Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) has a negative outlook on the state’s employment numbers.

Illinois is facing a concerning job picture, with a high unemployment rate and minimal job growth in May. Critics, such as McClure, argue that warning signs have been apparent for years, pointing to factors such as high crime rates, government corruption and unfavorable business conditions.

“It shows that the attack against businesses by Gov. [J.B.] Pritzker and Democrats that has been going on for years is really taking a toll,” McClure told The Center Square. “Doing business is a struggle for many in this state and it’s not hard to see why that is.”

He also thinks “residents and businesses are continuing to leave Illinois because they don’t feel safe here and Democrats are only passing bills that make them feel less assured." McClure suggested that the state's crime problem and all the corruption in state government should be addressed. He also said a solution would be to "pass workers' compensation reform and do all we have to in order to lower taxes for businesses across the state.”

“It goes to show you how private businesses in this state are struggling, while Pritzker and Democrats work to put even more burden on taxpayers. Everything is just really upside down,” McClure said. “And there’s no relief in sight.”

The state has also experienced significant population loss, with the majority of communities seeing a decline in residents. A recent survey revealed that 51% of residents would leave the state if given the opportunity, citing high taxes as the primary reason. The situation highlights the need for addressing crime, government reform, workers' compensation, and tax reduction to improve Illinois' job market and overall economic outlook.

Without substantial reforms to taxes, pensions, and business regulations, the state's economy is likely to continue lagging behind and the outmigration of workers will persist, Illinois Policy reports. Illinois continues to face economic challenges as its unemployment rate remains among the highest in the nation. Despite the slight decrease in the unemployment rate to 4.1% in May, Illinois is still struggling compared to other states.

Illinois Policy argues that without structural reforms and financial management, the state remains vulnerable to economic downturns, which could result in higher taxes, job losses, and business closures. Three years after the pandemic hit, Illinois is still struggling to recover, with nearly 40,000 jobs missing according to data released earlier this year by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The revised figures show that Illinois added 9,600 fewer jobs in 2022 than initially reported, with downward revisions concentrated in the leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. The state's job losses since the start of the pandemic now stand at 39,500. These revisions also highlight that Illinois is missing even more jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels than previously thought. With a record population loss in 2022 and limited reserves, Illinois faces challenges in fully recovering its economy.