By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
Lansing, MI – Lansing, MI (MPRN) - Michigan's April jobless rate of 12.9% percent was once again the highest in the nation.
This month marks almost three years that Michigan has had the nation's highest jobless rate, or tied with another state for the distinction. Oregon was second on the list released by the U-S Department of Labor with an unemployment rate in April of 12%, .9 behind Michigan.
But Michigan and Oregon are certainly not alone in struggling with unemployment. The labor department reports 44 states lost jobs last month. And many of them lost jobs at a faster pace than Michigan did.
But more layoffs are expected here to accompany the restructuring of the domestic auto industry. And Michigan's jobless rate is expected to climb again before the end of the year. Some estimates say it could hit 14% in 2009, and go even higher in 2010.