DeKalb Times

Illinois' unemployment rate stands at 4.9%, nearly a full percentage point higher than the national average of 4.1%. Almost all neighboring states have unemployment rates below the national average. According to an analysis by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, if the state matched the national average, nearly 60,000 more Illinoisans would be employed, contributing to the economy and local communities. The potential impact of jobs lost due to out-migration since 2010 could mean an additional half a million employed people, contributing $1 billion to the state.

State Representative Jeff Keicher emphasized the importance of economic growth for solving state financial issues. "If the state is serious about digging out of our financial hole, then creating opportunities for economic growth is by far the most effective thing we can do," Keicher stated. "That means rolling back the burdensome red tape that is holding us back and encouraging the development projects that position our state as a leader in growing industries, like data centers."