DEADLINE: ACTORS’ EQUITY CALLS FOR FEDERAL COBRA SUBSIDIES AS UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS BY NEW YORK ARTS WORKERS SKYROCKETS 3,880%

Actors’ Equity Association is calling for federal COBRA subsidies for health insurance as a new report shows skyrocketing unemployment claims by arts and entertainment workers in New York because of the COVID-19 shutdown.

The New York State Department of Labor reports that arts and entertainment workers accounted for 14,480 new unemployment insurance claims for the week ending March 28 – up 3,880% compared to last year, making it the industry with the third-highest increase of claims in the state.