I've written my Congressman, Adam Putnam, before which must have put me on a mailing list. This is one email I don't mind getting and this one in particular was rather nice.

Dear Mr. Allen:

As a Floridian, I wanted to update you on positive news concerning Florida's growing and strengthening economy.

Just last week, the Agency for Workforce Innovation reported that Florida added 172,300 new jobs (seasonally adjusted) from December 2003 to December 2004, making Florida first in the nation for job creation during 2004, according to the Labor Department. 

Adding to this strong employment record is Florida's below average unemployment rate.  Florida's December 2004 unemployment rate was 4.5%, well below 4.9% a year ago, and nearly a full percentage point below the national rate of 5.4%.

As President Bush prepares to send his budget to Congress in February 7, I look forward to the opportunity to help craft a smart, responsible and efficient budget to help ensure our state and nation continues its economic recovery. 

I will continue to keep you updated on this important issue, and hope you will contact me with any questions or suggestions on the federal budget.

With regards, I remain

Sincerely,

Adam Putnam
Member of Congress

It is nice to know that employment is strong, regardless of what the doom and gloom crowd wants you to think. Mr. Putnam, I do believe, is the youngest member of Congress and seems sincere enough. Granted he is a politician so you have to take what he says with a 50 lb. bag of salt, but from the various reports I've scanned, Florida is doing quite well in the employment arena.

Life isn't perfect, but it is still good!