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White House Fact Sheet: Defending and Strengthening Our Nation's Vital Ranching Industry
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Sept. 4, 2026:
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President Donald J. Trump Supports America's Ranchers
DEFENDING AND STRENGTHENING OUR NATION'S VITAL RANCHING INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order launching a whole-of-government effort to protect and fully support America's ranchers.
* The Order tasks a comprehensive review and upgrade of all federal government agency regulations and policy to promote ranchers' interests, directing the Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Trade Representative, Commissioner of the Food and
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Sept. 4, 2026:
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President Donald J. Trump Supports America's Ranchers
DEFENDING AND STRENGTHENING OUR NATION'S VITAL RANCHING INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order launching a whole-of-government effort to protect and fully support America's ranchers.
* The Order tasks a comprehensive review and upgrade of all federal government agency regulations and policy to promote ranchers' interests, directing the Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Trade Representative, Commissioner of the Food andDrug Administration, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to assess all regulations, guidance, and any other policy affecting ranchers and prepare further actions to promote ranchers' financial viability and market access.
* The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves or Mexican wolves meet the criteria for delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and begin the process of delisting or downlisting them.
* The Order further directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare legislative recommendations for delisting gray wolves and Mexican wolves, and to engage with states to encourage state-level delisting of these species to assist ranchers in combatting predation.
* The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to update their standards for compensating ranchers for losses due to predators, and to ease authorization for lethal removal when necessary.
* The Order directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review country-of-origin labeling for beef products. Based on this review, the Secretary of Agriculture may propose new regulations and legislative recommendations regarding such labeling.
* The Order directs the head of each executive department and agency to ensure that the measures implemented will lower prices for American consumers.
EQUIPPING RANCHERS IN MODERN CHALLENGES: President Trump is honoring our hardworking ranchers who feed our Nation by taking decisive action to give them the tools they need to thrive and respond to market disruptions and natural disasters.
* The President's immediate action is necessary to protect America's domestic producers, boost the U.S. supply of beef, and support this critical American industry.
* The Biden administration put American agriculture last and delivered one of its most severe beef supply crises in decades, with domestic cattle herds at their lowest level in 75 years. Years of pursuing radical climate activists' misguided policies and driving up inflation left farmers with historically high input costs and enormous pressure on the ranchers and farmers who feed our country.
* Additionally, more recent factors have put downward pressure on the size of the U.S. domestic herd, including drought conditions across cattle-producing regions affecting grazing lands and reduced feed and forage availability due to ongoing wildfire conditions.
* The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer demand for beef has grown almost 10% over the past decade and is expected to grow even more.
* Biden-era regulations hindered ranchers' ability to face nature's predators, such as gray and Mexican wolves, leaving their herds vulnerable.
* Burdensome and invasive traceability requirements imposed by the previous Administration unduly hampered small and independent cattle ranchers.
* From Day One, the Trump administration has worked around the clock to help rebuild the American beef industry - for the first time since 2018, the number of cattle in the U.S. is increasing and ranchers are retaining heifers at higher rates.
FIGHTING FOR OUR RANCHERS: President Trump and his Administration have undertaken an aggressive agenda to reverse Biden's harmful policies and regulatory burdens, while strengthening the backbone of America's food supply chain, and ensuring ranchers are prosperous now and into the future.
* President Trump's bold America First Trade Agenda has dramatically increased global market access, strengthened farmer and rancher incomes, supported rural jobs, and reduced the agricultural trade deficit.
* President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts put more money in ranchers' pockets each year, made the industry more attractive for investment, and boosted profitability for ranchers now and into the future by:
- Enabling ranchers to depreciate the full value of new business assets in the first year instead of over five years;
- Allowing ranchers to deduct the full costs of business assets immediately;
- Making permanent the 20% Small Business Deduction available to family farms and ranchers;
- Permanently doubling the Death Tax Exemption, letting ranchers pass down their family businesses without massive tax consequences; and,
- Adding new tax incentives for lenders to make loans for ranchland, reducing ranchers' borrowing costs.
* The Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture have expanded grazing access, ensured millions of acres of public land remain open for grazing, and cut permitting delays on public lands.
* Since taking office, the Trump administration has worked tirelessly and successfully to defend the domestic herd from New World Screwworm. Only two active cases in the U.S. remain today, and the Department of Agriculture has expedited the completion of key U.S. sterile fly production facilities.
* The Department of the Interior initiated measures to mitigate wildfire threats on DOI lands, including using livestock grazing to reduce fine fuel loads.
