The state’s unemployment rate increased in June. Preljminary numbers from the Department of Workforce Development show Wisconsin lost over 13,200 jobs last month, with 11,700 of those coming from the private sector.
The unemployment rate jumped from 6.8 percent in May to 7 percent in June. Wisconsin is still below the national rate of 8.2 percent.
State officials stressed that the numbers are based on a survey of only 3.5 percent of employers, which they argue is less accurate than a quarterly report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, Democrats say the jump highlights the need for a special session of the Legislature to work together on rapid job creation.