HARRISBURG, February 13, 2004 – As the national economy continued to recover, but with sluggish job growth, Pennsylvania was one of 21 states that suffered a net loss of employment in 2003.

     The state’s total non-farm employment, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, was about 5,632,000 at the end of December 2003. That was 11,300 less than one year earlier, a decline of 0.2 percent.

     Pennsylvania ranked 35^th, ahead of three adjoining states -- West Virginia (41), Maryland, (44) and Ohio (47). It was behind its other three neighbors – New Jersey (10), Delaware (28) and New York (33).

     Nationally, only 29 states had positive job growth. Overall, employment in the country grew by just 0.04 percent.

     Relative to other states, Pennsylvania improved from 2002, when it stood 38^th.

     The rankings are compiled by the staff of the Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Vince Fumo (D-Philadelphia).

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