State Lawmakers Study Impact Of COVID-19 On Workers

State lawmakers are looking at several ways they can help employees in the state.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said 4700 people applied for unemployment benefits last week, which is down more than 1800 from the previous week.

Lawmakers had a brainstorming session this week on how people who are struggling. Ideas included; restoring earned income tax credit, increasing minimum wage and mandatory paid time off.

Representative Forrest Bennett said “I do think people across Oklahoma and people around this country are watching lawmakers and asking themselves, are or leaders listening? Are they going to do something to fix this?”

Lawmakers say they'll use what they discussed to help draft legislation to introduce in the next legislative session.