Yep.
Last month’s “drop” in unemployment numbers was because California didn’t report on time.
This month NJ, DE, PA, MD and NY won’t report on time.
Or else.
The survey is done every month during the week in which the 12th of the month falls. That’s when the numbers are collected, so the actual reporting period was three weeks ago. The rest of the time is spent in compiling and adjusting for seasonal and other factors.
No state can blame Sandy for reporting late.