While the economy seems to be on an upswing, the high unemployment in the Greater Hickory Metro is still of great concern.

This is why it was encouraging to hear that Congressman Patrick McHenry voted this week in favor of replenishing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which covers the cost of extended unemployment benefits for jobless workers. The Department of Labor anticipates the fund will run out in August.

It is obvious the 10th District congressman recognizes the importance of helping jobless workers and their families in these tough economic times.

"As we work to end this recession and rebuild our local economy, it is critical that we provide the support our displaced workers need to get back on their feet. People are hurting, and we have a responsibility to help folks weather the storm," McHenry said.

Here is why his vote was so critical to the region.

Unemployment in the Greater Hickory Metro was 15.4 percent in June, the highest jobless rate among the state's 14 metropolitan statistical areas. This ranked the area No. 1 in joblessness in the state for the sixth consecutive month.

According to the N.C. Employment Security Commission, 12,200 more people in the Greater Hickory Metro were unemployed in June 2009 than in June 2008. About 6,900 of those people had been employed in manufacturing.

And while the national economy seems to be improving, the economy here is still weak at best. These unemployment numbers do not lie. It is an employer's job market here and competition for the available jobs is fierce.

Another factor of the jobless equation here is that about 33 percent of the Hickory region's jobs are in manufacturing, compared to a national average of 12 percent.

To help address this issue, McHenry supported the reauthorization of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which provides health care, job retraining and financial assistance to workers whose jobs are sent overseas as a result of trade policy — mostly manufacturing jobs.

We do not always agree with Congressman McHenry, but his decision to support these two bills deserves praise.