* In September 2025, the Internal Revenue Service announced new tax relief for ranchers, allowing them to defer capital gains taxes on livestock or heifers sold due to drought.
* In October 2025, the Trump Administration announced new actions to fortify the American beef industry, reinforcing and prioritizing the American rancher's critical role in the national security of the United States. Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture announced its Ranchers First Initiative, building off of these actions to rebuild the great American beef herd.
* In December 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to stop price fixing, anti-competitive behavior, and foreign influence that drives up grocery prices and threatens the security of America's food supply.
* In January 2026, the Department of Agriculture launched its new "Product of USA" label for meat, poultry, and eggs that are born, raised, harvested, and processed all in the United States to ensure marketing protection and benefits for American producers.
* In June 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order accelerating American agriculture innovation, empowering farmers and ranchers, and bolstering the strength and security of our food supply.
* In June 2026, President Trump safeguarded America's food supply and supported domestic agricultural production by authorizing the temporary suspension of certain duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco, helping ensure an adequate supply of phosphate fertilizer for American Farmers.
* In June 2026, the Department of Agriculture announced the $500 million Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long Term Domestic Supply Program, to onshore domestic fertilizer production and lower prices for America's farmers and ranchers.
* In August 2026, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services announced the Harvest to Hallways initiative to put more American-raised beef and local products into school meals.
* The Administration remains engaged with the Hill on a Farm Bill to increase loan limits for Department of Agriculture guaranteed operating loans and farm ownership loans.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/09/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-supports-americas-ranchers/
OMB Issues Statement of Administration Policy on Buying American Cotton Act
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The White House Office of Management and Budget issued the following statement of administration policy on the Buying American Cotton Act (S. 1919), which was introduced by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, and 18 cosponsors:
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The Administration strongly supports S. 1919, the Buying American Cotton Act of 2025. This legislation advances core Administration priorities of putting American farmers and workers first, restoring domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign sources.
It also complements the U.S. Department
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The White House Office of Management and Budget issued the following statement of administration policy on the Buying American Cotton Act (S. 1919), which was introduced by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, and 18 cosponsors:
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The Administration strongly supports S. 1919, the Buying American Cotton Act of 2025. This legislation advances core Administration priorities of putting American farmers and workers first, restoring domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign sources.
It also complements the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture's Great American Cotton Plan to revitalize the cotton farm economy and expand demand for U.S.-grown cotton.
S. 1919 establishes a financial tax incentive for finished products containing U.S.-grown cotton. It also requires digital supply chain tracing to ensure integrity. By boosting demand for American cotton, the bill strengthens the farm economy, supports rural communities, expands domestic textile capacity, and promotes natural U.S. fibers over synthetic alternatives. These outcomes directly advance the Administration's America First agenda on agriculture, manufacturing, and economic security.
If S. 1919 were presented to the President, his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SAP-S1919.pdf
HUD Secretary Scott Turner Joins the National Tribal Housing Summit to Announce Inaugural Awards for Tribal Leaders and Celebrate Historic MOU Signing
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
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Secretary Scott Turner Joins the National Tribal Housing Summit to Announce Inaugural Awards for Tribal Leaders and Celebrate Historic MOU Signing
Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) concluded its 2026 National Tribal Housing Summit and announced the inaugural HUD Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Tribal Communities, honoring achievements in housing, community development, and support for Native youth. During the Summit, HUD's Office
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
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Secretary Scott Turner Joins the National Tribal Housing Summit to Announce Inaugural Awards for Tribal Leaders and Celebrate Historic MOU Signing
Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) concluded its 2026 National Tribal Housing Summit and announced the inaugural HUD Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Tribal Communities, honoring achievements in housing, community development, and support for Native youth. During the Summit, HUD's Officeof Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance homeownership on Tribal trust lands.
"It was a privilege to convene Tribal leaders from across the country at this year's Tribal Housing Summit and demonstrate what is possible when federal agencies honor Tribal sovereignty and work together to deliver real solutions," said Secretary Turner. "Under President Trump's leadership, HUD's new MOU with the Department of the Interior will cut red tape and open doors to homeownership on Tribal trust lands. Together with our Work & Dignity Coalition, these efforts are helping Native families build intergenerational wealth and achieve greater self-sufficiency."
The HUD Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Tribal Communities recognize outstanding achievements in three categories. This year's recipients are:
* New Housing Construction: Citizen Potawatomi Nation constructed 66 single-family duplexes featuring high-performance insulation and heat pumps. The development is designed to withstand extreme weather while reducing heating and cooling energy use by 70 percent for low-income Native families preparing for homeownership.
