In this issue:
- Unemployment in Illinois fell 0.1% in February
- $8 million announced for needed repairs at Lincoln’s New Salem
- Talking with students in Watseka
- Illinois headlines
Unemployment in Illinois fell 0.1% in February
The Illinois unemployment rate declined by one-tenth of one percent in February, going from 4.9% to 4.8%. The national unemployment rate stands at 4.1%.
The change in Illinois amounts to a decline of 0.1% compared to one year ago, when the rate was 4.9%. Illinois’ non-farm payrolls declined by 6500 jobs in February. Broken down by individual sectors, construction saw the largest gain, adding 2900 jobs, while the government sector fell by 5600 and the leisure and hospitality sector shed 3100 jobs.
The report, from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, found 321,000 unemployed workers in Illinois.
$8 million announced for needed repairs at Lincoln’s New Salem site
A popular stop for school groups from our district and all over Illinois is Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, just north of Springfield. Lincoln lived there as a young man and started his political career there before moving to Springfield. Much of the historic village has been painstakingly re-created over the last hundred years, but lately it has encountered some serious maintenance challenges. Fortunately, those challenges will be addressed thanks to an infusion of funds for major repairs to one of Illinois’ most important historic sites.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Capital Development Board have jointly announced $8 million in funding for repairs to 23 log buildings at the site as well as updates for the outdoor theater. The site was dealing with collapsed roofs, structural issues and a failing elevated pedestrian walkway.
The state-owned site is largely run on a day-to-day basis by the volunteers of the New Salem Lincoln League who have preserved and operated the site for decades.
Talking with students in Watseka
On the first day back from Spring Break (and on April Fool’s Day), I visited with seniors at Iroquois County CUSD 9 – Watseka School District!
One of the main topics I covered with them was the importance of being a registered voter and voting in the consolidated election which was being held that day. This is an important election as it affects us locally — whether it’s school board, road commissioner, mayor, or trustee!
Only 46 more days of school, Watseka. Make the best of them!
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $1,759,926,304. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $2.1 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Illinois headlines
Illinois Supreme Court to offer free online access to records starting May 2025
What to do if you get a fake toll bill text
There are resources to help simplify the tax process
Illinois Soybean Association seeking nominations for 20 under 40 Award