Worcester Co. & Somerset Co. rank among highest in unemployment rates
MARYLAND – Two counties on the Eastern Shore rank among the highest in the state of Maryland when it comes to unemployment rates. According to the most recent statistics Worcester County ranked third in the state at 9 percent, Somerset County came in right behind them at number four with 8.6 percent.
Wth rates so high, eyes are on the Washington, D.C. with hope that relief is on the way.
“It was needed before the pandemic, but the pandemic really did really magnify the situation,” said Shawna Kearsley, Executive Director for the Crisfield Arts Syndicate.
In places like Crisfield, unemployment rates were already up prior to COVID-19. Now those in the community say the fact that schools have gone virtual have forced some to leave work.
“They were teachers or they were in the government in some capacity doing these amazing jobs and now they don’t have a job because when the kids are not in school they can’t do what they do,” Kearsley said.
As of now the latest stimulus relief package would have an additional $300 a week in jobless benefits. That’s money elected officials say would make a huge difference, especially now during the cold winter months.
“It helps people get caught up on bills it helps people to pay their electric bills or their fuel bills or propane bills that they need to heat their houses,” said Joe Mitrecic, president of the Worcester County Commissioners.
But while people are struggling to make ends meet, it seems the log jam in DC continues. That’s why many people believe it’s beyond time those in Washington put aside their differences and pass relief to help those who need it.
“It doesn’t seem like anybody falls in the middle anymore it’s either one way or the other and unfortunately the people that need the help the most are stuck in that,” Mitrecic said.
As of Thursday evening Senate WHIP majority leader John Thune said it seem likely a deal would not get passed before the start of the weekend.
