COLUMBUS - Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus said his office has been receiving many calls from constituents about difficulties they're facing during this time.

He said the most common one is probably over unemployment insurance.

Moser said while the media have reported the state recently seeing a quick rise in unemployment applications, the state unemployment rate is currently 4.2.  He said it has been higher is recent years.

"I think that would be very reassuring to people to know that," Moser said.  "Yes, there are a lot of new applications and yes, those people are distressed because they’re laid off or furloughed, but historically it’s been higher.  It’s been worse. 

"We’re hoping it doesn’t go higher now, but we just have to get through this.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska had an unemployment rate of 4.9 in January 2010.