9-18-12: A Fuzzy Jobs Picture in Maryland

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Johansson-0918.mp3

Governor Martin O’Malley is on a “Jobs and Opportunity” tour of the state: this afternoon at the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland in Baltimore, tomorrow visiting a “Pitch Across Maryland” campaign that gives advice to business start-ups.

The governor’s message--that Maryland’s competitive strengths make it an obvious leader for the "Innovation Economy"--seemed to contrast with a Washington Post analysis published last week. 

The number of jobs in Virginia grew by 1.8 percent over the 12 months ending in July…double Maryland’s growth. Washington D.C., at 1.4 percent, also outpaced Maryland.

Post columnist Robert McCartney noted that the strength of Washington D.C.’s private sector is fending off damage from the loss of federal jobs. Suburban Maryland? "Lagging far behind."

“The trend within the region,” McCartney wrote, “is undeniable.”

The O’Malley administration disagrees. Maryland’s Secretary of Business and Economic Development Christian S. Johansson tells Sheilah why.

We also get some analysis from Richard Clinch, director of economic research at the University of Baltimore’s Jacob France Institute.