Progress Illinois

Illinois' economic outlook got a little worse yesterday with the release of new figures (PDF) showing that unemployment was up in every metropolitan area across the state in August, as compared with the same time last year. The five metropolitan areas with the highest unemployment rates, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES):

- St. Louis (IL-Section): 7.6%

- Decatur: 8.3%

- Danville: 8.9%

- Kankakee-Bradley: 9.1%

- Rockford: 9.5%

Here's a statistic that puts the numbers in perspective: Five urban areas are experiencing their highest unemployment rates in 18 years, IDES reports.

Perhaps back in June -- when the state's jobless rate hovered around 5.5 percent -- six Illinois Republicans voted against a bill to extend federal unemployment benefits because they thought unemployment was on the decline.

Instead, it has continued to climb to a statewide average of 7.3 percent.  The Prairie State is now in the same league as some nearby manufacturing states, including Ohio, known for their struggling economies.

WBEZ reports that the problem is compounded by the many Illinoisans looking for a second job:

For many people, Wall-Street’s current troubles have not hit home—at least not yet. But plenty of families are feeling economic pressure. Food prices are up and keep climbing. Gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon in the Chicago area. And those stresses have more job-holders looking for a second income.