State Labor

Delaware DHR Career Fair, April 24, Delaware Technical

The Delaware Department of Human Resources announced its second statewide career fair of 2026, scheduled for April 24. The event will be held at Delaware Technical Community College as part of the state's ongoing hiring initiative to fill state positions across Delaware.

Idaho February Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 3.7%

Idaho's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.7% in February 2026, unchanged from January. The labor force decreased by 1,683 people (0.2%) to 1,008,136, and total nonfarm jobs decreased by 2,800 (0.3%) to 875,900. Year-over-year, Idaho's unemployment rate matched February 2025 at 3.7%.

Kansas Labor Report February 2026 Released April 17th

The Kansas Department of Labor has released the February 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report is available on the KDOL website. The March 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2% in February 2026

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate decreased to 4.2% in February 2026, down 0.1 percentage points from January, while the national rate rose to 4.4%. The civilian labor force increased by 5,000 to 6,588,000, with employment up 7,000 and unemployment down 2,000 over the month. Total nonfarm jobs were at 6,178,600, a decrease of 19,000 from January.

Celebrates 2026 Autism Walk and $1M OVR Budget Investment

The Shapiro Administration hosted the 2026 Autism Awareness & Acceptance Walk and Resource Fair at the Commonwealth Technical Institute in Johnstown, PA, welcoming over 600 students and educators from 18 Pennsylvania schools. Governor Shapiro's proposed 2026-27 budget calls for a $1 million increase to L&I's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to expand services for individuals with disabilities. The budget also proposes $18 million for vo-tech and career education, $7 million for Schools-to-Work programs, and $6.3 million for the Industry Partnership program.

Shapiro Administration Invests $2.8M in Industry Partnerships

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced $2.8 million in Industry Partnership grants to ten organizations to strengthen workforce development across Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposes an additional $3.5 million increase, bringing total funding to $6.3 million. Recipients include workforce development boards, employers, and educational institutions across healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and education sectors.

Unemployment Rate at 4.8%; Labor Force Participation Rate Decreases in February

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development released February 2026 employment data showing the state unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.8% from 4.7% in January. Payroll jobs decreased by 7,200 for the month, following a revised increase of 2,000 jobs in January. The labor force participation rate decreased to 66% from 66.2%, with the labor force decreasing by 11,400 people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national decrease of 133,000 jobs and a national unemployment rate of 4.4%.

NJ Payrolls Decline 10,300 Jobs, Unemployment Falls to 5.1%

The New Jersey Department of Labor released February 2026 employment estimates showing payrolls decreased by 10,300 jobs to 4,373,700. The state unemployment rate declined 0.1 percentage point to 5.1 percent. January estimates were revised downward to show a gain of 3,500 jobs. Three of nine private industry sectors posted monthly gains, with leisure and hospitality (+1,800) leading growth, while construction (-5,900) saw the largest decline.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for 37 Affected Areas in Mississippi

MDES announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for 36 Mississippi counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians following the February 6, 2026 major disaster declaration (DR-4899-MS). Individuals who live or work in affected areas and could not work because of the Severe Winter Storm that occurred January 23-27, 2026, may apply. The Disaster Assistance Period runs from January 25, 2026 through August 8, 2026. The deadline to apply is June 9, 2026.

Georgia Labor Force and Employment Hit Record Highs in February

The Georgia Department of Labor announced February 2026 labor force and employment statistics. Georgia's labor force reached an all-time high of 5,451,101, up 5,458 over the month and 39,493 over the year. Employment rose to a record 5,256,871, an increase of 3,940 monthly and 28,888 annually. The unemployment rate was 3.6%, up 0.2 percentage points from one year ago. The healthcare and social assistance sector reached an all-time high of 638,400 jobs.

BLS Data: Wisconsin February Employment Numbers Released; Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.4%

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released February 2026 preliminary employment estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wisconsin had 3,019,300 people employed, an unemployment rate of 3.4% (up 1.0 percentage point from the national rate of 4.4%), and a labor force participation rate of 64.4%. Total nonfarm jobs were 3,019,900, a decrease of 10,500 over the prior month.

State Seeks Public Comments on Workforce Development Plan Modification

The Maine Department of Labor and State Workforce Development Board have posted the 2024-2027 Unified State Plan Modification for public comment. The modification is required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and outlines workforce development strategies to help job seekers access education, training, employment, and to match employers with skilled workers. Public comments will be accepted from April 20-24, 2026, through an online form, email, or mail.

