Career Advice & News Center

As the national unemployment rate staggers at 9.7 percent, state legislators are trying everything they can in order to create more jobs for their residents. While some states are turning to the federal government for funding, others are trying to pass their own laws that could potentially create jobs for citizens.

The Arizona legislature is hard at work trying to create more jobs, according to BusinessWeek. The state's residents have lost 124,000 jobs in the past year and there is currently a 9 percent unemployment rate.

"It's creating jobs. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. Jobs are always part of the testimony," lobbyist Jack Moortel, told the news provider when asked what was a hot topic among legislatures.

Officials have been trying a number of different ways to create more careers. The original proposal of a sales-tax increase was quickly withdrawn after officials realized that although it would help balance the state budget, it would eliminate an estimated 14,000 jobs as people may be less likely to shop.

Legislatures are also fighting the efforts to block the development of a casino resort. Despite officials trying to make sure the plan does not go into effect, the resort could create thousands of jobs for the state, which is why some individuals believe it could be a beneficial endeavor.

Several people are also lobbying for the creation of more solar power companies, which has the potential to create thousands of jobs and could also receive government funding for the projects as the nation tries to become more energy-efficient.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the education and health services industry experienced a 1.4 percent increase in the past year - the highest change among Arizona's industries.