LITTLE ROCK, AR - The Arkansas Department of Commerce today announced that Arkansas leads the nation in Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Payroll Job growth. Month-over-month, Arkansas’ total job numbers grew by 0.6%, topping national rankings for the second time this year.

Arkansas now has more jobs than ever before, adding 5,000 jobs in June, for a state total of 1,381,400. Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined to 3.3%, while the national unemployment rate increased to 4.1%.

“Pro-growth policies make a difference. Today’s news confirms what Arkansans already know: when we cut taxes, slash red tape, and invest in our workforce, our economy can lead the nation,” said Governor Sanders.

“The Arkansas economy continues to hit on all cylinders. With more Arkansans working than ever before, companies across a wide range of industries have the confidence to invest and grow in The Natural State,” said Hugh McDonald, Secretary of Commerce.

Governor Sanders cut taxes for the third time earlier this year, returning nearly half a billion dollars to Arkansas taxpayers. In total, she has reduced Arkansas’ personal income tax rate to 3.9%, and of the Southern states that levy an income tax, Arkansas now has the lowest.

In recognition of Arkansas’ strong economy, credit rating agency S&P just upgraded the state’s outlook from “stable” to “positive,” while Moody’s, another credit rating firm, affirmed the state’s Aa1 rating. Arkansas is one of only six states to receive a “positive” outlook rating from S&P.