...unemployment claims approved in Minnesota last year, only 16,000 qualified for the maximum benefit level, said Chuck Hartfiel, director of central benefits for the state economic department. The state's average weekly unemployment benefit...

...with the rising average wage of Minnesota workers. That figure rose to $717.53 in 2002 from $701.10 in 2001. Chuck Hartfiel, an official with the unemployment program, said the higher payment applies only to newly filed claims. It takes...