Illinois Posts Largest Recent Job Gains in the Midwest

Lee Edwards | As of Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A report last month from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Illinois gained 10,300 nonfarm payroll jobs in September and another 15,400 in October. Both figures led the Midwest region.
A report last month from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Illinois gained 10,300 nonfarm payroll jobs in September and another 15,400 in October. Both figures led the Midwest region.

Illinois’ economy had the largest growth of any state within the Midwest with over 25,000 jobs added in September and October of this year. Other states within the region posted a negative or small net gain in jobs.

“These encouraging results show steady progress in our efforts to create jobs and strengthen Illinois' economic recovery,” Governor Quinn said about the economic growth. “We have more work to do. Now the Illinois General Assembly must pass comprehensive pension reform, the most important action it can take to improve our business climate, raise the state’s credit rating and create more jobs and opportunities in Illinois.”

A report last month from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Illinois gained 10,300 nonfarm payroll jobs in September and another 15,400 in October. Both figures led the Midwest region. In September, every other Midwestern state except Ohio reported job losses. Illinois’ unemployment rate also fell to 8.9 percent in October from 9.1 percent in September. Release of the data for September was delayed by the partial shutdown of the federal government.

According to Gov. Quinn's office, he has initiated and supported numerous programs to bolster the economy, from increased investments in public works projects to a greater emphasis on job training. The programs are expected to support the state’s transportation network and the skill levels of its workforce, two key attractions for employers.

Gov. Quinn also has increased emphasis on attracting companies in high-growth sectors such as technology and health care, developed performance-based tax incentives for job creation, and fostered deeper connections between Illinois and international markets.

The state has added 268,900 private sector jobs since January 2010, when job growth returned to Illinois following a two-year period of declines during the recession.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, please visit illinoisbiz.biz.

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