Unemployment Rates Fall

Unemployment rates dropped in 43 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia for the month of November, according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on December 20, 2011. Unemployment went up in only three states and remained unchanged in four states.  More

The national unemployment rate dropped to 8.5% in December, the lowest rate since March 2009.  More

2011 Pension Resources

Utah has adopted and Rhode Island is considering a "hybrid" model for state pension reform that provides employees with both a traditional pension plan and a 401(k)-type plan. It provides safer employee benefits and can be less expensive for governments than a traditional plan. More 

• Fall Forum Video: Pension Reform Session.  More
• See all of NCSL's pension resources.  More

Webinar: Policies to Encourage Savings

The recorded webinar, Policies to Encourage Savings, is now available online, along with presentation slides.  Joanna Smith-Ramani from the Doorways to Dreams Fund discussed split refunds and prize-linked savings as policies to incentivize savings. Legislators from Nebraska and Maryland discussed enacting these policies in their states.   More

Labor and Employment Resources

Searchable databases provides bill tracking on key labor issues. 

Collective bargaining legislation is available for 2011. More  
Unemployment legislation is available for 2010 and 2011.  More

See all of NCSL's resources on labor and employment.  More

Discriminating Against the Unemployed

New Jersey became the first state to pass a law prohibiting discrimination against the unemployed.  The law addresses a growing trend of companies that advertise job openings but say only the currently employed may apply.  More

Opportunities for Working Families

Five years ago a handful of Washington legislators joined an array of public and private efforts to help low-income households accumulate savings and learn how to better manage their money. Now, thanks in large part to the role played by its legislators, Washington has become a leader among states in the asset building arena.  More