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Fraudsters boost UI claims

This morning the state Employment Security Department (ESD) reported that initial claims for the regular state unemployment program were up 18.2 percent over the previous week. This increase is due, at least in part, to an increase in the number of fraudulent claims: We have … seen a recent increase in fraudulent claim applications, which […]

State tax collections again exceed forecast

Monday’s monthly report from the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) on general fund revenue collections once again showed revenues significantly 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 Revenue Act receipts), this report […]

In Washington 16,605 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 26,693 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending May 8. Of this total, 16,605 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 2,485 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

In Washington 10,507 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 14,624 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending May 1. Of this total, 10,507 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,855 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

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

Here are updates of two charts I have posted monthly regarding income and consumer spending during the COVID-19 recession, including new numbers for March and revisions to numbers for prior months. As a result of the $1.9 trillion federal relief package enacted in March, personal income rose 21.1% from February to March. Consumer spending increased […]

In Washington 13,216 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 17,665 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending April 17. Of this total, 13,216 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 1,884 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

Washington adopts goal to double the manufacturing employment base in the next decade

Gov. Inslee has signed SHB 1170. According to the bill, the legislature intends to identify and invest in strategies to ensure every geographic region of the state can benefit from a strong manufacturing and research and development base, with the goal of doubling the state’s manufacturing employment base, the number of small businesses, and the […]

In Washington 17,281 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 22,322 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending April 10. Of this total, 17,281 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 2,249 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

In Washington 11,863 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 16,899 initial claims for unemployment insurance during the week ending April 3. Of this total, 11,863 initial claims were filed under the regular state unemployment insurance program; 2,102 claims were under the federal pandemic […]

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

Here are updates of two charts I have previously posted regarding income and consumer spending during the COVID-19 recession, including new numbers for February and revisions to numbers for prior months. As a result of the $900 billion federal relief package enacted in late December, personal income rose 10.1% from December to January. Consumer spending […]