New figures are out for our state's unemployment rate and Washington now stands at 6.4% unemployment, 0.3% below the national rate of 6.7%.  This is a substantial increase of 1.8% over the 4.6% rate we had one year ago November.  Clearly the slowing national and global economy is catching up to us.  Washington traditionally goes into recession after the rest of the nation and comes out later.  We have also been blessed that the state's recessions have been less severe than the country as a whole, owing in large part to software/high-tech and aerospace, of which both sectors are large exporters.

You can get current employment information at the Employment Security Department's website, http://www.workforceexplorer.com/cgi/dataanalysis/?PAGEID=148

Employment in software publishing (prepackaged software) stands at 52,800, up 4400 jobs from a year ago.  Telecomm is down 800 jobs from a year ago and now sits at 25,500 jobs.  Computer system design is holding its own at 31,700 jobs, up 600 from one year ago.  Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, a broad category that encompasses all kinds of tech-based employment, is up 6700 jobs over last year totaling 167,000.

When you look at the the fact that the state is down 22,300 jobs in non-farm employment and that private sector employment is down 32,700 jobs over a year ago, the software/high-tech sector is Washington's savior.  Wages and salaries are above the state average and have a higher than average multiplier affect. 

These factors help demonstrate the economic importance of our state's tech sector.  It also argues for public policy that will help the tech sector succeed.  This means continuing to improve K-12, especially math and science and to keep funding STEM degrees at the state's colleges and universities.  It also means leaving tax incentives in place for R&D that help spur economic activity in Washington.  All of these topics will be up for discussion in the upcoming legislative session, where WTIA will be actively lobbying and advocating on behalf of the state's tech industry.