Four states have had no private job growth since 2000

For Illinois and three other states, private-sector job creation has been unheard of in the 21st century.

“Illinois has not had a net gain in private-sector job opportunities in nearly 17 years,” Michael Lucci noted.

The situation for the state is bleak. Public-sector job growth remains flat, Illinois residents have left for better opportunities outside the state, and the legislature hasn’t made progress on repealing punitive regulations.

“The private sector is in need of relief from taxes, red tape and other government-imposed roadblocks in Illinois … Illinois’ labor market has cycled with national trends, but with greater job losses during recessions and weaker job gains during economic expansions,” Lucci wrote.

The burden of Illinois is a shared one. Ohio, Michigan, and Mississippi haven’t seen a higher number of jobs since January 2000, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.