As of September 2023, U.S. government employment has reached a staggering 23,421,000, surpassing Florida's population of 22,610,726. This statistic raises significant economic questions, particularly as government workers now constitute 14.7% of the nonfarm workforce of 159,105,000 [c6298339]. This increase in government employment reflects a broader trend, as since January 1939, the number of government employees has nearly sextupled from 3,988,000. Notably, in September 1979, there were 16,128,000 government workers, accounting for 17.85% of the workforce [c6298339]. Local government employment has also reached an all-time high, with 14,939,000 employees, including 8,139,700 in education [c6298339].
In the context of Florida's economy, a recent poll by the Florida Chamber of Commerce indicates that 47% of Floridians believe the state is on the right track, while 60% feel the nation is heading in the wrong direction [5f18bced]. Concerns about property insurance rates, immigration, and job creation are prevalent among residents [5f18bced]. Despite these concerns, Florida has been a standout performer in job growth, creating 1 in every 11 new jobs nationally over the past year, a statistic emphasized by Governor Ron DeSantis as evidence of the state's economic policies [5f18bced].
While Florida's economy is bolstered by a robust GDP growth of 3% in the first quarter of 2024 and a low unemployment rate of 3.3% in May 2024 [e239d658], the implications of a growing government workforce cannot be overlooked. Total government spending reached $9.0129 trillion in fiscal 2023, up from $5.7809 trillion in 2015, and the national debt surpassed $33 trillion in 2023 [c6298339]. Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber, has stressed the importance of electing pro-jobs candidates to sustain economic momentum, especially in light of these national trends [5f18bced].
Overall, while Floridians express satisfaction with their state's economic outlook, they remain cautious about national trends and specific local issues such as property insurance and the implications of rising government employment [5f18bced][c6298339].