Sen. Stabenow boasts about job growth that mostly reflects recovery from COVID-19 and pandemic policies

Various state and federal officials have touted the number of jobs created over the last four years. Debbie Stabenow, Michigan’s senior U.S. senator, is one of the latest.

“Nearly 400,000 new jobs have been created in Michigan. Democrats are investing in America and growing the middle class – and it’s working!” Stabenow posted on X on April 3.

The number of jobs in Michigan is up 389,900 since January 2021. Much of that increase reflects a recovery from losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, including jobs lost when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered businesses to close. Since then, Michigan’s job recovery has been one of the slowest in the United States.

Michigan did not fully recover until April 2023, giving it the 13th-weakest job recovery among the states.

As CapCon reported that month, Michigan’s job market was among the worst in the nation. It was still down 101,419 jobs from pre-pandemic levels, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Stabenow's office did not respond to an email seeking comment.