N.J. Forecast-Economic Recovery 'inching along'

Nancy Mantell, Director of Rutgers Economic Advisory Service, says New Jersey has lost 42,400 public sector jobs since May. More than half came from local governments.

Economists at New Jersey's largest university say residents should see an increase in personal income and benefit from very low inflation in the coming year.

Losses in public jobs are, in part, slowing the Garden State's economic comeback.

Findings released Nov. 3 during the Rutgers Economic Advisory Service forecast and conference in New Brunswick, N.J. finds the state has lost 269,000 jobs since January 2008. About 45,000 jobs were lost this May through September.

Economics Advisory Service director Nancy Mantell predicts most economic activity will be in the service and finance sectors. The report predicts very modest growth in construction.