The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the state of Texas in December fell to 7.8 percent, down from 8.1 percent in November and reaching its lowest level since July 2009, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

While Wisconsin's economy lost 3,900 private sector jobs last month, the figures still represented an improvement of 13,500 positions over December 2010, and the state looks poised to increase its aviation staffing significantly.