The record number of people applying for jobless benefits is even worse than it looks

[marmar]

(MarketWatch) Government math doesn’t always add up.

The Labor Department on Thursday reported another 3.2 million unemployed workers applied for jobless benefits in early May, bringing the total during the coronavirus pandemic to 33.5 million in seven weeks.

Turns out it’s an under-count — by at least 2.5 million and probably a lot more.

States are just starting to report the number of new claims filed by people such as gig workers, freelance writers and independent contractors who previously were ineligible for benefits. An emergency-relief law passed by Congress last month loosened eligibility standards and allowed these workers to qualify for benefits for the very first time. ........(more)

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-record-number-of-people-applying-for-jobless-benefits-is-even-worse-than-it-looks-2020-05-07?mod=home-page

[duforsure]

1. Under trump

Don't expect any numbers to be right, and it's more than likely he's demanded red state governors help him hide their real numbers, or prevent them from applying for their benefits, like in Florida. Trump corrupts anything he can.

[keithbvadu2]

2. What is Trump's unemployment rate?

Donald Trump stated on September 28, 2015 in a press conference:
The unemployment rate may be as high as "42 percent."

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2015/sep/30/donald-trump/donald-trump-says-unemployment-rate-may-be-42-perc/

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=trump+said+true+unemployment+was+42%25

[lark]

3. FL is hugely undercounted - on purpose.

Scott put in a system designed to crash if there was any increase and FL residents are not able to file for unemployment for the most part so the FL numbers are totally fake and a vast undercount.