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Average workers’ compensation rates could go up 3.1% next year—the largest increase since 2011

Today the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) proposed increasing average workers’ compensation rates by 3.1% for 2022. According to L&I, base rates will increase for 230 of the state’s 325 risk classes (here are the proposed rates by risk class). If the rate increase is adopted later this year, it will be the first […]

September report on state tax collections

The most recent monthly report on general fund revenue collections from the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), which was issued this morning, shows overall revenues above forecast. For the sales tax, the use tax, the business and occupation tax, the public utility tax, the tobacco products tax, and penalties and interest (collectively the […]

In Washington 4,860 filed initial claims for regular unemployment insurance last week

This morning the state Employment Security Department (ESD) gave its weekly report on unemployment insurance claims. ESD reported a total of 6,640 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending September 11. Of this total, 4,860 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,223 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

In Washington 5,205 filed initial claims for regular unemployment insurance last week

This morning the state Employment Security Department (ESD) gave its weekly report on unemployment insurance claims. ESD reported a total of 8,125 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending September 4. Of this total, 5,205 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,417 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

In Washington 5,073 filed initial claims for regular unemployment insurance last week

This morning the state Employment Security Department (ESD) gave its weekly report on unemployment insurance claims. ESD reported a total of 7,193 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending August 28. Of this total, 5,073 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,503 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

Update on personal income, consumer spending and saving rates during the COVID-19 recession

Here are updates of charts I have posted monthly regarding national income and consumer spending during the COVID-19 recession, including new numbers for July and revisions to numbers for prior months. Personal Income in July was 1.1% greater than in June and 14.4% less than the peak reached in March, which was boosted by the […]

In Washington 5,357 filed initial claims for regular unemployment insurance last week

Yesterday the state Employment Security Department (ESD) gave its weekly report on unemployment insurance claims. ESD reported a total of 7,440 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending August 21. Of this total, 5,357 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,369 claims were under the federal pandemic unemployment […]

Credit ratings, reserves, and capital gains tax revenues

Last month, the state treasurer’s office reported that Washington’s general obligation debt continues to be rated Aaa by Moody’s and AA+ by S&P and Fitch. As usual, the three agencies approvingly cite Washington’s “strong fiscal governance practices,” including the four-year balanced budget requirement and budget stabilization account (BSA, or the rainy day fund). However, S&P […]

In Washington 5,420 filed initial claims for regular unemployment insurance last week

Yesterday the state Employment Security Department (ESD) gave its weekly report on unemployment insurance claims. ESD reported a total of 7,499 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending August 7. Of this total, 5,420 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,615 claims were under the federal pandemic unemployment […]

In Washington 4,919 filed initial claims for regular unemployment insurance last week

This morning the state Employment Security Department (ESD) gave its weekly report on unemployment insurance claims. ESD reported a total of 6,708 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending July 31. Of this total, 4,919 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,337 claims were under the federal pandemic […]