John Stoehr : GOP uses North Carolina 's lowered jobless rate in unemployment debate . He says rate fell after benefits slashed . GOP argues benefits make people turn down jobs . This gives GOP cover for not extending jobless benefits , he says . But it masks economic reality . Conservatives want to get every able-bodied person back into the work force . '' Stoehr : N.C. rate reflects people no longer looking for jobs . Unemployment is at a record low of 3.9 % and the state has added more than 200,000 new jobs since last year.
John Stoehr : GOP uses North Carolina 's lowered jobless rate in unemployment debate . He says rate fell after benefits slashed . GOP argues benefits make people turn down jobs . This gives GOP cover for not extending jobless benefits , he says . But it masks economic reality . Stoehr : N.C. rate reflects people no longer looking for jobs . Unemployment is at a record low of 3.9 % and the state has added more than 200,000 new jobs since last year.