By RACHEL C. DOVE
Staff Writer
CHARLESTON - West Virginia ranks second in the nation with regard to non-agriculture job growth, according to information West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced earlier this week .
Job growth in the state has ballooned since last year when West Virginia ranked 37th in the country.
“This ranking reflects all of the hard work we in Charleston have put in,” said West Virginia House of Delegates Justin Marcum (D-20). “We have worked diligently to improve the business climate of the state and we are seeing positive results.”
The ranking is based on a report compiled by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. The report provides analysis based on the latest job figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data show that West Virginia gained 19,200 jobs between Jan. 2011 and Jan. 2012.
Marcum is pleased with the results of the report and said that he is glad to see validation for the efforts of West Virginia lawmakers.
“I am proud of the progress being made and I have high hopes for continued economic development in the state,” said Marcum.
Marcum noted strides made by the legislature during the recent regular session to address the state’s last unfunded liability and to offer tax breaks to incoming industry. He believes that these efforts will offer positive incentive for business considering making a home in the Mountain state.
“I think that West Virginia lawmakers are making strides to improve the business climate of the state,” said Marcum. “My goal as a Delegate is to maintain current industry and to attract new, high-paying jobs right here to the 20th District.”
In office only two months, with only one session, and already brought WV from 37th place to 2nd.
This guy should be governor.