South Carolina's unemployment rate hits 8.4% - what will turn it around? (real estate, home)

[tablemtn]

S.C. unemployment rate rises in November, more jobs shed (http://www.thestate.com/breaking/story/626545.html - broken link)

South Carolina’s unemployment rate rose to 8.4 percent in November, while job losses statewide mounted, according to a report released today.

The rate — now the highest since September 1983 — is expected to continuing rising past 10 percent next year.

What policies, if any, can the state pursue to improve the employment situation? Yes, things are getting worse nationwide, but 8.4% is currently one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. What would it take to bring the rate back toward the national median?

[le roi]

I don't know, maybe if prices for agricultural commodities skyrocket, SC farmers will be in good shape?

I doubt it'll be golf courses or beaches. It probably won't be cars, banking, real estate, or home building. We haven't really succeeded in attracting R&D or technology; you could hardly find a tech job in SC before the recession.

If I was a betting man, I'd say it'll be tied to providing services for retiring boomers. The Rubber Factory plan would be to increase access/affordability for community colleges (esp. nursing), and keep state taxes attractive for retirees.

Or we could sit around and wait for a smart group of people to invent something.