GA Unemployment Claims Up, But Slowing

First-time claims for unemployment insurance in Georgia continued to increase in May, though at a slower rate.

By: Associated Press | WSAV-TV
Published: June 11, 2009

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Georgia Department of Labor officials Thursday reported a 68
percent increase in claims compared to the year-ago period. Last
month, claims were up 63.4 percent from April 2008, down from a
March year-over-year increase of 126.3 percent.
Commissioner Michael Thurmond says the numbers suggest the
recession could be easing across the state. Georgia also recently
received $220.3 million in federal money for its unemployment
insurance trust fund.
But modest gains are tempered by data showing the fund lost some
$450 million the first quarter of 2009, paying out $152 million in
May alone.
Thurmond says fewer Georgians are losing their jobs, but the
unemployed are drawing benefits for longer.