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Kentucky unemployment up slightly as more people join the workforce

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Unemployment in Kentucky saw a slight increase in July.

The Kentucky Center for Statistics says the state unemployment average for July was 4.7 percent. That is an increase from the 4.6 percent rate reported in June as well as from the July 2023 rate which was reported at 4.2 percent.

Kentucky’s unemployment average also came in higher in July than the national unemployment rate, which the U.S. Department of Labor reported at 4.1 percent.

State officials say the increase in the unemployment rate is due to more people entering the labor force in July rather than fewer people working. The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet says the state’s civilian labor force, which includes people currently employed and people actively searching for work, saw an increase of just under 6,300 people from June into July, bringing the civilian labor force to about 2,054,000.

Employment in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector saw some growth, while the leisure and hospitality sector saw a slight drop. The mining, logging, and transportation sectors were mostly unchanged.

Visit the Kentucky Center for Statistics to learn more about labor market information.

Warm Blessings sees strain as monthly meals served breaks 114K

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Warm Blessings Executive Director Dawn Cash says the community kitchen has seen demand constantly increasing in recent years.

“Back in 2020, during the pandemic, and we never closed during the pandemic, we were open, we served approximately 26,000 meals, and it has continued to steadily rise to the point that by the end of July we are at 114,000 meals,” Cash said.

Cash reported on the status of the organization to the Elizabethtown City Council during their meeting Monday. She said part of the increase does come from Warm Blessings increasing its capacity to serve more, but the main thing they hear from meal recipients is that people cannot afford their groceries. A recent study from Feeding America showed an increase in the number of working families that are struggling with food insecurity.

Cash said the increased demand is straining the organization.

“This is not easily sustainable,” Cash said. “I don’t know how much longer we can do this. I will tell you, we’re investing more in food and services and space and utilities and all those things to the point where recently myself and our program director have gone to part-time because we can’t afford to pay us and pay for the groceries.”

Cash said there are people who have previously donated to Warm Blessings who are now coming to the kitchen for help, and the strain is seen in other services offered by the organization.

“We do community support services with referrals for people who are houseless, offer showers and laundry Monday through Friday,” Cash said. “I will tell you that those services have increased among people who do have homes. We have people coming in actually for laundry services that can’t afford to or don’t have access to laundry services right now.”

Cash said Warm Blessings is reliant on donations from others to sustain its mission, and is working on developing new revenue streams. Upcoming events include a golf scramble on August 30 and a craft fair on September 12. Visit www.warmblessings.org for more information.

Quarles touts opportunities during Chamber luncheon

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Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Ryan Quarles says KCTCS is focused on making education opportunities available for everybody.

“We’ll take anybody that’s willing to spend their time and invest with us and get a better job on the outset of graduation,” Quarles said. “We’re proud of that, so my vision for KCTCS is very simple. It’s about access for all, affordability, and making sure that we are there for the workforce needs of Kentucky.”

Quarles was one of the featured speakers at the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s August luncheon, sharing the stage with Elizabethtown Community and Technical College President and CEO Dr. Juston Pate. Quarles said the system’s 16 colleges have been working on removing the stigma that sometimes is felt with a community college education, noting that a KCTCS degree or certification can offer a more direct career path than some four-year degrees, and financial aid opportunities are expanding.

“We can get you in in two years or less,” Qualres said. “Our CDL programs are five weeks. Ffive weeks and a brand new career. We’re going to get you in quick, and it’s affordable. If you are choosing to study one of the five high demand areas of Kentucky, it’s a free community college experience.”

Quarles said recent initiatives have included reaching a transfer agreement with the University of Kentucky and technology upgrades at campuses. He also said KCTCS is focused on expanding support services for students.

“We have students who are being raised by a generation of grandparents,” Quarles said. “We have students that unfortunately are suffering from mental health issues, broken families, unfortunate backgrounds. We need to make sure that there’s opportunity for all. It doesn’t matter. We’re all in for student success no matter who you are in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

The first day of classes for the fall semester at ECTC is August 19.