Kentucky was one of 18 states plus the District of Columbia that reported an unemployment rate above the U.S. jobless rate in December 2005.

The March 2006 unemployment rate of 6 percent was the lowest rate recorded for Kentucky in 10 months. Compared to other states, Kentucky was one of 16 states plus the District of Columbia that reported an unemployment rate above the U.S. jobless rate in March 2006.

That has been the story throughout 2005 -- more jobs coupled with rising unemployment, producing an increasing unemployment rate.

It's been an unusual year for Kentucky's labor market. Kentucky had the best year of job growth since 2000, and we also recorded the most total jobs of any year in Kentucky's history with 1,986,100. But, the state's annual unemployment rate went up 0.6 percentage points from 2004 to 2005. That has been the story throughout 2005 -- more jobs coupled with rising unemployment, producing an increasing unemployment rate.

It appears it has the weight of official notification, which in fact it doesn't. It's really a disservice to folks. They were reasonably upset when they thought their property was in jeopardy.

We've seen this before. I know (Nelson) had recognized it, didn't appreciate it and went into action accordingly. And we will be looking out for that in the coming year.