* Community Development: Cook Inlet Housing Authority transformed a historically blighted area of Anchorage through a $51 million neighborhood renewal project. Leveraging HUD funding alongside tax credits, they built nearly 150 affordable rental homes.
* Supporting Native Youth: Tohono O'odham Ki:Ki Association developed a secure campus on the reservation for up to 45 Native youth. The project supports family stability and strengthens cultural connections within the Tribal community.
Learn more about the awards here.
This summit is the largest Tribal event hosted by the federal government during the Trump Administration and marks three decades of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA).
Additional highlights:
Announcing $150 Million in Indian Housing Block Grant Awards
Secretary Turner announced $150 million in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Program awards to 31 Tribal communities. The awards support the construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of hundreds of housing units for Native families. View the awardees here.
The IHBG program is the primary means by which the federal government fulfills its trust responsibilities to provide adequate housing to Native Americans and is the single largest source of Indian housing assistance.
Launching the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act MOU
HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and DOI's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) signed a historic MOU to enhance federal coordination and expand homeownership opportunities for Tribal families on trust lands.
The agreement establishes a streamlined interagency framework to support the implementation of the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025, signed into law earlier this year by President Trump. By accelerating Title Status Report (TSR) processing times and aligning federal leasing reviews, the partnership removes long-standing administrative barriers to private mortgage lending on Tribal trust lands.
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Original text here: https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-065
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Issues August 2026 Beige Book
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas issued the following August 2026 Beige Book:
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Summary of Economic Activity
Economic activity in the Eleventh District expanded moderately over the reporting period. Growth picked up in the manufacturing, banking, and energy sectors, while it slowed in nonfinancial services. Retail sales increased but auto sales remained soft. Agriculture conditions deteriorated due to drought conditions, but wheat and cotton prices improved. Employment grew modestly with moderate wage growth. Prices rose moderately, except in the manufacturing sector
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas issued the following August 2026 Beige Book:
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Summary of Economic Activity
Economic activity in the Eleventh District expanded moderately over the reporting period. Growth picked up in the manufacturing, banking, and energy sectors, while it slowed in nonfinancial services. Retail sales increased but auto sales remained soft. Agriculture conditions deteriorated due to drought conditions, but wheat and cotton prices improved. Employment grew modestly with moderate wage growth. Prices rose moderately, except in the manufacturing sectorwhich experienced robust price growth. Outlooks were stable to positive.
Labor Markets
Employment grew modestly over the past six weeks; however, staffing firms reported pockets of strength in certain service sectors, such as health care and legal work. Contacts reported numerous instances of labor market mismatch in terms of skills, geography, and expected wages. One contact noted job candidates asking for "San Francisco wages," while another stated migration of skilled manufacturing workers from California helped ease regional labor shortages. When asked about impediments to hiring, a survey of Texas business executives cited a lack of available applicants, applicants looking for more pay than offered, and a lack of technical skills as the top three.
Wage growth was moderate. A staffing firm reported wage expectations increased among workers, but that employers had not adjusted to the reality that low-paying jobs will not attract applicants. Employees with certain skill sets fetch a higher wage premium. Wage pressures were also noted for field technicians for oil and gas equipment.
Prices
Price growth was moderate to robust over the reporting period. Price pressures remained elevated for manufacturing firms while stable for service sector firms. The ongoing Middle East conflict continues to impact fuel, petrochemical products, fertilizer, and transport prices, all of which are elevated compared to before the crisis. In addition, certain other input and materials prices remain high, such as copper and computer memory related components. Airlines reported maintaining ticket prices because demand is supporting the current higher prices that resulted when the conflict drove up jet fuel prices. Some retail contacts reported holding off on price increases until later in the year or next year.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing activity growth was moderate with a pick up in durables but contraction in nondurables. Durable manufacturing strength has persisted in machinery, transportation equipment, and computer manufacturing and recently also spread to metals. While overall nondurable activity weakened, Gulf Coast refiners increased output and petrochemical production was stable. Despite fuel exports hitting new highs, downstream operators continue to view current profitability as a transitory geopolitical windfall. The manufacturing outlook improved significantly, although many contacts voiced concerns regarding geopolitical instability.
Retail Sales
Retail sales continued to rise modestly. Retailers noted that consumers appeared resilient in the face of higher gasoline prices. Auto sales softened in July due to challenges facing consumers, including elevated financing costs, high gasoline prices, and low consumer confidence. Some retailers mentioned that tariff refunds are occurring and having a meaningful impact by funding selective pricing strategies. Retailers have a positive outlook going forward as the headwinds from high oil prices are weaker than anticipated.
