Arizona Daily Sun (06/13/12)
The Arizona Department of Economic Security says federal unemployment assistance will drop to 79 weeks beginning June 22 from 99 weeks at the peak of the recession, with around 700 jobless residents possibly losing benefits each week. DES anticipates a decline this month in the state’s unemployment rate to below 9%, which is the minimum rate states must report over a three-month period to be eligible for specific federal benefits. The unemployment rate for May will likely be less than 8.5%, and federal benefits could be reduced to 54 weeks if it falls under 7%.