WASHINGTON - Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Ranking Democrat Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) Thursday said an analysis of all 50 state economies shows that 49 states and the District of Columbia have gained private sector jobs in the past 12 months and 44 states and D.C. have seen real hourly wages increase during the same period.

 The JEC’s monthly State-by-State Snapshots found that in April private sector employment increased in 36 states and D.C., and the unemployment rate fell in 23 states and D.C. Click here for individual state reports or here for the full report, executive summary, a table, map, and all 50 state reports.  The entire report also can be found at www.jec.senate.gov. 

“These employment numbers reinforce the fact that our economy continues on the same upward trajectory it’s been on for the past several years,” Maloney said. “However, as today’s revised U.S. GDP numbers indicate there is more we must still do to grow our economy and ensure that every American who wants a job can find one.

“We also need targeted investments – in our transportation infrastructure, for example – so that we lay the groundwork for future growth and all Americans can benefit from the improved economy.”

Following are the key findings of the State-by-State Snapshots:

 ·      The largest private sector job gains in April occurred in Pennsylvania (26,300), Florida (25,800), California (18,200), Maryland (15,000) and Virginia (13,800).

• The unemployment rate fell in 23 states and D.C., remained steady in 16 states.
• Real average hourly earnings increased in 44 states and D.C. over the past year.
• Home prices increased in 48 states over the year ending in the first quarter of 2015.
• 45 states and D.C. reported declines in their unemployment rates, over the past 12 months, with Michigan, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Oregon and California recording declines over 1.5 percent.

The State-by-State Snapshots include jobs, unemployment and earnings data at the state level through April 2015.