New Jersey jobless rate dips to 4.8 percent in revised data

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New data show New Jersey’s unemployment rate in December dipped to 4.8 percent, lower than previous estimates and lower than the national rate.

Gov. Chris Christie touted the new Bureau of Labor Statistics data Thursday at a statehouse news conference. The national unemployment rate was 5 percent in December and 4.9 percent in January.

Christie called it a “monumental day” for New Jersey’s economic recovery and credited not raising taxes for the turnaround.

The new data revise initial figures that indicated the state’s unemployment rate was at 5.1 percent in December.

The Christie administration says the state unemployment rate is at the lowest level in eight years.