Rockland County Recovers from Unemployment

By M. C. Millman

Rockland County has fully recovered from the COVID impact on unemployment. According to the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), the County has reached one of the lowest percentages in more than 30 years, with a mere 2.6% unemployment rate in May. 

Even more impressive is that NYSDOL ranks Rockland County as having the lowest unemployment in the Hudson Valley and among the lowest in New York State. 

County Executive Ed Day shared with the public the immunity that Rockland County seems to have to the high wave of employees quitting their jobs, also known as ‘The Great Resignation’. 

Day attributes this record-unemployment rate to “a direct reflection of the hard work of this administration including increasing our total value of taxable real estate by $7.4 billion in five years, a 21% increase which ultimately brings good jobs to Rockland.” 

The County Executive also mentioned other factors contributing to the low unemployment, such as the record-high investments of nearly $1 billion in the County, expected to generate 400 well-paying jobs; the $3.5 million in Federal Cares Act funding from HUD for a Community Development Block Program, awarding up to $45,000 in relief to small businesses and non-profits to help retain workers and stay open; and the $63 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support food pantries, restaurants, small businesses and creating more green spaces.

Day encourages those who are unemployed to check the openings within the County of Rockland at www.RocklandGov.com. They should also check out Rockland Works, a one-stop career center that helps job seekers craft a resume and cover letter, and hone interview skills. Rockland Works also provides tuition assistance for job training courses. To learn more, contact Rockland Works at RocklandWorks@rboces.org or call 845-770-2900.