While some states last week saw an increase in first-time jobless claims, initial claims in Oklahoma declined 22% from the previous week, according to a government report.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that first-time jobless claims in Oklahoma dropped from a revised, not seasonably adjusted, 4,953 claims the week ending Oct. 31 to 3,858 claims the following week.
Last week also marked the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the state in mid-March that initials claims for a week were below 4,000.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits are still more than double the number who filed prior to the pandemic taking root here.
Twenty-one states posted increases in initial claims last week compared to the prior week, while nationwide first-time claims declined by 20,799 to 723,105.
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Likewise, the number of claimants receiving continuing benefits in the state declined from a revised 59,138 the week ending Oct. 24, to 50,115 claims the following week.
The 59,138 receiving regular jobless benefits the week ending Oct. 24, works out to a 3.8% unemployment rate in the state, according to the DOL.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said in a written statement that continued claims on a four-week moving average also declined for the 20th consecutive week.
Meanwhile, the number of first-time claims for the federal temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance increased from 601 the week ending Oct. 31 to 606 claims the following week.
Continuing PUA claims decreased by 2,924 to 8,251 for the week ending Oct. 24.
OESC officials are also promoted its use of facial recognition technology to reduce fraud claims.
Beginning Thursday, individuals filing weekly jobless benefit claims must verify their identity with the OESC.
“I’m thrilled to have this technology and service to help us fight fraudulent activity before it even occurs,” OESC Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt said. “Without verification, claimants will not be able to claim unemployment benefits. In addition, Digital ID verification will happen every 90 days, so the sooner claimants can get used to the process, the easier it will be for future attempts.”
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Gov. Kevin Stitt said they are working with the state's federal delegation
Gallery: Time-travel to last week with election photos taken on expired film
Photos: Time-travel to last week with election photos taken on expired film
Election Film
A Trump 2020 flag flies on the sidewalk in downtown Collinsville on Election Day.
Election Film
I met first-time voter Jack Heaberlin when he showed up on a skateboard to vote at All Souls Unitarian Church. Heaberlin turned 18 four days before Election Day.
Election Film
Cooper Harrison walks near All Souls Unitarian Church as voters line up to cast ballots on Election Day.
Election Film
Don Brookshire waits for work to be finished on his truck on Election Day. The 84-year-old voted, but it was just one of his errands for the day.
Election Film
Dustin Trout shows off his "I voted" sticker after voting in Collinsville.
Election Film
"Choose love" and "BLM" can be seen painted on the windows of a house near downtown on Election Day.
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Jonathan Kincaid talked to me after pulling into the parking lot of the Tulsa County Election Board. The location he thought was his polling place was closed, so he drove to the Election Board to find out where his new polling location was. "It's my civic duty," he said of voting. He added, "My ancestors worked too hard for (the right to vote) for me not to vote."
Election Film
A "Trump 2020" flag flies mounted on the back of a pickup in downtown Collinsville.
Election Film
Mark Hrachovec removes campaign signs from his front yard in Owasso shortly before the polls close on Election Day.
Election Film
Kiel Tate stands in his front yard on election night with his American flag and large Trump 2020 banners in the background. He says he feels confident about the election. He laments the fact that the homeowners association made him cover up the profanity on his Trump banners.
Election Film
As vote counting extended on Nov. 5, 2020, a front plate on a car in Owasso proclaims that we are, "One nation under God."
Election Film
Ron Paris poses outside the Walmart Supercenter in Owasso. He had been drinking coffee with a group of men inside at the McDonald's and wearing his Donald Trump hat.
Election Film
Two friends walk to Walmart in Owasso on Nov. 5, 2020. They didn't cast ballots and told me in Oklahoma it doesn't matter if you vote. The man in the camouflage hat, who preferred not to give his name, is disappointed the election is so close. He accuses President Trump of treason and says he's an awful man. His friend Ryan Hopkins disagrees and says Joe Biden can't form a complete sentence. If Hopkins had voted, it would've been for President Trump.
Election Film
I don't think I ever look at the BOK Tower without thinking of the country's darkest day. Downtown is empty on Nov. 6, 2020, and we are in dark times again with hundreds of thousands dead due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vote counting continues in several states in the presidential election.
Election Film
"I let this election pass me by," Frenzo Willis says as he sips a beer from a straw on Nov. 5. I explain to him that these cameras I'm shooting with are toys and that you really don't know if the photos will be good or not. He asks, "Then why are you using them?" Good question, Frenzo, and I don't really have an answer.
Election Film
On my way to the Botanic Garden in the Osage Hills. It's three days since Election Day, and they're still counting.
Election Film
As I drive through the Osage Hills on my way to the Tulsa Botanic Garden for an assignment, I cannot quit thinking about the nonpartisan candlelight vigil I photographed on the eve of the election. A speaker recited verses from Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land." Respondents replied with the chorus in unison, "This land was made for you and me."
Election Film
A truck in west Tulsa.
Election Film
A double exposure: President-elect Joe Biden was announced on this day, Nov. 7, 2020. The next day a woman stocks a tiny food pantry in downtown Owasso.
Election Film
A yard sign in west Tulsa is pictured two days after Joe Biden made his first speech as president-elect.
Election Film
A tattered flag hangs on a fence in west Tulsa.
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