Illinois job growth lags nation
Illinois’ growth since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been consistently weaker than the national average. The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reports since October 2019, U.S. employment increased by 4.9%, while Illinois has grown by 0.5%. In the past year, Chicago’s metro area lost 600 jobs.
Small business optimism rising
Small business optimism has increased to above the 50-year average for November. The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index for November was 101.7, after 34 months of remaining below the 50-year average of 98. NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said small business owners are showing renewed confidence, aiming for capital investments in the next six months.
Illinois Secretary of State announces flag finalists
The top 10 finalists for a new Illinois state flag have been announced. The Illinois Secretary of State announced the Illinois Flag Commission’s recommendations came from nearly 5,000 submissions. The public will have the chance to vote at ILSOS.gov/stateflag for one of the new designs, or one of three former flag designs including the existing flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag. The commission began in January.
###
