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New Jersey's Jobless Rate Grows In May

TRENTON, NJ (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Jobless rates went up in New Jersey for May, ending three months of growth in the Garden State.

The Labor Department said the unemployment rate inched up one-tenth to 9.4 percent because 400 jobs were lost last month.

The figures show a loss of 700 private-sector jobs were offset by a gain of 300 public sector jobs.

The state says education and health services added 2,600 jobs. Professional and business services added 1,400 jobs.

The manufacturing sector was hardest hit with a loss of 4,100 jobs. Trade, transportation and utilities lost 2,000 jobs.

Back in April, legislation was sent to Gov. Chris Christie that would extend the amount of time jobless residents could receive unemployment benefits.

New Jersey isn't the only state reporting higher unemployment numbers. The Labor Department said rates rose in 13 states and Washington, D.C. and stayed flat in another 13. 

But officials say rates did drop in 24 states, a decline from April when 39 states reported falling unemployment numbers.

The changing trend in state unemployment rates reflect a weaker economy that has been hampered by high gas prices and lower factory output.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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