Illinois' industrial sector grew by 500 workers statewide in December and helped the state's unemployment rate remain at 4.1 percent. However, over the last 12 months, the state Department of Employment Security recorded an overall loss of 8,500 manufacturing jobs.

"Although the growth rate in manufacturing has been fractional in the fourth quarter, any growth is good news," said Gregory W. Baise, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "However, that good news is tempered by the thousands of Illinois workers who last year lost good-paying jobs with benefits covering them and their families. "

The total number of workers in manufacturing now stands at 678,900 according to figures released Thursday by IDES. Since January 2003, nearly 50,000 jobs in manufacturing have disappeared from Illinois.

"Although the statewide employment news this month is good, Illinois' manufacturing sector remains in dire need of attention by state policy makers," Baise said. "With last week's inauguration of the 95th General Assembly, we believe the time has come to enact a sweeping package of legislation that will make Illinois an attractive destination for manufacturing jobs."

Baise said the IMA will propose a comprehensive package of legislation designed to put Illinois on a better track to attract new industrial ventures and help keep those we already have. The legislation provides for tax incentives to help offset high energy costs, and expands research and development tax credits for encouraging development of new products. The effort also addresses a wide range of issues including affordable health care, transportation improvements and continued reform of Illinois' judicial and workers' compensation systems. Baise called on legislators from both political parties to work together with the IMA to pass the bills and restore Illinois' role as a world manufacturing leader.

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