ECONOMY: ILLINOIS EMPLOYMENT BY METRO AREA
Benjamin L. Varner, Chief Economist

In November 2023, the Commission analyzed employment trends across metro areas in the state, comparing them to pre-COVID-19 levels. This month, the Commission is updating that analysis as we approach the five-year anniversary of the pandemic's onset.

REVENUES RISE IN NOVEMBER ON STRENGTH OF FEDERAL RECEIPTS
Eric Noggle, Revenue Manager

It was another mixed bag for revenues deposited into the State’s General Funds in November. Comparatively higher Federal Sources this month lifted overall revenues to $3.274 billion – a gain of $211 million or 6.9% as compared to last November’s totals. This growth was despite the subpar performance of the State’s primary revenue sources, which was heavily impacted by two less receipting days this month.
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Incorporating November’s gains into the total, General Funds receipts through the first five months of FY 2025 are now down $291 million [-1.5%] as compared to receipt totals through November of FY 2024. As discussed last month, this overall decline includes the $633 million in one-time federal dollars from FY 2024 that will not repeat in FY 2025. Excluding these one-time federal dollars from the equation, “base” General Funds receipts are now $342 million or 1.8% above last year’s levels.