According to the latest report on unemployment in Maine, 2,600 jobs were lost last month.  The state unemployment rate rose from 7.7% in January to 8.0% in February.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the report:
 
“This report is another reminder of how serious our economic problems are,” Pingree said.  “Everyone is feeling the effects of this crisis in one way or another and for thousands of Maine families the fear of losing their job has become a reality.”
 
“Fixing the economy is our number 1 priority and we have to take a comprehensive approach.  Already the economic recovery act we passed last month has started creating jobs in Maine.  But there is much more we can do to turn the economy around in Maine—like investing in clean energy development and reforming our health care system.”