Jobless Rate Highest in Illinois

Forward from the Illinois Policy Institute.  Merle Illinois has the highest jobless rate in the Midwest, and the third-highest in the nation. But if that's not bad enough, it gets worse: Illinois’ jobless rate has gone up more in the last five years than any other state in the nation. Despite this dismal record, cheerleaders for the state government cite various studies to support a claim that the state is making a comeback and leading the Midwest. Illinois’ recovery from the Great Recession has been hindered by self-inflicted wounds. After the 2011 tax hikes, the Illinois jobless rate jumped from 9.4% to 10.2%. The U.S. average declined in the same period. That’s not a comeback. As for leading the Midwest?  Illinois is the only state in the Midwest where unemployment has gone up in the last five years. Illinois isn’t leading the Midwest. It’s heading in the wrong direction.   Michael Lucci Director of Jobs and Growth Follow on Twitter P.S. Want to receive text message alerts from Illinois Policy? Text “my freedom” to 20300. Our team will send you exclusive alerts from the Illinois Statehouse.

Pension red alert Chicago isn’t the only Illinois city feeling the pain. Read more... Small business A progressive tax would deliver a devastating blow to Illinois’ already-struggling economy. Read more... ObamaCare Fewer than 114,000 Illinoisans “enrolled” in ObamaCare exchanges through March 1. Read more... Food fight Court rules food truck case can move forward. Read more... Springfield pension crisis 95% of Springfield property tax levy goes to pensions. Read more... Chicago Bears Did the Bears lose bid for Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett due to Illinois’ income tax? Read more... School choice The assault on school choice in Illinois. Read more... Liberty Speaker Series Featuring Mary Katharine Ham and S.E. Cupp. Ticket info... Wisconsin Three years ago, Gov. Walker overhauled Wisconsin’s labor law by signing Act 10 into law.  Read more...

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Copyright © 2014 Illinois Policy, All rights reserved.