ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Economists are optimistic after new data about job growth in March exceeded expectations. More jobs were added coast to coast last month than anyone predicted.

Russell Weaver is an economist at Cornell. He says Friday’s report was the best he’s seen in a long time.

Numbers for New York won’t be released until later this month. Weaver isn’t sure what to expect closer to home.

In February, New York’s unemployment rate was over two points higher than the national average of six point two percent.

FULL INTERVIEW: Russell Weaver on Ithaca’s Morning News