California can't seem to get a break.
The state's unemployment rate hit a record high of 12.6 percent in March though it was up only a fraction over the previous month.
California was tied for the third-highest jobless rate with Rhode Island, ahead of Michigan which was 14.1 percent and Nevada which was 13.4 percent.
The state Employment Development Department also reported Friday that non-farm payroll jobs increased by 4,200 during the month as the economy shows signs of life. It was the third consecutive month that California added jobs, gaining 32,400 jobs so far this year.
Unemployment benefits in California usually last 26 weeks but a series of state and federal extensions have increased them to 99 weeks.
California's jobless rate grew from 12.5 percent in February after holding steady for a month. The rate was 10.6 percent in March 2009.