Nonfinancial Services
Revenue in nonfinancial services grew modestly over the past six weeks. Growth was led by the transportation and warehousing sectors and supported by the accommodation and food services and other services sectors. Transportation services firms reported slight declines in small parcel volume but growth in air freight volume due to AI-driven semiconductor demand. Staffing firms reported robust activity with one contact noting that activity in July was about 30 percent higher than last year. Outlooks were stable with continuing concerns regarding inflation, demand, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Construction and Real Estate
Housing market activity remained sluggish, with sales declining seasonally. Builders continued offering significant rate buydowns and discounts to attract buyers amid weak demand, compressing margins to below pre-pandemic levels. Finished lot inventories are still elevated in Dallas-Fort Worth. Builders reported profitability pressures from higher-cost new lots, leading some to accept losses or walk away from deals. Demand from the immigrant buyer segment remained weak, impacting sales in certain markets. Outlooks remained cautious, and meaningful improvement is not expected in the near term.
Commercial real estate activity improved on net. Apartment absorption was solid, though elevated concessions persisted and rents were flat to down across major metros. Industrial activity showed strength with solid leasing and absorption, particularly for larger spaces. Office markets continued recovering with positive absorption and flat to declining vacancy, though older buildings struggled. The retail market remained tight with low vacancy rates and modest new construction.
Financial Services
Loan volume and loan demand expanded further in August. Volume rose across all loan types. Credit standards and terms tightened slightly, but loan pricing declined. Overall loan performance improved for the first time since 2022. Bankers reported expanding general business activity and remain optimistic about the future. Survey respondents expect strong growth in loan demand and business activity with a very slight deterioration in loan performance six months from now.
Energy
Eleventh District oilfield activity picked up over the past six weeks. Some contacts indicated this was primarily a previously planned increase rather than a price-driven pick up, particularly in the Permian. Overall, upstream shale spending remained disciplined. However, oilfield services firms were somewhat optimistic about pricing, which reflected improved demand and passthrough of some recent cost increases. Price pressures were evident in fuel, steel tubing, oilfield chemicals and components for engines and transmissions. While sentiment and expectations for the months ahead were broadly positive, contacts are concerned about low crude oil inventories and lasting impacts from damaged energy infrastructure abroad.
Agriculture
High temperatures and persistent drought in some areas of the District have hampered crop conditions over the past six weeks. Cotton and grain yields are expected to be down this year, with particular weakness in wheat production. Cotton prices remained decent, buoyed by strong global demand, and grain prices rose over the reporting period. Conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea has shut down a significant share of grain trade, particularly wheat, pushing up wheat prices markedly. Cattle prices declined but remained high amid tight supply and solid beef demand. The presence of New World screwworm has been well managed and has not meaningfully impacted the broader market for beef production or demand, according to contacts. There was optimism around the outlook for agriculture in 2027 based on the favorable winter forecast for a typically rainy El Nino weather pattern.
Community Perspectives
Nonprofits reported sustained high demand for assistance as households are under mounting financial pressure from the higher cost of essentials, such as food and utilities. Cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plans are expected to push up food insecurity. Organizations anticipate higher demand with no corresponding increase in resources, placing stress on both service providers and the communities they serve. Hospitals are adapting to the end of enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act insurance plans, which significantly increased monthly payments and deductibles. As a result, there has been a decline in the utilization of elective health-care services and in the ability of patients to pay for emergency room services. Hospitals are responding by slowing hiring and capital investment.
For more information about District economic conditions visit: https://www.dallasfed.org/research/texas.
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Original text here: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202608-dallas.htm
BLS Western Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Idaho First Quarter 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Idaho First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Western Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Idaho employment increased 1.9 percent over the year to 867,900 in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Employment rose 2.1 percent in Ada County from March 2025 to March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that the rate of employment growth in Ada ranked 10th
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Idaho First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Western Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Idaho employment increased 1.9 percent over the year to 867,900 in March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table 1.) Employment rose 2.1 percent in Ada County from March 2025 to March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that the rate of employment growth in Ada ranked 10thamong the 371 largest U.S. counties with published data.
Employment was 295,300 in Ada and 90,100 in Canyon in March 2026. Together these two large counties accounted for 44.4 percent of total employment in Idaho. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
The average weekly wage in Ada increased 7.9 percent over the year (ranked 12th nationally) to $1,503 (132nd). The average wage in Canyon increased 3.3 percent (196th) to $1,048 (364th). The national average was $1,654, up 3.9 percent over the year.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 6.2 percent over the year to $1,254. Idaho ranked 44th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 2nd in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 42 smaller counties in Idaho, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in 41 of the 42 smaller counties were below the national average. Butte reported the highest average weekly wage ($2,380) in the state. Bear Lake reported the lowest average weekly wage ($781).
