“Vermont’s June data mirrored national level changes with an increase in the number of jobs and a decline in the unemployment rate. This captures only some of the economic story here and across the country. Unemployment insurance claims continue to be elevated.”
“It’s wrong. It’s dangerous. It’s selfish. It’s unacceptable,” Cuomo said of violating restrictions placed on businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s also illegal, so today beginning in New York City we’re going to enact a ‘three strikes and you’re closed’.”
While Vermont remains in a state of emergency with burdensome restrictions on businesses, the reopening and subsequent recovery across the Connecticut River are moving along at a more aggressive pace.
The federal unemployment insurance emergency payments of an additional $600 per week to those laid off because of COVID-19 restrictions discourages work and slows down economic recovery, several reports indicate. Several congressmen have introduced proposals to address the issue.
Vermont is learning that starting and stopping the economy is anything but easy. The most glaring issue is that when the economy does come back, many organizations — most specifically smaller health care providers — will have gone extinct.
This week we learned that two stalwart Vermont companies are cutting jobs due to the Covid-19 economic shutdown, and an iconic Vermont business is leaving the state. Darn Tough socks announced that they are laying off 50 of their 330 workers, a 15% cut.
“While the May numbers show a positive change from the prior month, we are still in the middle of a global pandemic that is significantly impacting Vermont’s economy.”
Ski areas began closing in mid-March in most states like New Hampshire, Vermont, Michigan and California. Some ski areas, like Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, have been able to reopen.
New Hampshire’s food services industry will be entering phase 2 of reopening June 15, which will allow some restaurants to seat people indoors.
More Vermont restaurants are saying they are not going to survive if Gov. Phil Scott’s coronavirus-related economic restrictions continue much longer.
All of Vermont’s counties have been hit hard by unemployment after Covid-19 restrictions came into play in March. But some have been less impacted than others.
This report is the product of input from thousands of community leaders, state officials and individuals in every corner of Vermont. The Local Support and Community Action Team committed to learning from businesses, nonprofits and community members.