Fun facts to know and tell

From this article:

• State estimate of unemployed in the city of Seattle: 91,400. City population: 594,210. (Percentage of city population unemployed: 15.4 percent.)
• Washington unemployment rate: 7.1 percent. National: 7.2 percent. State unemployment total: 251,700.
• Washington's maximum weekly unemployment benefit: $541. National rank: 8th. Highest: Massachusetts, at $900 per week.

The Legislature is considering a bill that would increase the weekly benefit (which is determined by how much you were being paid during the year before you were laid off), and also reducing the employment security insurance premium paid by businesses — a move advocated by the governor as a double stimulus.

Unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax. If Congress wanted to help even more, it would yank that rule. For me, it would mean an additional $54.10 a week, which is what the state is withholding from my weekly check.

Related: "It's all hands on deck at jobless call center"

Update: U.S. unemployment was 7.6 percent in January