Michigan UIA Adds Daily Seminars for MiUI Account Activation

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency announced daily seminars to help employers activate accounts on the new MiUI platform, which replaces the decade-old MiWAM system. The seminars walk participants through finding activation codes and completing required setup steps. Employers must activate their MiUI accounts as it is an employer-driven system, with quarterly wage reports and payments due by April 27, 2026.

Oregon Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 5.2% in February 2026

The Oregon Employment Department reported that Oregon's unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in February 2026, compared to 4.4% nationally. Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 5,400 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,600 jobs in January. Financial activities added 800 jobs, while transportation/warehousing/utilities cut 1,600 jobs, leisure and hospitality cut 1,500, and professional and business services cut 1,300 jobs.

Stop-Work Orders for Wage Theft, 18 Workers Affected

The New Jersey Department of Labor issued two stop-work orders against Artur Alves Excavating Inc. on April 8, 2026, for wage theft and labor violations affecting 18 workers across two public works projects. Violations include failure to pay prevailing wages, falsified payroll records, and Earned Sick Leave violations, with civil penalties of $5,000 per day for continued non-compliance.

Heat Spike Alert: Commissioner Farley Urges Heat Safety as Temperatures Rise Into 90s

The NC Department of Labor issued a heat safety alert urging workers to take precautions as temperatures climb into the 90s. Commissioner Luke Farley emphasized three key prevention strategies: rest, water, and shade. The advisory targets outdoor industries including construction, agriculture, and landscaping, as well as workers in non-climate-controlled indoor environments. No new compliance requirements or deadlines are established.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Nearly $14.4M for Youth Jobs; Launches YES Initiative

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $14.4 million to hire 3,786 youth and young adults for summer and year-round jobs through the state's YouthWorks program. The administration also launched the Youth Employment and Skills (YES) Initiative to connect employers with opportunities to support youth employment and skills development across Massachusetts. Since 2023, nearly 19,000 youth have gained employment through YouthWorks.

Workers' Memorial Ceremony Announced for April 17, 2026 in Little Rock

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing announced a Workers' Memorial Ceremony on April 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 900 W. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201, 3rd Floor Meeting Room. The ceremony commemorates workers who died due to workplace injuries. An agenda is available via the provided link.

Eight New Jersey Businesses Added to Workplace Accountability List for Wage and Tax Violations

NJDOL added eight new businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL) for failing to pay outstanding wage, benefit, and tax law violations. The eight businesses collectively owe $758,715.68 to the Unemployment Compensation Fund and State Disability Benefits Fund. The total number of listed businesses now stands at 364, with combined outstanding liabilities of $32.9 million.

Arkansas Real Estate Commission Proposes Rule Amendments Incorporating 2025 Acts 392, 559, and 835

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission proposes amendments to incorporate changes required by Acts 392, 559, and 835 of 2025. Written comments will be accepted through May 11, 2026. A public hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM at 612 South Summit, Little Rock, Arkansas.

SD DOL Virtual Apprenticeship Series, April 16th

The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation announces a free virtual Apprenticeship Knowledge Series on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. CST via Microsoft Teams. The session will feature the Start Today SD team discussing the value of Registered Apprenticeship Programs as a workforce solution. Topics include expanding opportunity, strengthening talent pipelines, recognizing apprentices, and upcoming statewide activities including the Apprenticeship Summit. Registration is required.

Michigan Declares April 2026 Autism Acceptance Month, Highlights Employment Resources

Michigan Governor Whitmer and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month, highlighting resources from LEO, MDE, MDHHS, and Autism Alliance of Michigan. The announcement emphasizes vocational rehabilitation services through Michigan Rehabilitation Services to support employment opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

UIA Reminder: Download 1099-G Statement of Unemployment Benefits for Taxes

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency reminds workers who received unemployment benefits in 2025 to download their 1099-G tax statements from their MIWAM account for state and federal tax filing. The 1099-G form shows total benefits paid and tax withholdings, and workers should verify the information is accurate before filing.

Tukwila Battery Manufacturer Fined $224k for Lead Exposure

Washington L&I fined Dyno Battery Inc. $224,320 for 16 violations after follow-up inspections found the company failed to fix lead exposure hazards first identified in July. Inspectors documented lead dust buildup in air cleaning devices that were blowing toxic dust onto workers, and found lead contamination on lunchroom tables. L&I issued a stop-work order on October 8 when violations remained unfixed, only lifting it in February after all hazards were corrected. The company is appealing the fine.

