HELENA
Unemployment in Montana rose to 4.6 percent last month as the nat ional rate remained unchanged at 6.1 percent, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry said Tuesday. The state rate was 4.4 percent in August and 4 percent in July. State Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly called Montana's September rate "well within normal." "Montana's unemployment rate and economy continue to outperform the national trend," Kelly said. "However, we are not completely immune to the national economic storm surrounding us." Growth in Montana's agriculture and energy sectors have helped the state as layoffs occurred in the timber industry, he said. Kelly noted that Montana had stronger employment numbers than did neighboring Idaho, which also has seen timber layoffs. Idaho's unemployment rose to 5 percent in September, up from 4. 6 percent the previous month. The national consumer-price index used to measure the cost of living did not change in September as energy prices fell and food prices rose. (AP www.dli.mt.gov)
