The report offers evidence that the overall job picture has some bright spots.

"I think it is important to know that if we do these things, they have an effect on the economy, on the job picture here."

That figure - and the job picture it represented - looked pretty sturdy in a skittish economy.

At least through January, however, the regional job picture was decidedly static.

If disheartened families cut their spending, the job picture will worsen even further.

Advocacy organizations have been trying to improve the job picture for tradeswomen since the 1980's, with limited results.

"I don't think it is a major part of the job picture."

The lack of office-building construction also helped, as did the state's improving economy and job picture.

But it's hard for them to figure what to make of the much different job picture that the current population survey is presenting.

All things being equal, the Government says, the job picture's improving.