Economy perks up; now budget hits raise worry
First employment increase in three years; may decline again How ironic. Statewide employment turned a corner in January and February, showing the first in- crease, though small (0.1 percent, or 400 jobs in February) after three years of job losses. It would appear to mark the end of the recession. However, the reports came just before Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s release March 13 of a state budget with huge cuts. If implemented the $1.6 billion in spending reduc- tions would over…