Florida bucks trend by cutting government jobs

Florida has cut government jobs, but that's not the case in most states.

Millions of voters are demanding the downsizing of government ? and their wishes are being met in Florida.

That's not the case in many other states, though. The number of federal state and local workers has actually increased in 30 states and the District of Columbia during the past five years, according to a new On Numbers study, which has a sortable database.

Florida cut 17,500 government jobs in the five years ended on Nov. 11, or 1.75 percent, to give it 1.09 million government workers. That ranked Florida sixth on the list of states cutting the most workers.

Florida's governments have had little choice but to reduce government employment as the economic downturn hammered tax collections, including property taxes.

Michigan has cut the most ? 48,800 jobs, or 7.35 percent, to put it at 615,000 government workers.

On a percentage basis, Florida had the 11th most cuts. Tiny Rhode Island had the biggest percentage drop at 8.59 percent, which was 5,600 people, and gave it 59,600 government workers.

Which state leads the list in government job growth? Clue: Its governor is running for president on a fiscally conservative platform. Click here to find out which state that is and learn more about other states as well.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bizj_national/~3/3yZvqQOeGak/florida-bucks-trend-by-cutting.html

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