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Unemployment rates plummet

A recent report from the state unemployment rates are down across Michigan.

Unemployment rates are falling in all regions of the state, according to the Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget.

Between March and April this year, unemployment in Northwest Lower Michigan dropped over 20 percent.

Bill O’Brien, with the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, says low unemployment isn’t new — and, it’s complicated.

Cut: It cuts both ways: it’s a good number and a good problem to have, but it’s important to be able to have the people to keep your economy moving.

He says low unemployment rates make it difficult for local businesses to find employees -- especially during the summer.

As of April, 80 of Michigan’s 83 counties showed declines in jobless rates.

Regions across the state faced a drop in unemployment, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Between March and April this year, it dropped over 20 percent in Northwest Lower Michigan.

But Bill O’Brien from the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce says low unemployment can make hiring locally difficult.

“In the service industry, or the more seasonal industries we have up here, it can be more difficult to fill your staff for the busy summer months.”

This past spring, 80 of the state’s 83 counties showed declines in unemployment.