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Last month we predicted that jobs growth would likely begin to return by Christmas. Now Texas data confirms that jobs growth is on the way.

Seasonally adjusted data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows that during October and November, the state’s employers added nearly 70,000 jobs. Gains were in categories such as education and health services, hospitality and leisure, professional and business services, and finance. Many of the jobs in October came from government sources, however even private-sector Texas employment began an upward trajectory in November.

“Job growth in the last two months has been encouraging,” said Ronny Congleton, the Texas commissioner representing labor.

The Texas unemployment rate dropped to 8 percent in November, the first decrease in Texas in 16 months, officials said Friday. It was the first time overall employment posted two consecutive months of gains since mid-2008.

At the national level, unemployment fell in 36 states and the District of Columbia in November.

The Texas data further underscores a 9-month linear growth trend line that forecasts a strong monthly jobs growth rate by mid-2010.

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