New Hampshire's employment landscape is showing promising signs, with state officials reporting that the unemployment rate is performing better than the national average. During a recent meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee, discussions highlighted the stability of employment numbers over the past six to eight months, with no significant changes noted.

One committee member expressed optimism for the upcoming years, suggesting that New Hampshire could see a favorable employment outlook in 2025, with even greater improvements anticipated for 2026 and 2027. This positive sentiment is tied to hopes of addressing the ongoing housing crisis through effective legislation. The member emphasized the urgency of resolving housing issues, stating, "If we don't, shame on us."

However, the discussion also acknowledged the challenges ahead. The committee noted that attracting skilled workers back to New Hampshire is crucial, especially as many have relocated to states like South Carolina and Florida in search of better job opportunities. The need for competitive wages to entice these workers back was underscored, as the state faces competition from other regions.

As the committee prepares to reconvene later in the day for further data analysis, the focus remains on how to effectively tackle the housing problem while maintaining a robust employment rate. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for New Hampshire's economic future.