Last week’s economic news presented a sobering picture of the damage caused by the lockdowns in response to COVID-19. U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by more than nine percent, which means all of the nation’s economic growth since the end of 2014 was completely wiped out. In some better news, however, last week’s decrease…
Current methods for collecting economic data causes a disconnect between what people are actually feeling in their lives and the numbers being released to the public. That’s why prior to this week, we knew that COVID-19 and subsequent shutdowns have made large impacts on the American economy, but we didn’t know the full scope of…
After faint signs of hope of economic recovery in recent weeks, the decision to shut down bars for the second time seems to be taking a toll on Louisianans’ livelihoods. Governor John Bel Edwards issued the order to close all bars in the state on July 13. The Department of Labor released its latest unemployment data Thursday, and the…
Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest state-by-state jobs numbers, which featured some overall good news for Louisiana. The state’s June unemployment rate dropped by 4.5 percent, dipping under 10 percent for the first time in months. While this headline shows some improvement in Louisiana’s economic situation, there are reasons to take…
Following the revelation that Louisiana suffered one of the worst Q1 economic declines in the nation, today’s weekly unemployment claims announcement contains even more bad news for Louisianans. Despite remaining steady over the past six weeks, the Department of Labor reports the week of July 4 saw a 45 percent increase in the number of…
Due to the damage caused by COVID-19 and government shutdowns, it’s been clear that no state was going to experience any economic growth through the first half of the year. Instead, the major question has revolved around which states’ economies would be hit the hardest. Well the first quarter results are in, and the numbers…
Just in time for the Independence Day Holiday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released some good news for the American people. The national unemployment rate fell 2.2 percent, leading to a total of 11.1 percent in June. Most notably, an astounding 4.8 million Americans who were temporarily laid off are now back in the workforce.…
The Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) latest report, which showed that Louisiana personal income grew in the first quarter by 2.2 percent, appeared to be a welcome sight for a state still reckoning with the fallout of COVID-19 and subsequent economic shutdown. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals the income growth is a…
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that America gained 2.5 million jobs in the month of May, leaving many in Louisiana wondering how that would translate to the state’s economy. This morning’s BLS report showed Louisiana gaining almost 33,000 jobs in May, leading to a decline in the unemployment rate of 1.8 percent. The state’s…
Military families relocating to Louisiana will now have greater access to jobs and opportunity thanks to the signing of Representative Chuck Owen’s HB 613. Previously, new Louisiana military families faced needless obstacles to work due to government red tape known as occupational licenses. The new law will allow military spouses and dependents with an occupational…