The state's chief economist for the past three years, Dr. Arun Raha, announced today that he is resigning "to pursue opportunities in the private sector." Raha did not say what job he is taking.

As the state official responsible for economic forecasts, Raha spent three years delivering gloomy economic to state officials every quarter.

In his resignation letter, Raha called his time as head state economist "a most wonderful experience as I have travelled around the state meeting with local officials, businesses, citizens and taxpayers. Of course, I was out raising their spirits and encouraging them to hang in there because the Great Recession too shall pass. But I got much more from them than I expected – the warmth and the affection with which they received me was truly touching. With fine people like that, I continue to be bullish about the state economy’s future.”