Some States See Recovery in Unemployment Rate

After the peak of COVID-19’s toll on America’s Unemployment Rate, some states see recovering numbers

A comparison of unemployment rates between April of 2020 and April of 2021 shows the American unemployment levels have significantly lowered, signaling a recovery from COVID-19 impacts.

Some states, like Nebraska and Massachusetts, experienced remarkable declines in their unemployment rates since last year. But others, such as Wyoming and Connecticut, experienced less significant fluctuations in the employment rate, most likely since they did not experience significant declines in the jobs at the start of the pandemic.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that 559,000 jobs were added in May, as the national unemployment rate fell to 5.8%. The spike in public desire to resume pre-pandemic activity (such as eating out and participating in public activities has further driven employment opportunities.

Lowering numbers in COVID-19 cases nationally have allowed lowering of COVID-19 related restrictions and regulations in many large cities and town. Combined with increasing vaccination rates, many states have either fully reopened businesses to the public or plan to do so in July.

60% of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and availability for the vaccine expanded to all individuals 12 or older on May 12. This means that as states lower restrictions and transition into plans for reopening, public support won’t be far behind. As vaccination rates continue to rise, more individuals will feel comfortable not only returning to public activity but also to in-person employment, potentially encouraging a rapid approach back to a representation of pre-pandemic life.

This is also good news for President Biden, lowered unemployment rates ahead of the State of the Union address could mean decent presidential approval ratings. With many Democrats seeking reelection in the midterms in the fall of next year, decent presidential approval ratings combined with reasonable unemployment levels could mean maintained control of both the House and the Senate -which would be vital for future Biden policies and agendas.