9 million receive unemployment insurance

Just realized I haven't posted these charts for awhile, so here they are with updated data. Note the recent rise of almost 2 million in those participating in the emergency claims program, which recently was generously extended by Congressmen eager to help those who haven't found a job for a long time. Note also how the percentage of the labor force receiving unemployment insurance today is almost 50% greater than it was at the peak of the 1982 recession. A reasonable person might wonder if there is some connection between record high levels of workers on the dole, and persistently and distressingly high rates of unemployment.