Arizona could lose nearly 280,000 jobs during the first few months of the coronavirus crisis, according to new projections from the Economic Policy Institute.
The analysis shows 14 million people nationwide will be out of work by this summer. Previous estimates were more optimistic, but projections change almost daily as more information about the coronavirus pandemic becomes available.
Economic analyst Julia Wolfe said Arizona’s losses are estimated to be slightly higher than the national average, since a larger share of jobs in our state are in leisure, hospitality and retail.
"One in 10 private sector workers in Arizona we’re estimating here will lose their job as a result of this crisis," Wolfe said.
Wolfe said the $2 trillion stimulus plan being developed at the federal level will help but adds state and local governments will need to take swift action to protect workers.
