Montana job growth continues slow start in 2003

HELENA - Annual job growth in Montana dropped to the second lowest level in 10 years last month, in what one economist said appears to be repeat of 2002 when the state's economy was uneven.

The monthly report from the state Department of Labor and Industry showed Montana added 800 jobs since March of last year, a 0.2 percent increase. That matched the rate reported in April and May of last year. Only March 2002, at 0.1 percent, was slower during the past decade.

Paul Polzin, director for the Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research in Missoula, said Thursday the pattern of job growt...