Michigan Unemployment Skyrockets!

As if it weren't bad enough already....

While the national unemployment rate jumped from 8.9% to 9.4% (an increase of 5.6%) from April to May, Michigan's unemployment rate leaped from 12.9% to 14.1% (an increase of 9.3%). Unemployment here in Michigan, viewed in terms of percent of increase, streaked ahead of the national rate. In absolute terms, we not only retain the highest unemployment rate in the nation, but expand our lead over the other 49 states.

Difficulties in the auto industry (were there any auto plants operating last month?) headline the increase. While company leadership (GM, Chrysler) deserves a share of the blame, many of these difficulties are tied mostly to the unions and to the government....and which party controls those right now?