Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment rises again; growth continues in Champaign

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The unemployment rate in Illinois has risen to 5.2%, according to data released onThursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

The state’s March unemployment rate is up from 5.0% reported for February.

The Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, however, saw its 14th consecutive month of year-over-year job growth.

UTILITY TRANSPARENCY BILL ADVANCES WITH CAVEAT

The Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee has passed a utility charge transparency measure after the bill sponsor in the Senate promised an amendment.

House Bill 5524 requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to maintain a website detailing electric charges and the amounts from those charges that are remitted to the state or retained by the utility.

State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said she would hold the bill on second reading as conversations continue.

TREASURER ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN STATE RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced transition plans for the state’s retirement savings program for private-sector workers.

Frerichs said Illinois Secure Choice will become My Illinois Savings next month and will feature lower fees and technology improvements.

The treasurer’s office said no contributions, withdrawals or transactions will be processed during the transition from 3 p.m. on June 11 through June 14.

STATE FAIR TO HOST FREE CONCERT WITH .38 SPECIAL

The Illinois State Fair has scheduled a free concert with southern rock band .38 Special on Aug. 17. No ticket is required, but attendees must go through security screening before entering the grandstand.

Gates open at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17. The state fair is scheduled from Aug. 13-23.