Unemployment insurance funds dwindling in some states but ND healthy

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) State Job Service officials say North Dakota's unemployment insurance fund is healthy despite problems in other states.

Labor Department officials say 33 states have funds below recommended levels and nearly half the states could run out in six months.

Lelan Bosch is a marketing specialist with Job Service North Dakota.

He says North Dakota's fund had a balance of a little more than 123 million dollars in the first quarter this year. He says it's paid out about 40.7 million dollars in benefits over the past 12 months.

States cannot skip paying unemployment insurance benefits to out-of-work employees meaning they must borrow money if the funds get too low.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-02-08 1724CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list