The national unemployment rate increased in November, again approaching double digits. In Colorado, several thousand more people held jobs, but that was not enough to slow the rise of the unemployment rate to its highest level in more than a quarter-century. Enrollment growth in state food and health assistance programs continued unabated.

In the latest edition of Colorado Recovery Watch, Policy Analyst Alec Harris details key economic indicators that show Colorado has now well surpassed its recessionary peak in unemployment, making its recovery look like a relapse. Yet persistent, albiet weak job growth suggests the future is not as bleak as the unemployment picture might appear.

Colorado Recovery Watch is a monthly snapshot of economic data, with a special focus on jobs and public assistance programs. Read it online, along with other analysis of jobs and economic security from the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute.