RI Unemployment Rate Highest in Country

Rhode Island continues to hold the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the country.

The state's rate was 9.2 percent in January, according to the latest numbers from the Labor Department. That figure was higher than the national average of 6.6 percent. Aggravating factors for Rhode Island include its "housing bust and manufacturing slump," according to ABC News.

Nevada and Illinois were tied at the No. 2 spot with 8.7 percent.

Rhode Island's rate dropped from 9.3 percent in December, when it was also the highest in the country. Of the state's 550,316 workers, 50,600 were unemployed in January, according to state labor numbers.

One Rhode Island lawmaker says the state's economy "needs a defibrillator" and proposed a bill that would establish tax-free zones for new businesses and workers.