Quality of Life Soon Outweighed by Lack of Opportunity

The jobless rate has risen over 20% since last year in our fair state, 30% above the national average.  This is overly conservative, as it does not take into consideration self employed and/or entrepreneurs that cannot collect benefits or are truly the working poor.  The service/entry work that is out there my son quips as JOBs, Just Over Broke.  I'd say vote for change, but we already did that.  The Benjamin's that used to be in my pocket are now just loose change.Our economic engine was traded in during the cash for clunkers. We're still waiting for the new model.  The quality of life that attracted us to the area can only hold us so far.  One by one, our friends are moving to better economic environments.  Professionals, the one's this state needs to keep.  Our eyes are open to opportunity out of the state, as it appears to be little but scenery to keep us here.  The barn door isn't open...the barn is in foreclosure.  We love living in here...give us a reason to stay!