State unemployment rate remains higher than national average
Illinois’ unemployment rate in May was 4.8%, higher than the national average of 4.2%.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security said compared to a year ago, total jobs increased 21,200 with private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government jobs increasing.
Manufacturing jobs decreased by 5,300 for the year.
Federal judge blocks withholding of transportation money
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is touting a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration from withholding federal transportation money for immigration enforcement. The injunction was issued by a federal district judge in Rhode Island.
Raoul joined attorneys general from California, New Jersey and Rhode Island, among others. Last year, Illinois was awarded more than $2 billion in DOT grant money for infrastructure projects.
Parole board changes
Changes are coming to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 19 Friday.
Supporters of the measure say it expands victims rights with petitions in front of the PRB and increases professionalism and proficiencies of the board.
Opponents said the measure is watered down from a measure last year that didn’t advance.
