Indiana’s unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest point since the recession of 2008.

According to the Department of Workforce Development, the state’s unemployment rate fell 0.2 percent to 4.9 percent, the lowest since February 2008.  The labor force grew by 2,200 jobs and the workforce participation rate was at 63.3 percent, higher than the national average.  Despite that good news, the state lost about 3,800 jobs mostly in the trade, transportation and utility fields.

Governor Mike Pence released the following statement about the unemployment rate…

“Indiana’s economy is on the move thanks to hard-working Hoosiers and businesses both large and small. With each passing day, it becomes more apparent that Indiana is strong and growing stronger, and now, for the first time in more than seven years, Indiana’s unemployment rate is below five percent. Our administration is committed to implementing the kinds of pro-growth policies that allow businesses to succeed and families to thrive, and Hoosiers can be assured that we will not relent in these efforts in the months to come.

Indiana Democrats however were quick to take with Pence and the economic news…

“The devil is in the details once again as the state’s jobs numbers do not accurately reflect the overall well-being of the state of Indiana. From a sluggish .4% GDP for ’14 to weekly wages falling 15.6 percent behind the  U.S. for the same year – 1.6 percent lower than wages compared in 2008, hardworking Hoosiers aren’t ‘growing stronger every day’ nor are they feeling this economic ‘momentum’ Gov. Pence describes each month. Fact is, Mike Pence simply isn’t driving the bus with Indiana’s economy, and we are witnessing the consequences as everyday Hoosiers continue to fall behind the rest of the nation. Hoosiers know we can do better, and it begins by removing Mike Pence as our governor.”