33 states saw jobs rise, 17 had losses in March

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government says that Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania recorded sizable gains in employment in March and were among 33 states posting increases.

In its monthly look at state job trends, the Labor Department says that Maryland led the country with a gain of 35,800 in payroll jobs. Virginia and Pennsylvania also posted increases that topped 20,000 in the month.

By contrast, Michigan continued to have the nation's highest unemployment rate at 14.1 percent, and also led the country in job losses in March with a decline of 9,500. Nevada and Florida also posted sizable job losses and were among 17states recording job losses during the month.