Kentucky

Kentucky's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains unchanged for June; stands at 4.6% – NKyTribune

Published

2 hours ago

July 19, 2024

Kentucky's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains unchanged for June; stands at 4.6% – NKyTribune

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary June 2024 unemployment rate was 4.6%, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS).

The preliminary June 2024 jobless rate was unchanged from May 2024 and up 0.5 percentage points from one year ago.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate for June 2024 was 4.1%, which was up from the 4% recorded for May 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, are based upon estimates from the Current Population Survey of households. The survey is designed to measure trends in the number of people working and includes jobs in agriculture and individuals who are self-employed.

(Click for large graph)

Kentucky’s civilian labor force was 2,047,682 in June 2024, an increase of 6,945 individuals from May 2024. The number of people employed in June increased by 6,868 to 1,952,975 while the number unemployed increased by 77 to 94,707.

“Kentucky labor force continued to grow in June,” said University of Kentucky’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) Director Mike Clark, Ph.D. “While more people entering the labor force might be expected to push the unemployment rate up as more workers compete for jobs, the commonwealth’s unemployment rate has held steady at 4.6% for the third month. This occurred because people are finding work at roughly the same rate as they are entering the workforce.”

In a separate federal survey of business establishments that excludes jobs in agriculture and people who are self-employed, Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment increased by 2,100 jobs to 2,044,900 in June 2024 compared to May 2024. Kentucky’s nonfarm employment was up 25,700 jobs or 1.3% compared to June 2023.

“Kentucky’s employers continued adding workers to their payrolls in June,” said Clark. “While the rate of job growth did slow from recent months, month-to-month employment changes are fairly volatile. So, this does not necessarily reflect a change in the trend.”

Nonfarm data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Employment Statistics program. According to the survey, employment increased for five of Kentucky’s major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors in June 2024, decreased for five, and was unchanged for one.

The educational and health services sector rose by 2,000 positions in June 2024. Employment in the health care and social assistance subsector increased by 1,600 jobs from May to June. The educational services subsector gained 400 jobs. Since last June, this sector has grown by 17,000 jobs or 5.6%.

Employment in the trade, transportation and utilities sector increased by 1,600 positions from May to June but was down 1,100 jobs or 0.3% compared to a year ago. In June, the wholesale trade subsector added 500 jobs; transportation, warehousing and utilities subsector added 600 jobs; and the retail trade subsector added 500 jobs.

The other services sector was up by 400 jobs from May to June. This sector had 1,500 more positions in June 2024 compared to June 2023. This sector includes repairs and maintenance, personal care services and religious organizations.

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector increased by 200 jobs from May 2024 to June 2024. The durable goods manufacturing subsector lost 100 positions, but these loses were more than offset by a gain of 300 jobs in the non-durable goods subsector. Kentucky’s manufacturing employment was down 1,100 positions or 0.4% compared to June 2023.

Jobs in the financial activities sector rose by 100 positions from May 2024 to June 2024 and was down 1,200 jobs from June 2023. All these gains occurred in the real estate, rental and leasing subsector. Employment in the finance and insurance subsector was unchanged.

Employment in Kentucky’s information services sector did not change from May to June. The industries in this sector include traditional publishing as well as software publishing; motion pictures and broadcasting; and telecommunications. The number of jobs in this sector was down 1,000 from one year ago.

The number of jobs in the state’s mining and logging sector was down 100 from May to June. This sector had 600 more jobs in June 2024 compared to June 2023.

Employment in Kentucky’s professional and business services sector fell by 200 jobs or 0.1% in June 2024. From May to June, employment rose by 600 jobs in the professional, scientific and technical services subsector; fell by 100 jobs in the management of companies subsector; and fell by 700 jobs in the administrative, support and waste management subsector. The sector was up 1,100 positions compared to June 2023.

Construction employment was down 300 jobs or 0.3% from May 2024 to June 2024 and up 3,700 positions or 4.1% from one year ago.

Employment in the government sector dropped by 500 jobs from May 2024 to June 2024. The number of jobs decreased by 100 in federal government; increased by 200 in state government; and decreased by 600 in local government. The total number of government jobs rose by 4,600 positions or 1.5% compared to June 2023.

The leisure and hospitality sector lost 1,100 positions in June, a decline of 0.5%. This sector reported 1,600 more jobs in June than one year ago. The accommodations and food services subsector was down by 800 positions in June. The arts, entertainment and recreation subsector decreased by 300 jobs from May to June.

Civilian labor force statistics include nonmilitary workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, due to the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

To learn more about Kentucky labor market information, visit kystats.ky.gov.

Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet

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Kentucky

Kentucky Summer Food Service Program increases meals provided in 2024 and celebrates Summer Hunger Hero

Published

9 hours ago

July 18, 2024

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Kentucky Summer Food Service Program increases meals provided in 2024 and celebrates Summer Hunger Hero

Cathy Gallagher (middle) was celebrated as one of the 2024 Summer Hunger Heroes during an event July 18 at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent). From left to right: John Cain, director of Feeding Kentucky; Ashley Roudebush with No Kid Hungry; Cathy Callagher, KDE Summer Food Service Program manager; Melissa McDonald, executive director for Feeding Kentucky; and Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. Photo by Crystal Sicard, Kentucky Department of Education, July 18, 2024

(FRANKFORT, KY) –The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), No Kid Hungry and Feeding Kentucky came together to recognize the work of the Summer Hunger Heroes and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) on July 18.