DC Unemployment Rate 6.7%, Jobs Decrease 17,100 in January 2026

The DC Department of Employment Services reported the January 2026 seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 6.7%, unchanged from December 2025. Total jobs decreased by 17,100 to 712,100, with the private sector losing 11,600 jobs and the public sector losing 5,500 jobs. The civilian labor force declined by 1,100 to 408,000.

Arkansas Wrestling Rules 17 CAR Subpart 9 - Combative Sports Licensing

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission proposes Subpart 9 of 17 CAR Part 225 to establish comprehensive rules for combative sports wrestling. The proposed rules create new licensing requirements for all participants (wrestlers, referees, announcers, managers, valets, trainers, seconds, and judges) at $25 per license, require annual physician physicals, and mandate State Athletic Commission approval for all props used in professional wrestling events.

Arkansas Minimum Wage Act Proposed Rule Revisions 2025

Arkansas DOL proposes amendments to Minimum Wage Act rules consistent with Acts 397, 737, and 743 of 2025. The proposed rules replace the existing 20-factor test for independent contractor classification with the federal standard under 11 CAR § 11-602(b)(4) and incorporate wage investigation reforms including assessment period procedures and remedies for violations.

Career Expo Scheduled for April 15 in Box Elder

The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation announces a free Career Expo on April 15, 2026, in Box Elder, hosted jointly with the city of Box Elder and Ellsworth Air Force Base Military & Family Readiness Center. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. MDT at the Box Elder Community Center, 420 Villa Drive.

Going PRO Talent Fund $6M Grant Applications Open

Michigan LEO announced $6 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2026 Cycle 2. Applications are open until April 24, 2026, through local Michigan Works! agencies. The program has awarded over $323.4 million to 8,966 businesses and 241,600 workers since 2014.

Iowa Labor Force Grows to 67.9%, Unemployment Steady at 3.4%

Iowa Workforce Development released January 2026 employment data showing the state added 6,400 jobs and increased its Labor Force Participation Rate to 67.9%. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.4%. Total nonfarm employment reached 1,584,400 jobs, with gains led by professional and business services (+1,800), construction (+1,300), and manufacturing (+1,000).

Shapiro Administration Expands On-the-Spot Birth Certificate Initiative for Reentrants

Pennsylvania's Departments of Labor & Industry, Health, and Corrections partnered with community organization Kintock to issue over 30 on-the-spot birth certificates to people returning from incarceration. The event provided essential identity documents to reentrants who need them to apply for jobs, enroll in workforce programs, and secure housing. Applications were pre-verified so participants could receive certificates within minutes.

MDES Energy Expo & Job Fair Announced for April 21, 2026

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security announced the inaugural Energy Expo & Job Fair, scheduled for April 21, 2026, at the Biloxi Civic Center. The event, coordinated with the Mississippi Development Authority and Public Service Commission, aims to connect energy sector employers with job seekers. This is the first sector-specific job fair under the Governor's Job Fair Network, supporting Mississippi's Power Play initiative to advance energy infrastructure and manufacturing.

January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released BLS estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, municipalities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026. Unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas, all 35 largest cities, and all 72 counties compared to the prior month.

Maine Employment Situation - January 2026

Maine DOL released January 2026 employment data showing the unemployment rate steady at 3.3% for the 13th consecutive month. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs remained near 660,000. The report includes annual revisions to 2024 and 2025 data, adding 4,600 jobs to 2025 averages and 2,100 jobs to 2024 averages.

Supplier Conversion Grants Deadline Extended to April 28

The Michigan Community and Worker Economic Transition Office extended the application deadline for the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program to April 28, 2026 at 3 p.m. EDT. The program allocates $22.6 million in federal Department of Energy funding to help small and medium-sized automotive manufacturers retool facilities for electric vehicle supply chains.

Michigan promotes career pathways, free Pathfinder tool available

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced Career Exploration and Awareness Month in April 2026, promoting the free Pathfinder career exploration tool and other workforce development resources including Michigan Reconnect, the Hot 50 Job Outlook report, and regional career outlook reports. The initiative aims to connect Michiganders with in-demand, high-wage career pathways and training opportunities across the state.

BLS Benchmark Adjustments Revise Idaho 2025 Labor Force, Unemployment Data

The Bureau of Labor Statistics completed its annual benchmarking process for 2025 labor force statistics, incorporating previously unavailable data such as updated Census population estimates and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data. Idaho's revised unemployment rates came in lower than initially reported for most of 2025, with the December 2025 rate remaining at 3.6% and January 2026 rising slightly to 3.7%. County and city-level benchmarked data will be released on May 22, 2026.

