Pritzker’s record: Illinois jobs growth ranks last among big states
Illinois has added a net of only 9,400 private-sector jobs since the governor took over.
Illinois has added a net of only 9,400 private-sector jobs since J.B. Pritzker became governor in January 2019.
A net 36,600 jobs have been added in state and local government in that time.
That total of 46,000 is an increase of only 0.75%, ranking Illinois 44th in the country since Pritzker took over and the lowest growth rate among the 20 largest state job markets. The state’s growth also lagged its neighbors’ overall 2.5%.
Illinois’ unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in April, sixth-highest among states. Some 337,000 Illinois residents are looking for work.
Despite Illinois’ low net job growth, several industries showed strong growth, including transportation and utilities, private education and health services. Illinois saw notable job gains in the information sector in the past year, but since January 2019 its jobs have shrunk 8.3%, similar to neighboring states.
Professional and business services jobs have declined by over 50,000.
Illinois’ challenging job environment is driven by several fiscal and economic factors.
The state has one of the highest state and local tax burdens in the nation. The state’s corporate income tax is third-highest, and its tax code is among the Midwest’s least friendly for businesses.
Pritzker has presided over 57 tax and fee hikes, which have cost Illinoisans $77 billion.
Illinois also has one of the most burdensome regulatory environments in the country. The state has added thousands of regulations since Pritzker took office, making it more difficult for people and businesses to grow and create jobs.
Illinois has many advantages, such as its diverse economy, central location and strong infrastructure. To take advantage of that, the state must strengthen its fiscal position, remove regulatory burdens and provide real tax relief — both to workers who are finding it difficult to remain in the state and to job creators desperately trying to stay.