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Schweitzer Says Montana Economy Strong as Ever

By Beacon Staff

HELENA – Gov. Brian Schweitzer says this year’s annual Labor Day report shows Montana’s economy is as strong as ever.

Schweitzer says job growth is strong, and wage growth is increasing.

Montana’s unemployment rate of around 4 percent continues to be better than the national average. And although Montana’s average wages are among the lowest in the nation, Schweitzer says they are increasing at a fast rate.

Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly says indicators show that the Montana economy is so far largely unaffected by tremors in the national economy.

He says average wages in the state grew by more than 5 percent last year.