Whitman says that during Brown’s stint as governor from 1975-1983, unemployment “nearly doubled” to 11 percent, then the highest unemployment ever in California.
Her claim is at least partly true. Unemployment was at 11 percent in December 1982 and February 1983, according to the state Employment Development Department.
But on average, unemployment hovered around 8 percent while Brown was
in office. The rate dipped to just over 6 percent during 1979 and was
under 9 percent when Brown’s second term ended.
During the term following Brown’s, unemployment steadily declined to
just over 5 percent. [What we don't know is what the employment rate
was when Brown started in office. The department's data only goes back
to 1976.]
But on average, unemployment hovered around 8 percent while Brown was in office. The rate dipped to just over 6 percent during 1979 and was under 9 percent when Brown’s second term ended.
During the term following Brown’s, unemployment steadily declined to just over 5 percent. [What we don't know is what the employment rate was when Brown started in office. The department's data only goes back to 1976.]
