Topeka ? The Kansas jobless picture continues to get worse.

The state’s unemployment rate stood at 7 percent for June, up from 6.9 percent in May and 4.4 percent in June 2008, the Kansas Department of Labor reported.

In addition, new claims, continued claims and extended claims for unemployment benefits increased.

“We are currently paying out $16 million to $17 million a week in unemployment insurance benefits,” said Kansas Secretary of Labor Jim Garner.

“On top of that we are also distributing over $4 million in Emergency Unemployment Compensation each week. That is money that directly helps unemployed families pay for housing, food and other necessities.

“These numbers demonstrate the critical importance of the UI (unemployment insurance) program and its impact on the Kansas economy in these challenging times,” Garner said.

Unemployment for the Lawrence area, which is defined as Douglas County, stood at 6.2 percent for June, up from 5.4 percent in May and 4.3 percent in June 2008.

The department reported that 3,681 people in the county reported being unemployed last month, an increase of 1,076 from a year earlier. In May, the area had 3,420 unemployed.

Overall, Douglas County had 45,800 non-farm jobs last month, down from 51,000 in May and 47,800 in June 2008.