Fewer Granite Staters Unemployed

New Hampshire's unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in March, down from 4.7 percent in February, the state announced April 15.

The number of unemployed residents decreased 1,260 over the month to 33,900, according to New Hampshire Employment Security. The number of employed Granite Staters increased from 2,940 from February to March.

The jobless rate in March of 2013 was 5.3 percent. Compared to this time a year ago, an estimated 5,630 fewer people are out of work.

Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) said the data shows good progress. In a statement, she said:

"Today’s announcement that participation in the labor force continued to increase while New Hampshire’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in March, more than two points below the national average, is another encouraging sign that our economy is continuing to strengthen, allowing businesses to grow and create jobs. To keep our economy moving forward, we must remain committed to addressing our challenges by working together on bipartisan solutions in order to strengthen the middle class, support job-creating businesses and encourage innovative economic growth that will allow all of our people to share in our success and prosperity."

Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) issued the following statement on the March numbers:

"Over the last year more than 8,600 of our residents have found work here in New Hampshire. This is welcome news not only for our economy but more importantly for the hardworking men and women of this state who are now able to better provide for themselves and their families.

"Yet while our state’s economic indicators remain stronger than national averages, there is still more to be done to encourage economic growth, job creation, and a welcoming business climate. In order to regain our standing as the strongest economy in the Northeast, and put even more of our friends and neighbors back to work, the Senate remains committed to controlling state spending and returning to the sound fiscal policies that made New Hampshire the best state in the region to start, relocate, or grow a successful business."