Is the economy so bad off? It depends on who you ask – and where you live.

More on that in a moment on the Face The State Radio Minute.

The economy can’t always be going gangbusters. By definition, business is cyclical, with long-term ups and downs a reality for any entrepreneur. But some have been quick to label a slowdown in growth a…recession. That’s a bit premature.

Particularly in Colorado, we haven’t been as hard-hit by some national economic trends. The state’s energy sector, for instance, has remained strong despite lagging retail sales for most other goods. And no state has been immune from the problems in the housing sector.

But nationally, government data shows GDP rose 2% recently, and Colorado has added 32,000 jobs over the last year. Our state’s unemployment rate is below the national average, too.

Truth be told, it could be much worse, and we tempt fate with proposals to increase taxes and regulation.

For FaceTheState.com, I’m Brad Jones.