Alabama Faring Better

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Economists and fiscal experts are
predicting Alabama will fare better than many states during the
national economic slowdown.
The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University
of Alabama is forecasting modest economic growth of 2.2 percent for
Alabama in 2008. That's down slightly from the 2.3 percent recorded
in 2007. But it's better than the national forecast of 2 percent.
The center expects more than 21,000 new jobs in Alabama in 2008
and 23,000 in 2009. It also says the state's housing market is in
better shape than the nation's.
Center director Sam Addy says a recession is unlikely to hit
Alabama. While the state will face challenges, he says it will fare
better than many other states.
Gov. Bob Riley sees positives in the forecast. He says while the
economy is slowing down, it is still growing. And that means more
new jobs.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)