California plunged again last month in high wage manufacturing employment by 2,300 jobs.  The national media continues to single out California, using it as a narrative blueprint for how to overwhelm a once-thriving state economy, and almost dares anyone to bet on California’s recovery.

For these and many other reasons this legislative session could be the most important year of decisions in the state’s 160-year history.  Policymakers are no doubt giving lip service to ground zero — growing jobs and the economy —  but there is little precedent in California for climbing out of such a monumental hole.

The following chart and media excerpts should inform the discussions when decision (and vote) time comes.  Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made job creation a priority in his State of the State address but as CMTA president Jack Stewart said, “The Governor was right that job creation should be our number one priority and we applaud his commitment. However, we don’t share his optimism that the worst is over for the California economy and that we are well positioned to take advantage of the future.”  (full statement)

 

Employment Chart