by Mary Russell, Workforce Development Division Director

I’m sure you don’t need to watch the news to know how bad the economy is. Almost everyone can point to someone they know who has recently lost their job as a result of the downturn. In Jefferson County, we are fairing better than other areas in the state, but even we are seeing increases in the numbers of people unemployed.

The numbers are telling:

• Currently, the unemployment rate for Colorado is 6.1%, compared to 4.0% a year ago.
• For Jefferson County, the unemployment rate is 5.7%, compared to 4.1% a year ago.
• The increase is having an impact on our county services. More people are asking for food stamps and Medicaid, as well as utilizing the products and services at the Jefferson County Workforce Center at a higher rate.
• Today, there are 20 applicants for every job, compared to four applicants for every job a year ago.
• Normally in a year's time, the Jefferson County Workforce Center would serve approximately 30,000 citizens. But in just eight months, the center has served almost 32,000 citizens, which is a 70% increase.

The Jefferson County Workforce Center is part of a statewide network of workforce centers promoting economic vitality by providing business and employment solutions. The center is federally funded and services are free to business and job seekers.

Most people have heard of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, aka Stimulus Package. Exact numbers are expected toward the end of the March, but the estimated stimulus funds projected for the Jefferson County Workforce Center will be nearly $1.7 million (about 65% of current allocations.) This amount is a one-time fund in addition to their regular allocations.

Dollars will focus on training initiatives to include subsidized employment for skill readiness. If current spending patterns continue, approximately $720,000 will be spent directly on these customer trainings. In addition, a Summer Youth Program will be funded with these dollars with the focus being work readiness.

As a citizen of Jefferson County, you can be proud of how tax dollars are used to promote economic vitality, whether it's helping job seekers find careers or helping business find well trained workers. This supports the County's vision to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

For more information, you can visit www.jeffcoworkforce.org or call 303-271-4700.