“Illinois hits record new high in employment numbers.” Headlines like that are common in the past few days, repeating the state’s press release of new nonfarm payroll numbers totaling 6,172,300.
The Director of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Community Affairs slapped state government on the back: “The record-breaking job growth throughout Illinois is a true testament to the State’s commitment to supporting its world-class workforce. Our work continues as we strive to ensure Illinois remains the best place to live, work and do business.”
And from Deputy Governor Andy Manar: “Working and doing business in Illinois pays off. The new high in job growth underscores the resolve of our state labor force. Today’s data is a marked bright spot for the Illinois labor market, its workers, and employers.”
Don’t be fooled.
The new “record” number of 6,172,300 jobs means almost nothing. It was 6,137,700 in 2019 and 6,056,500 all the way back in 2000. So, Illinois has had essentially no growth in six years and not much in 25 years.
In contrast, Florida now has 3 million more jobs than in 2000. Indiana has 260,000 more. And Wisconsin has created 200,000 additional jobs.
Perhaps more distressing for Illinois, recent job growth has been entirely government jobs. Illinois private sector totals shrank by 1,900 jobs over the past five years, as we showed recently. That loss was slightly outweighed by government job growth. Illinois’ private sector job performance was the nation’s 3rd-worst.
-Mark Glennon
This column was updated and corrected to change the year of the earlier high in jobs from 2008 to 2000.
Audio and summary 
If this bill passes, say goodbye to local control over all Illinois parks and expect to see open drug and alcohol use, needles, no sanitation and fire hazards, but no ordinary park users.
where else are all those Doged fed workers going to go!!! just pile on in on the Illinois dopey taxpayer dime…EQUITY Illinois style!!!
Joe’s grift, Waddle’s grift, Dem grift. “ Create “ government jobs, mainly in the social services sector ( how long before social services workers have their own personal mental health assistant?) and of course, Joe’s infamous attempt to hire thousands of IRS workers ( and buying up hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition in the process! ). “ Violence interruptors “, “ de- escalators “, assistants to the assistant of the deputy assistant ( all with a well compensated staff ). Yep, lots of good paying positions in the afterwash of Joe. Lots for DOGE to get cracking on,… Read more »