WETUMPKA -- Gov. Robert Bentley told Elmore County leaders Thursday that while employment in the state is improving in 2012, state budget problems will be even worse this year.

Bentley, speaking at the third annual Elmore County Economic Development Authority Unity Breakfast, told the audience that was packed into the Wetumpka Civic Center how focused he has been, and will be, on job creation.

"The good news is that the unemployment rate has dropped," he said. "The No. 1 goal is to create more jobs. Putting people back to work is very important."

Bentley then addressed the problems associated with the state's budget shortfalls.

The governor also talked about his frustration with the General Fund's shortfalls.

"The General Fund will never get any better. We'll always fight over funding the General Fund," he said. "Medicaid is important, the police force is important, the court system is important."