Jobless rates drop in 34 states and D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Unemployment rates fell in a majority of states last month as improved economic conditions spurred hiring.

The Labor Department said today that 34 states and the District of Columbia reported their jobless rates fell in April. Six states reported higher rates, while 10 saw unemployment hold steady.

That marked an improvement from March when 16 states and D.C. reported declines in unemployment, 22 saw increases, and 12 had no change, according to revised figures.

South Carolina's rate fell to 11.6 percent in April, from 12.2 percent in March, marking the largest monthly drop of any state.

After cutting their work forces to the bone during the recession, companies are starting to boost hiring as their sales and profits improve.