WI Experiences Job Losses in April
MADISON - The state Department of Workforce Development has released new data that shows Wisconsin lost 6,200 private-sector jobs in April.
The new numbers are a setback for Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who faces a recall election June 5 against Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Democrats have been hammering Walker over his inability to create jobs.
The job-loss numbers are based on a survey of 3.5 percent of Wisconsin employers.
Unemployment claims and a survey of 1,400 homes indicate the state's unemployment rate dipped slightly from 6.8 percent in March to 6.7 percent in April.
The unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in April 2011.
The national unemployment rate for April was 8.1 percent, down slightly from 8.2 percent in March.
DWD officials cautioned the data is subject to revisions.
