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December 18, 2020

As CT jobless rate jumps, officials say it finally reflects reality

Photo | CT Public Radio Gov. Ned Lamont addressing the state legislature on the state budget last February.
By Mark Pazniokas, CT Mirror

Connecticut’s official unemployment rate, as calculated by the federal government, jumped by more than two percentage points to 8.2% in November, a number that state officials said Thursday finally begins to reflect the economic damages of COVID-19.

Having an 8% percent unemployment rate average over three months is the threshold for the extension of unemployment benefits by seven weeks, but Gov. Ned Lamont said he expects a new federal COVID stimulus package to bring quicker and more substantive relief.

Connecticut businesses could expect $300 million in direct aid under the package he hopes will be passed in Congress on Friday, providing a much-needed jolt of help as a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic depresses consumer confidence, he said.

“I think the federal government stepping in is going to be very helpful early in the New Year when it comes to economic impact,” Lamont said.

Lamont said the state’s economic health will be a reflection of its public health. If infections drop, he expects to see consumer confidence rise — as it did during the summer as federal help arrived and infections were low.

“If we’re careful during the holidays, I think you’ll see confidence slowly building again,” Lamont said. “Maybe it’ll take a month or so, but I think we’ll get back to where we were just a few months ago in terms of that confidence.”

The state reported 2,321 new infections and 46 deaths on Thursday, while hospitalizations fell by 49 to 1,205. Vaccinations at nursing homes are to begin Friday, starting with five facilities. In the first week of the vaccine’s availability, the state received 31,600 doses.


With no help expected for state and local governments in the next stimulus bill, Connecticut is releasing $45.5 million in federal COVID aid to cities and towns to help cover pandemic related costs since July 1. The state has previously provided $14.5 million.

With no help expected for state and local governments in the next stimulus bill, Connecticut is releasing $45.5 million in federal COVID aid to cities and towns to help cover pandemic related costs since July 1. The state has previously provided $14.5 million.
 

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