Report puts Idaho in top five states for clearing unemployment claims

BOISE (CBS2) — Idaho is still hurting in terms of unemployment claims but the Gem State is suffering less than its peers, according to a report by WalletHub, the personal finance website as published in USA today.

The report -- using U.S. Department of Labor statistics -- ranks Idaho number five nationwide where unemployment claims are recovering the fastest from the coronavirus crisis.

Maine tops the list, followed by Pennsylvania, Oregon, Connecticut, and then Idaho.

And indeed, at CBS2, we've seen a dramatic drop in emails and calls from people saying they are unable to get any help from the Idaho Department of Labor (and believe me, we were flooded with such messages).

But the report comes as America sails into dangerous waters as many states see spikes in infections following a period of reopening.

And it is a time of increased anxiety for the unemployed.

Congress did not extend a $600-a-week boost to unemployment benefits, which expired July 31.

That leaves aid recipients with their typical state benefits.

Republicans and Democrats are at odds on how to structure any new federal unemployment stimulus with Democrats insisting on continuing the $600 weekly sum while Republicans want to cut the the extra benefit to $200 per week.

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