avoid closing Wells.

Goddard also wanted to see what the district could do to preserve all-day kindergarten, for the budget committee to reconvene on Monday, and to have the district look to reduce the number of teachers at all sites.

“I personally believe it (cuts) should be performance based,” he said.

Both motions were tabled with unanimous 3-0 votes.

But, earlier in the day, trimming the district’s budget became much more difficult, thanks to the loss of additional funding from the state.

Kleck said the district learned that day it would see its Proposition 301 funding drop from $80 per child to $25 per child.

That loss of funding forces the district to cut an additional $330,000, from its budget, meaning it has to at least trim more than $5 million even if the sales tax increase passes in May.

If the vote fails, the district could need to remove a total of approximately $7.7 million from its maintenance and operations budget ¬– almost 25 percent.

“Everybody in the state will face the devastation of that failure (to pass the sales tax),” Kleck said.

Due to money complications, Maricopa Wells Middle School will be sadly closed down. Now next year, Desert Wind Middle School will be Maricopa Wells Middle School. Now on April, 30th, Wells will be riding Desert Winds bus. We the City Counsel are sorry to tell you this, but it is better than cutting teachers because of budget cuts.

Sincerely
Maricopa City Counsel

The owner of All Aspects, Matt Gleash, has 18+ years of experience in the construction industry ranging from hands-on to supervisory to Customer Service Manager for a nationally based homebuilder. This  background has lead to a “customer first” philosophy which permeates every facet of All Aspects and is what sets us apart. Our customer focus is evident from the first time you speak with us until you are surprised and delighted with the outcome of the project. Our attention to service is why the vast majority of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals. Let us become your partner to help with All Aspects of your construction needs.

Please check out this video segment on Matt and Maricopa!

Channel 12 News Segment