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Illinois' October unemployment numbers show a slight
improvement, but the state is still at the bottom compared to
the other state's job markets, marking the second month in a row
that Illinois has held the nation’s worst jobless rate.
Justin Carlson of the Illinois Policy Institute explained where
Illinois ranks.
"The unemployment rate in October only ticked by point one
percent from 4.5 to 4.6, but that is still the highest in the
nation," Carlson said. "I believe Illinois is only tied with the
state of Nevada."
Carlson said high taxes and state pension debt are hindering the
job market in Illinois.
"The state has a very high tax burden. Illinoisans pay some of
the highest taxes in the country," Carlson said. "It has a huge
public debt burden stemming from pension debts. It has the worst
pension crisis in the nation."
The numbers also show that Illinois is struggling to keep up
with other Midwestern states as their unemployment numbers are
significantly below those in Illinois. For example, Wisconsin
has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, Indiana sits at 3%, Iowa is at
2.9% and Missouri has an unemployment rate of 2.6%.
State officials say the new numbers show continued improvement
for the state.
“Job growth throughout the state has remained strong for nearly
a year and a half, and the most recent data is evidence that
workers are engaged in the growing labor market,” Deputy Gov.
Andy Manar said. “IDES is committed to providing job seekers and
employers with the resources necessary to take advantage of the
many newly created jobs across industries.”
Andrew Hensel has years of experience as a
reporter and pre-game host for the Joliet Slammers, and as a
producer for the Windy City Bulls. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan
University and Illinois Media School, Andrew lives in the south
suburbs of Chicago.
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