Economy

Senate Pres. Steve Sweeney said it doesn’t make sense that people can go to a grocery store or liquor store but not a card shop, particularly since major retailers are open but mom-and-pop businesses aren’t.

The number of new unemployment claims is rising again in NJ and now exceeds 1 million since the pandemic began, according to the labor department.

Two-thirds of New Jerseyans say their daily stress level has gone up during the pandemic, compared to a bit over half nationally.

Another 141,420 New Jerseyans filed new unemployment claims last week, bringing the four-week total of layoffs and furloughs in the state after coronavirus-related shutdowns to more than 718,300.

Roughly one of every seven New Jerseyans covered by unemployment insurance has filed new claims for benefits in three weeks since coronavirus lockdown began.

Nearly 214,000 New Jerseyans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week, setting a state record for the third consecutive week.

The liberal advocacy organization whose report on a coronavirus exit plan has been anticipated by Gov. Phil Murphy suggests that states maintain stay-at-home orders at least through May 20.

New Jersey's gas tax rises each year as sales decline, to ensure the state a steady level of revenue. The stay-at-home order has made gasoline sales shrivel.

One in 12 workers in New Jersey filed for unemployment in a two-week span. The state urges patience as the system to file for benefits can't keep up.

The 206,253 claims reported by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development for the week ending March 28 was the eighth highest among states.