RI Jobless Rate Ticks Down to 5.9 Percent, First Time Since 2007

The state’s unemployment rate has dropped below 6 percent for the first time in nearly eight years.

For a state that has been lagging its neighbors in the economic recovery since the Great Recession, it’s an important milestone. But, according to Governor Gina Raimondo, “there are still far too many families struggling.”

The numbers released from the state Department of Labor showed the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down two-tenths of a percentage point and 3,400 jobs were added in May.

The number of unemployed people in Rhode Island also fell to 523,400 from 530,000 in April.

The last time Rhode Island saw a 5.9 percent unemployment rate was in 2007.

Raimondo, in a statement, said that the numbers are encouraging. But concerns remain. And she used the opportunity Thursday to pitch once again for the Rhode Works plan, which calls for a massive investment in the state’s roads and bridges. 

“It’s particularly concerning that we are not seeing more growth in the construction industry, especially as we move into the warmer weather when work should be picking up significantly,” Raimondo said. “That’s why it is critical we move quickly to put people back to work repairing our roads and bridges and strengthening our economy in the process.

“Every day, I hear from families who are unemployed, underemployed, and just not earning enough to make ends meet. The comprehensive jobs budget approved unanimously by the House this week is a great step, but we have to stay focused and keep moving forward.”