Arkansas unemployed numbers up in August, jobless rate ticks higher to 2.7%

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

An increase in the number of jobless between July and August was partially responsible for Arkansas’ jobless rate rising from 2.6% in July to 2.7% in August. But the rate was lower than the 3.4% in August 2022, with a 2.13% year-over-year gain in new jobs.

The number of employed in Arkansas during August was an estimated 1,352,265, up 28,229 jobs, or 2.13%, compared with August 2022, and just above 1,351,370 in July, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report posted Tuesday (Sept. 19). The August numbers are preliminary and subject to revision.

Arkansas’ labor force, the number of people eligible to work, in August was 1,389,550, up 1.4% from 1,370,846 in August 2022 and above 1,386,944 in July.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/09/arkansas-unemployed-numbers-up-in-august-jobless-rate-ticks-higher-to-2-7/

Rent Relief Program Using $173 Million in Federal Funds Launches in Arkansas

by Marine Glisovic (msglisovic@sbgtv.com)

Additional help is available for Arkansas renters who have lost jobs or are struggling financially due to the pandemic. The Arkansas Department of Human Services launched the Arkansas Rent Relief program Monday (May 17), which utilizes $173 million in federal funds.

“The need for rental assistance has been present since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “I appreciate the work that’s being done by the Arkansas Department of Human Services in conjunction with our federal partners to help renters and landlords who need assistance during this time.”

The program is aimed at covering past rent, future rent and certain utilities such as water, electricity and gas. Mary Franklin, DHS’s Director of Division of County Operations, said payment assistance can be used for up to 15 months of rent or utilities incurred between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/05/rent-relief-program-using-173-million-in-federal-funds-launches-in-arkansas/