California expected to experience 'jaw-dropping' unemployment

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom forewarned of "jaw-dropping” unemployment at his daily press conference on Wednesday.</p><p>After stating the state is experiencing an unprecedented spike in unemployment claims, he said, “You’ll see these numbers translating into unemployment rates that will be rather jaw-dropping.”</p><p>Newsom called the rise in unemployment claims “Without precedent in our state’s history,” noting that 4.2 million people have now applied for Public Unemployment Assistance and $10.6 billion in aid has already been distributed.</p><p>He also announced his signing an executive order extending worker's compensation to essential workers who test positive for COVID-19, adding that benefits could only be rebutted by an employer "under strict criteria."</p><p>Newsom is facing mounting criticism over a plan he announced on April 16 that would create a $125 million fund for undocumented immigrants affected by the coronavirus. Non-profits will distribute the money, but it's still unclear when people will see a check.</p>