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.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"Overall, Douglas County had 45,800 non-farm jobs last month, down from 51,000 in May and 47,800 in June 2008."
That does not compute. Shouldn't that be 51,000 jobs in June 2008, and 47,800 in May?
kansasfaithful (anonymous) says…
Well either way the state and local government is raising taxes at a time when fewer are paying in. So if those who are paying additional taxes while others are not working this leaves them with less money to spend on things they need. This of course puts more pressure on the economy and pushes up unemployment. We have at least 7 percent of kansans out of work and the public schools raising taxes by 6.5 percent. Of course this tax is for the children. The parents of these children can take them to the food pantry after school.
Hoots (anonymous) says…
Once you are unemployed more than 6 months the government drops you from the rolls and no longer counts you. The real unemployment rates I have seen for the nation are more like 16%. How many people have had hours cut or are under employed right now in addition to those who don't have a job period?
Godot (anonymous) says…
And, the self employed contractors who are out of work are not eligible for unemployment benefits, so they are not included in these figures, either.
kansasmutt (anonymous) says…
At this time the rate is around 23% out of work or working less than 30 hours.Sales in most stores are down an average of 64% from last year in May. The banks who got TARP money are buying up commercial property as fast as they can. This is to show more assets and make the shareholders feel good, and to make the US Gov think they are in better shape. The money being used to buy those properties is what we the people gave them and to top it off, they are not loaning it back to the people.Get your tents out and start looking for a good corner of the park, cus we are not looking good boys and girls.Times are gettin tough......
cait48 (anonymous) says…
logrithimic,
The irony is that what infrastructure we have now is crumbling. Money is being spent to shore up the Bowersock Dam when it should be outright replaced. The state is handing control of more of it's highways to the KTA because we can't afford to maintain them (heh there's a solution. Privatize the roads!) Throughout the country the Eisenhower Interstate system is deteriorating because less federal money is going to maintain it while in the meantime the Senate debates funding for F22s, a plane the DoD doesn't even want and isn't even being USED anymore!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/st...
This is seriously a crazy country.
absolutelyridiculous (anonymous) says…
On a postive note...93.8% of Douglas County Residents are still employed.
Glass half FULL.
Wallythewalrus (anonymous) says…
Oh, Log: did we not elect the all knowing one as president. He and his will fix everything. There will be a chicken in every pot, and pot in every bowl. Or something like that.