(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois’ unemployment rate in May was 4.8%, higher than the national average of 4.2%. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says compared to a year ago, total jobs increased 21,200 with the top employment sectors last month being private education, health services, leisure & hospitality, and government jobs. However, on the other end of the spectrum, manufacturing jobs decreased by 5,300 for the year.
(SPRINGFIELD) Changes are coming to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board as Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 19 this past Friday. Supporters of the measure say it expands victims rights with petitions in front of the PRB, plus it will increase professionalism and proficiencies of the board. However, opponents say the new law is watered down from a measure last year that did not advance with PRB members now shielded from being held accountable for their actions. Downstate lawmakers say bipartisan requests were ignored.
(SPRINGFIELD) It was last year that a Democratic supported bill was introduced to ban natural gas in new buildings throughout Illinois, which was followed by a similar plan in Chicago, both of which failed by slim margins. Meanwhile, officials with Consumer Energy Alliance are reporting that a forced electrification around the state would cost $55,000 for the average single-family home. The report went on to say Illinois should embrace a diverse and balanced approach to powering Illinois’ familes, farmers, and businesses.