; (B) the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year described in subparagraph (A); and (C) the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year described in subparagraph (A). (4) Other factors determined to be relevant by the Secretary. (e) Continued payment to employees A State that receives relief under subsection (a) or (b) shall, to the greatest extent practicable, continue to pay its employees of, and contractors with, public institutions of higher education in the State during the period in which the State is receiving such relief. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Elevated unemployment period The term elevated unemployment period — (A) when used with respect to the Nation as a whole, means a consecutive, 3-month period in a fiscal year in which the national average unemployment rate is not less than 0.5 percentage points above the lowest national average unemployment rate for the 12-month period preceding such 3-month period