Indiana Unemployment Hits 16 Year High

Indianapolis, Ind. - In the midst of the worst financial crisis in this country since the Great Depression, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today announced that unemployment rose yet again in Indiana to 6.4 percent, much higher than the national average.

In many of the hardest-hit areas of the state, unemployment rates are even higher, hitting unprecedented levels not seen in the state in the last 16 years. While Mitch Daniels sits idly by, Hoosiers are worried about their mortgages, keeping their jobs, and making sure their savings and retirement funds are secure.

"Apparently, the only thing that will climb higher under the failed policies of Mitch Daniels is unemployment. While good jobs are being sent overseas, honest Hoosiers are struggling at the hands of Daniels' ineffectual leadership," said Dan Parker, State Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

Indiana had the 5th-worst decline in employment compared to just one year ago. More disturbing, under the Daniels Administration, unemployment has increased by 16 percent.

"Mitch Daniels is full of empty talking points but no action. He has had four years to better the lives of Hoosier families, but his policies have resulted in the economic crisis Indiana is seeing today. We need a plan for Indiana to spur economic progress and bring relief to our state, but Mitch Daniels has been so out of touch for so long that he hasn't even recognized the dire situation we are all in, let alone offered a plan," said Parker.