RALEIGH -- Last week the North Carolina Employment Security Commission released a report showing that nearly 12,000 more people in the state became unemployed.

Economists are still studying the data, but North Carolina State University economist Dr. Mike Walden said another report, which is given to employers, shows something different. He said that survey includes more accurate numbers and indicates there is less unemployment in the state.

"The one that goes to employers, which is a broader survey and usually more followed by economists, actually showed a gain of 16,500 jobs," said Walden. "This does not mean we've got a great job market...we still have an employment problem in the state and the nation. But my reading of this report -- by looking at the survey [that goes to employers] -- I think the numbers are positive because it's a broader survey."

Democrats argue the GOP-written state budget approved by the Legislature - despite Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto - helped increase unemployment by eliminating thousands of education and state government positions. Republicans disagree with that argument. They say letting a pair of temporary taxes expire will ultimately create more private-sector jobs.

"If you look at the governor's proposal [versus the Republican-penned state budget, which went in to effect July 1, 2011],they're actually very close," Walden added. "I don't think the qualitative aspects of the budgets were that different."

Private sector jobs have increased by 31,600 this year, while government employers have shed 11,000 this year, the state employment agency said.