Topeka ? State labor officials say the Kansas economy continues to show growth this spring as evidenced by a decline in the April unemployment rate.

The Kansas Department of Labor says the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in April, down from 6.2 percent in March. The rate was 6.7 percent in April 2011.

Labor Secretary Karin Brownlee says Kansas should be pleased with the job growth and that it is acceptable at this time.

However, the department’s economist says the rate of private sector job growth has slowed in the past three months and called the rate sluggish. Tyler Tenbrink says the state’s economy reflects the national slowdown in activity.

First-time claims for unemployment benefits were down in April by more than 3,200 applicants.