In this issue:
- Illinois’ unemployment rate still above 5%
- Public comments being accepted about proposed Tollway rate hike
- Recognized by National Federation of Independent Businesses
- County fair season in full swing
Illinois’ unemployment rate still above 5%
Illinois’ unemployment rate was unchanged in June, holding steady at 5.1%, which is 0.8% higher than it was one year ago. The figures came from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), using data provided by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Non-farm payrolls increased by 1500 jobs in June. However, upon further review, the figures for May were revised downward by 1900. There are 6,164,400 employed Illinoisans according to the IDES figures.
As is usually the case, some areas of the economy added jobs, and some others lost jobs. The biggest gains were in the fields of Private Education and Health Services, which went up by 14,900 jobs, and Construction, which gained 10,700 jobs. The leading areas with declines were Financial Activities, down by 13,100 jobs, and Professional and Business Services, which lost 9500 jobs.
In all, IDES calculated that there were 329,000 unemployed Illinoisans in June, which is up by 16.1% compared to the same time last year. The unemployment rate is calculated by looking at the number of people in the state’s labor force who are unemployed and actively looking for work.
Public comments being accepted about proposed Tollway rate hike
106th District residents who travel north and use the Illinois Tollway system would pay higher rates on January 1 under a proposal currently being considered.
A 57% increase in tollway rates on the Illinois Tollway system has been proposed as part of a $26.5 billion capital improvements program for the Illinois Tollway for construction over the next 15 years. The proposed increase is the highest rate increase in the Tollway’s history. Tollway charges would automatically increase from 7 cents per mile to 11 cents per mile.
The Toll Highway Authority is accepting public comments on the proposed rate hike through 12 noon on Monday, August 3.
Recognized by National Federation of Independent Businesses
I was proud to be recognized recently by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) for maintaining a 100% pro-small business voting record in Springfield.
As a proud small business owner, I’m honored to have earned a 100% voting record with NFIB. I know firsthand the challenges small businesses face, and I’ll never stop fighting for policies that help them grow, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I’ll always stand with them!
County fair season in full swing
County fair season is here, and there’s no better time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our local 4-H and FFA youth! We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders and all the families, volunteers, and exhibitors who make our county fairs such a special tradition.
Good luck to everyone showing their projects and livestock this year!
I will be out and about at each of our district’s county fairs this summer. I hope to see you there.
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 $2,162,033,204. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $2.0 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 eyes heftier taxes on sports betting, prediction markets
Applications now being accepted for Workforce Pell grants
Illinois has set record for number of tornadoes halfway through year