Illinois’ jobs situation improved in May, but the state needs long-term solutions such as a spending cap to get on a path to fiscal health and assure investors more tax hikes are not on the horizon.

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show eight of Illinois’ 13 metro areas gained jobs over the month.

The state also saw a drop in the unemployment rate over the month, fueled by employment gains and labor force decline.

The state also saw a drop in the unemployment rate, but it wasn’t because people found jobs.

Revisions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics flipped Decatur’s jobs growth from negative to positive over the year, though the growth was meager.

Illinois’ metro areas added 11,300 jobs in February, while only one metro area lost jobs over the month. Despite strong employment growth from metro areas in February, Illinois is still far behind U.S. growth over the last 12 months.

Combined jobs growth was slightly positive across Illinois’ metro areas in January. But only four metro areas have recovered the jobs they lost during the Great Recession.

Despite healthy jobs growth nationally, Illinoisans are desperate for work.

Illinoisans have become accustomed to a state economy that lags behind those with better business climates.