In June, No Kid Hungry announced 10 Summer Hunger Heroes for their outstanding commitment to children’s summer hunger relief. This includes expanding summer meals in rural communities and helping set the new Summer EBT program in motion.

One of the honorees was Cathy Gallagher, manager of the Summer Food Service Program at KDE. She works to provide support and resources for the staff behind the scenes who make the summer meals happen for Kentucky students.

“I’m very honored to receive this award from No Kid Hungry. In Kentucky, our goal is to ensure that a summer meal opportunity is provided for every child in Kentucky in need of one,” said Gallagher.

SFSP, administered through the KDE, has served more than 3.9 million meals in May and June of 2024, a 51.65% increase in meals served compared to the same two months in 2023. KDE works closely with these programs as they are an advocacy organization working to combat food insecurity.

“Cathy and her team have created a culture of ‘yes’ for Kentucky summer sponsors and the positive ripple effects are felt across the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher.

Gallagher was nominated by Feeding Kentucky, who said she is an unwavering supporter of Kentucky kids and their families and is the ultimate cheerleader for the people behind the scenes who make summer meals happen for kids.

“We know we can’t end hunger alone and are grateful to partner with Cathy Gallagher and her team at the Kentucky Department of Education,” said Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky. “Dedicated folks like this help ensure that every child’s summer is filled with the nourishment they deserve.”

Chuck Scofield, executive vice president of No Kid Hungry, said the organization is proud to honor Gallagher.

“It is through the energy and commitment of heroes like Cathy Gallagher that the promise of No Kid Hungry can become a reality. Hunger is a solvable problem, but it is through action that transformation takes place – and Cathy is making that happen,” said Chuck Scofield. “Her efforts to ensure that Kentucky’s kids get the food they need to grow up healthy and thrive are exceptional. Kentucky’s children couldn’t ask for a better champion.”

A pile of food, including a dipping container of salsa, a box of apple juice, a container of apple sauce and various fruits and vegetables

Summer Food Service Program sites like the one at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) provide thousands of meals to Kentucky children in the summer. Photo by Crystal Sicard, Kentucky Department of Education, July 18, 2024

KDE partners with more than 170 school districts and community organizations to offer nutritious meals, recreational fun and educational activities while school is out of session at more than 2,000 sites across the Commonwealth. Meals are provided to children 18 and under.

“Unfortunately, some students may find it difficult to get a nutritious and healthy meal during the summer months,” said Fletcher. “Having these programs in place is highly important to connect children with the meals they need while school is out.”

Frankfort High School serves about 14,000 meals weekly with the Summer Food Service Program.

With recent congressional changes to the SFSP, Kentucky’s program operators are offering more ways than ever before to reach kids through group meal sites for children and to-go and delivered meals in rural communities.

The average daily attendance at feeding sites also increased: more than 25,000 people were served daily in May and more than 121,000 people were served per day in June, marking increases of 33.67% in May and 27.14% in June. The number of sites offering meals also has increased by nearly 7% from 2023. The meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

“Recent federal program regulation changes provided an opportunity to reach more children with summer meals,” said Lauren Moore, director of the Division of School and Community Nutrition at KDE. “Cathy has led our summer team and dedicated sponsors across the state to maximize this opportunity for Kentucky’s children.”

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Kentucky

EKU addressing Kentucky’s medical provider shortage

Published

17 hours ago

July 18, 2024

Press Room

EKU addressing Kentucky’s medical provider shortage

With Kentucky currently facing noticeable healthcare professional shortages in almost every county, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is constantly working to meet workforce needs by providing skilled graduates. EKU is actively working to establish a public College of Osteopathic Medicine in the commonwealth to further alleviate these shortages.

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Kentucky

Nate Ament shares positive thoughts on Mark Pope; is Louisville the favorite?

Published

24 hours ago

July 18, 2024

Press Room

Nate Ament shares positive thoughts on Mark Pope; is Louisville the favorite?

Mark Pope has been working endlessly with recruiting since being hired as the Kentucky Wildcats’ newest head basketball coach.

Pope has been on the road building a roster for 2024 and the program’s future.

Most recently, Pope and Kentucky made an offer to 5-star forward Nate Ament.

Pope has been in communication with the 6-foot-9 forward since BYU, and has continued that relationship in Lexington.

Ament spoke with Kentucky Sports Radio about his relationship with Pope and his staff saying, “They’re great people. They FaceTime me often, they talk to me a lot. Great sense of humor, great guys, it’s great getting to know them honestly. Mark Pope, him at BYU they were a great team, they shot a lot of threes. That’s kind of attractive to me as a player. He’s a great offensive mind, great coaching mind. It’s kinda hard not to like what he’s showing me right now.”

Ament is a big fan of the style of play Pope implements and believes he would fit in perfectly.

“I feel like I can play fast, be able to slow it down, be able to spread the ball, shoot the three, do whatever they need me to do,” he said.

The small forward has great shot-making abilities and is an incredibly attractive recruit because of his current skill set. That is why he is hearing from big-time schools like Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, UConn, and many others.

However, don’t sleep on Kentucky’s in-state rival being a major player.

In a recent post at On3, Jamie Shaw made predictions for where several of the top 2025 recruits will land, and he picked the Louisville Cardinals to land Ament, though with only 20% confidence in the pick.

Shaw also added, “Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, and Duke are the schools that sources tell me should be involved until the end.”

Ament currently has plenty of time to enjoy the recruitment world and has no intentions of making any decisions on his commitment anytime soon.

A Sea of Blue comes loaded with the best Kentucky Wildcats links, news, analysis, and some other fun stuff, so be sure to go ‘like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Go CATS!

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