TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey has been gaining jobs
but even more job seekers in a trend that zipped the state's unemployment rate
up to a two-year high in June.
A report due this week will show whether the trend continued in July.
In June, the data showed that the state added almost 9,900 jobs. But the
unemployment rate jumped to 9.6 percent from 9.2 percent a month earlier.
That sparked a partisan debate over whether the "Jersey Comeback" heralded by
Gov. Chris Christie is really moving ahead.
His supporters say the job creation shows it is.
Democratic leaders say he's overstating how well the state is doing, and that
the state should be cautious about enacting the tax cuts he wants.
The latest report is expected to be released Thursday.