Among all 44 Idaho counties, 10 reported average weekly wages less than $925, 6 had wages from $925 to $999, 15 had wages from $1,000 to $1,074, 4 had wages from $1,075 to $1,149, and 9 had average weekly wages of $1,150 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Idaho, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the two largest counties in Idaho, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Idaho, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_idaho_20260904.htm
BLS Northeast Region Issues Report on Planning Region Employment and Wages in Connecticut First Quarter 2026
NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- Planning Region Employment and Wages in Connecticut First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Northeast Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 5 of the 6 largest planning regions in Connecticut from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Connecticut employment decreased 0.4 percent over the year to 1,668,200 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi noted that the Naugatuck
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NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- Planning Region Employment and Wages in Connecticut First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Northeast Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 5 of the 6 largest planning regions in Connecticut from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Connecticut employment decreased 0.4 percent over the year to 1,668,200 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi noted that the NaugatuckValley Planning Region (-1.5 percent) had the largest over-the-year decrease in employment. (See chart 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest planning regions in Connecticut, March 2026
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The Capitol Planning Region (526,800) had the highest employment level in Connecticut in March 2026. Together, the six largest planning regions accounted for 88.8 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties and county equivalents (including planning regions) comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large planning region average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Average weekly wage gains in 3 of the 6 large planning regions in Connecticut were above the national average of 3.9 percent. (See chart 2.) Western Connecticut had the largest gain (+9.2 percent). Over-the-year wage gains among the other five large Connecticut planning regions ranged from 4.7 percent to 0.2 percent.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest planning regions in Connecticut, first quarter 2026
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Weekly wages in 2 of the 6 largest planning regions in Connecticut were above the national average of $1,654: Western Connecticut ($3,797) and Capitol ($1,874). Average weekly wages among the other four large planning regions ranged from $1,602 in South Central Connecticut to $1,456 in Naugatuck Valley.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 5.2 percent over the year to $2,080. Connecticut ranked 4th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 5th in wage growth.
Smaller planning region average weekly wages in the first quarter of 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the three smaller planning regions in Connecticut, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller planning regions were below the national average: Lower Connecticut River Valley ($1,441), Northwest Hills ($1,274), and Northeastern Connecticut ($1,181).
Among all 9 Connecticut planning regions, 3 reported average weekly wages less than $1,450, 2 had wages from $1,450 to $1,524, 1 had wages from $1,525 to $1,599, and 3 had average weekly wages of $1,600 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by planning region in Connecticut, first quarter 2026
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Additional Statistics and other Information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the six largest planning regions in Connecticut, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all planning regions in Connecticut, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_connecticut_20260904.htm
BLS Midwest Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Nebraska First Quarter 2026
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Nebraska First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 1 of the 3 largest counties in Nebraska from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nebraska employment decreased 0.1 percent over the year to 1,008,200 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Nebraska First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 1 of the 3 largest counties in Nebraska from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nebraska employment decreased 0.1 percent over the year to 1,008,200 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted thatemployment decreased 0.3 percent in Lancaster County. (See chart 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest counties in Nebraska, March 2026
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Douglas County (337,700) had the highest employment level in Nebraska in March 2026. Together, the three largest counties accounted for 59.0 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Average weekly wage gains in the two large counties in Nebraska with published data were below the national average of 3.9 percent. (See chart 2.) Douglas had the largest gain (+3.6 percent). In Lancaster, the average weekly wage increased 2.2 percent over the year.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Nebraska, first quarter 2026
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Weekly wages in all three large counties in Nebraska were below the national average of $1,654: $1,441 in Douglas, $1,199 in Lancaster, and $1,196 in Sarpy.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 3.7 percent over the year to $1,274. Nebraska ranked 42nd in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 26th in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 90 smaller counties in Nebraska, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in 89 of the 90 smaller counties were below the national average. Stanton reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,770) in the state. Keya Paha reported the lowest average weekly wage ($653).
Among all 93 Nebraska counties, 24 reported average weekly wages less than $875, 20 had wages from $875 to $949, 16 had wages from $950 to $1,024, 15 had wages from $1,025 to $1,099, and 18 had average weekly wages of $1,100 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Nebraska, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the three largest counties in Nebraska, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Nebraska, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_nebraska_20260904.htm
