Business: Column: State's lies about jobs just aren't working

And then there are the numbers Florida issues in press releases about the state of jobs in the Sunshine State.

If you did not catch Times reporter Kris Hundley's front page story Saturday, here's the point: The state's Agency for Workforce Innovation has been happily spewing press releases that, at least since last summer, have declared each month that thousands of jobs have been created in the Tampa Bay area. Well, exactly the opposite is true. The Tampa Bay economy hit the skids last July and has been losing jobs - lots of jobs - every single month since then.

Not that anyone would know, since the state publicized surveys that found Tampa Bay enjoyed net gains in jobs each month in the latter half of 2007 of 18,000, 15,300, 13,400, 16,700, 12,400 and 13,500 over the corresponding month of 2006.

In reality, over the same period this market lost jobs each month totaling 7,700, 9,000, 15,900, 12,800, 12,800 and 15,200.

This inaccurate and misleading data charade is an insult to every businessperson and working stiff across Tampa Bay. Forget looking at the economy through rose-colored glasses. This borders on hallucinogenic.

The state says it puts out press releases on jobs based on small samplings so the business community can get quicker data. But what's the point? The state seems undisturbed by its lack of statistical rigor or it has grown too enamored with putting a positive spin on a clearly struggling economy.

All of this is embarrassing enough, but there's more. While the state's been issuing monthly press releases to report solid job growth here, it never bothers to do the same when it revises that data - numbers that since last summer show Tampa Bay's employment scene has been sucking wind.

Let's not forget Times reporter James Thorner's story last month that separately challenged the accuracy of area job numbers. The Tampa Bay area is concentrated with employee leasing firms. Though they represent outsourced workers all over the state, each one is counted as if he or she works here. Strike 2.

This is bush league economic research. If we're going to live in a state that loves to brag about being a "jobs engine," let's at least get the numbers right.

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by Dave	03/11/08 05:17 PM
The general public needs to be more informed. Don't believe that the illegals in this country are just doing menial labor. They are going for many other industries. Construction, electrical, and Trades, Wake up, these jobs are not minimum wage.

by Houston	03/10/08 09:59 PM
Entice people here with the promise of non-existent jobs and wonder what might be contributing to the state's welfare roll.

by Elizabeth	03/10/08 08:52 PM
The problem is that they are base policy on untrue information. Maybe knowing it's untrue. They need to extend Unemployment because the economy is in a depression even though the Republicans deny it.

by Maggie	03/10/08 05:56 PM
Florida should follow Arizonas lead with hiring illigals and hold Business responsible and enforce the laws that are already in place.If we got rid of all the illigals there would be 15 million jobs available in the USA for the US citizens -Think...

by ajanello	03/10/08 03:45 PM
Illegals aren't doing the jobs no one else wants. They're driving trucks, hanging drywall, building homes, working in rehab centers and making your food. Why?

by wazzamattaU	03/10/08 03:42 PM
No mention of the obvious propaganda in our media? Also why no mention of illegal aliens and the problems they bring here?

by Melissa	03/10/08 02:30 PM
Thats the problem with this society, nobody knows the truth, or better yet avoids the truth because it's too painful.

by Derek	03/10/08 12:13 PM
Reports like this have been going on for 25 years. Try getting a job when you are asked "Why don't you have a job? According to gov, things are great". Til reality hits them.

by kevin	03/10/08 11:28 AM
FIRE these people!... and the bosses who allowed this misleading mess to happen. Usually fakery takes place in a climate of no fear of discipline. Eliminate the safety net and you stop the problem.

by Heather	03/10/08 11:18 AM
First those of us who are looking for jobs know there are really not that many out there...And if there were the PAY WOULD COMPLETELY STINK, cause as you know FLORIDA has the worst pay scale compared to any other state out there. Pay Stinks here

by deep throat	03/10/08 11:10 AM
and just look at what party is responsible for the lies? hmm i smell a rep rat. tax the lawyers, and the rest of the services the ones making the rules use! oh poor babies.why do you keep believing them? vote for them again,you keep falling for it

by Kelly	03/10/08 10:55 AM
TO MAGGIE-The majority of illegals work the jobs most legals won't b/c they don't pay much. If there is a long line of legals waiting to pick strawberries and do your lawn work, then I guess u r right, they r taking our jobs....

by Dr_Dug	03/10/08 10:24 AM
I'm sure Charlie Crist isn't going to say anything about the job(s)....that won't help him get to the White House.

by JB	03/10/08 08:27 AM
When lies become truth and truth become lies 1984 is upon us

by Janie	03/09/08 07:12 PM
Each and every person who was responsible for the release of the false figures needs to be fired and join those in the unemployment line. And they can start looking for the jobs that are not there.

by Maggie	03/09/08 06:46 PM
We hear about all the cuts being made- firefighters, disabled programs, and courts closing. Now what about cutting from of the fat cats salaries. There is no need for a public official to make over 120K This is where the real problem is.

by Maggie	03/09/08 06:32 PM
Any one who works in construction knows how bad this has gotten. Does the state realize how many jobs are being lost to illigals - they want the high paying jobs so they can send our money back home to their contries not spending it here.

by Snoz	03/09/08 12:46 PM
Yes, let's cut taxes! We've been cutting taxes since back when both Bushes took office and now we're in a recession. I'm sure it will work this time. Less government spending means less jobs. I'm sure business will spend the money on jobs for us, not

by JB	03/09/08 11:54 AM
Now when are the cities and counties going to get real and stop spending on thing we don't need. Taxes and insurance are killing us all. The Fire departments are the worst with all their feather bedding. JB

by Peter	03/09/08 10:38 AM
Sounds to me there are those in Tallahassee that should be condidates for the actual jobless numbers.

by tranottoc	03/09/08 08:03 AM
I like folks that give us the straight skinny . Thanks .

Columns

Column: State's lies about jobs just aren't working

Sure, there are lies, damn lies and statistics.