People looking for work already know what these figures confirm – the economic agenda of Washington Democrats is failing. We need to stop thinking we can spend our way out of this crisis and put policies in place that will allow small businesses to grow.

Inland jobless rate jumps to 15.1 percent

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Unemployment rose to more than 15 percent in Inland Southern California in July, mostly because of declines in government jobs.

The jobless rate was estimated at 15.1 percent in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, up from 14.4 percent in June, according to a state Employment Development Department report released today. Government hiring fell sharply in July, which is common when schools are closed.

However, there were 4,400 fewer government-related jobs in July than the same month in 2009, reflecting the budgetary restraints on cities, counties and school districts.

The only industry in the Inland area to gain jobs last month was construction, which added about 300 jobs. Most private sector job classifications declined or stayed the same.

Statewide unemployment held steady at 12.3 percent.