Deep Cuts Remain; State and Local Govt. Jobs Down Over 1.3 Million
02/08/2021
State and local government employment is still down by 1.3 million jobs compared to the pre-pandemic level. The last time state and local employment was this low was 2002.
Government employment results differ widely, regionally and state-by-state. This is likely a leading reason it has been difficult for lawmakers to build a widely-accepted consensus for direct state and city aid.
Now that there is the potential for direct, unencumbered aid for state and local governments, we may see employment recover, but this depends upon the timing and messaging.