The end of 2024 brought little relief for Illinois workers, with unemployment remaining stubbornly high at levels well above the national average.

State reports showed Illinois companies announced 1,176 layoffs in November. October’s unemployment rate of 5.3% was the third highest in the nation, with job reports indicating an estimated 346,000 Illinoisans were seeking work. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked 37th in the nation for business tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2024 State Business Tax Climate report.

Senate Republicans stated that fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and common-sense economic growth initiatives are opportunities that could help boost jobs and restore prosperity to Illinois communities.