The Indicator from Planet Money

How local government is propping up the U.S. labor market

The most recent jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the United States economy exceeded expectations by adding 353,000 jobs in January. This continues the labor market's years-long trend of resilience in the face of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes. However, digging deeper into the numbers reveals figures that economists are keeping a close eye on. Today, we explain why it's not necessarily ideal for local government jobs to lift up a booming labor market. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/">plus.npr.org</a>. Music by <a href="https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/">Drop Electric</a>. Find us: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money">Newsletter</a>. Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

A little show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening today. It's a quick hit of insight into work, business, the economy, and everything else. Listen weekday afternoons. Try Planet Money+! a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. You'll also get access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions. sign up at plus.npr.org/planetmoney