On Thursday, the Department of Labor announced changes in this week’s initial unemployment claims. Their report showed that initial unemployment claims have decreased for the third week in a row with unemployment claims dropping by nearly 40 percent in the 26 states that have announced that they are ending unemployment bonuses. States that have continued their participation in the unemployment bonus programs have seen claims increase over the last three weeks.
Last week, the 10 states that opted out of the $300 weekly bonus saw initial unemployment claims fall by 14.5 percent week by week, well under the national average.
“State leaders are proving that ending enhanced unemployment bonuses can reignite the economic recovery for workers and businesses alike,” said Hayden Dublois, Senior Research Analyst at FGA. “This recent report highlights how ending the bonus will help get unemployed individuals back into the workforce quickly, help fill the record number of open jobs, and ensure small businesses can thrive.”
###
The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org
