Jobless Rate Down Slightly

Oregon's unemployment rate dipped to 11.9% in July from 12% in June, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The state's jobless rate — the highest in the Far West in June — has held at close to 12% for the past five months after doubling in the nine months from June 2008 to March 2009. The state lost 700 jobs in July, the smallest decrease in a year.

Oregon has undertaken one of the region's most aggressive efforts to stimulate its economy through bond-financed public works. It passed a major road and transportation infrastructure package this year, and the state has sped up spending to get construction workers back to work.

"While it is good news that the number of Oregonians out of work is not getting worse, the report serves as a reminder that the road to a full recovery is going to take time," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski in a news release. "Until we come out of these difficult times, we will continue to invest federal and state recovery dollars into projects that will put Oregonians to work."

Kulongoski acknowledged that it will take time for these projects to help jump-start job creation.

"As more and more of these projects begin to break ground, I believe we will see more people back to work," he said.

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