Good news and bad news on California jobs

First the good news: A total of 7,800 construction jobs were added between October and November, the largest increase of any state. It's the second straight month of gains. Now the bad: Nearly 37,000 jobs have been lost between November, 2009 and November 2010, also the largest of any state (Nevada had the largest percentage loss). From Associated General Contractors Association of America (via the OC Register)

Association officials cautioned that construction employment figures were likely to fluctuate and possibly drop over the coming months as many stimulus-funded projects begin to wind down and private-sector demand remains weak. They added that newly passed legislation that prevented steep tax increases, including for many small construction firms, will help boost overall economic activity and could drive new demand for construction later next year. "The tax bill is a step in the right direction because it will revitalize the economy and help boost private-sector construction demand," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "But Congress still needs to act on long-delayed infrastructure bills and provide businesses with relief from an increasingly costly regulatory burden.

Tens of thousands of construction jobs have been lost in California since the start of the recession, and despite November's encouraging numbers, the road back will be long and hard.