It’s really no surprise that a key indicator provides further evidence of the economic decline in the state over the last year. The Wyoming Department of Employment is reporting that total unemployment insurance covered payroll fell by $145.4-million from second quarter 2008 to second quarter 2009. Unemployment insurance covered payroll represents approximately 92% of all wage and salary disbursements and 45% of personal income in the state. On an over-the-year basis, employment fell by 10,132 jobs, or 3.5% and the average weekly wage decreased by $12, or 1.5%. Total payroll is an important economic indicator because it is often associated with consumer spending, retail sales, and sales tax revenue.