Idaho Unemployment Rate Increases to 3.7% in January 2026

The Idaho Department of Labor released January 2026 labor market data showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.6% to 3.7%. Total nonfarm jobs decreased by 2,400 (-0.3%) to 879,700, with Construction (-4.4%) and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-4.1%) experiencing the largest sector losses. Year-over-year comparison shows total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.8% (7,000) compared to January 2025.

Gulf Coast Military and Civilian Job Fair, Biloxi, April 7, 2026

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced the 2026 Gulf Coast Military & Civilian Job Fair, scheduled for April 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Biloxi Civic Center. The event aims to connect job seekers, including military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, with employers across multiple industries. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally, bring multiple copies of their resumes, and prepare for on-site interviews with hiring managers.

Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for January 2026

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development released January 2026 local unemployment and job estimates showing unemployment rates increased in all twelve labor market areas compared to December 2025, with eleven of twelve areas showing year-over-year increases. All seven published MSA and Metropolitan Division areas lost jobs month-over-month, with Barnstable Town (-3.7%), Amherst Town-Northampton (-3.5%), and Boston Metropolitan Division (-2.1%) showing the largest percentage decreases. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7%, with the unadjusted rate at 5.2% versus the national unadjusted rate of 4.6%.

Virtual Hiring Event - Maine CareerCenters

Maine Department of Labor announces a virtual hiring event on May 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Maine CareerCenters. Job seekers can chat with employers, submit applications and resumes online, and upload resumes for employer viewing. The event aims to connect job seekers with employment opportunities across Maine.

BOLI Warns of Scam Targeting Spanish-Speaking Workers

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) published two press releases warning of a scam targeting Spanish-speaking workers in the state. The announcements, available in both English and Spanish, were issued on April 6, 2026, to alert vulnerable worker populations about fraudulent schemes. BOLI issued this consumer protection advisory as part of its outreach mission to Oregon's immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities.

Mediation Program Surpasses $6M in Settlements

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) announced that its Mediation Program has surpassed $6 million in settlements between Oregon workers and employers. The milestone comes as the expanded mediation model continues to move forward, providing an alternative dispute resolution pathway for employment-related conflicts in the state.

Kansas Labor Report Shows 3.9% Unemployment, 1.47M Jobs

The Kansas Department of Labor released the January 2026 Kansas Labor Report, showing a 3.9% unemployment rate and 1.47 million jobs in the state. The February 2026 report is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026. This is a routine statistical release with no regulatory implications.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Jobs Report

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released January 2026 preliminary employment data showing the state unemployment rate declined to 4.3% from 4.4% in December, matching the U.S. rate. Total nonfarm jobs reached a record high of 6,201,900, up 17,900 over the month and 35,500 year-over-year.

New Jersey Employment Report - Job Growth and Unemployment

The New Jersey Department of Labor released preliminary January 2026 employment data showing the state added 6,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate declining to 5.2% from 5.4% in December. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual benchmark revisions adjusted 2025 employment estimates, revising the year-over-year job gain down to 5,100 from the previously reported 9,000.

Cintas Westland wins MVPP Star workplace safety award

MIOSHA awarded Cintas Corporation K15 in Westland the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award, recognizing exemplary workplace safety and health management. The facility employs 95 workers and provides contamination control garment processing services supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and electronics industries. Only 29 worksites across Michigan currently hold MVPP Star status, MIOSHA's highest workplace safety recognition.

Michigan Organizations Receive Grants for Employee Transportation Programs

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded $60,000 in grant funding through the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program to three organizations for developing employee transportation programs. Each recipient receives $20,000 to implement workforce transportation initiatives targeting employment barriers. Recipients include Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church (Flint), LM Manufacturing (Detroit), and Manthei Wood Products (Petoskey).

Women in Michigan Workforce Report - Pay Gaps and Childcare Barriers

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity published its 2026 Women in the Michigan Workforce report, showing women represent nearly half the state labor force. The report documents a pay gap of 79 cents per dollar earned by men, with women's median earnings at $52,390 compared to $66,130 for men. The gap widened from 82 cents in 2023 as men's earnings grew faster at 5.9% versus 2.8% for women.

Iowa Awards $250,000 in Grants to Boost Youth Internships

Iowa Workforce Development announced $250,000 in Summer Youth Internship Grants to nine organizations across Iowa. The grants will serve nearly 200 youth in high-demand industries including healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. Awardees range from healthcare hospitals to educational institutions and manufacturing firms.