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Shutdown Means Delay For Illinois Job Reports

The Illinois Department of Employment Security temporarily laid off about 20 employees  funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to a spokesman for IDES, these individuals essentially make up the department's economic forecasting unit. Employment reports, such as job creation numbers and unemployment rates at the state, regional and local levels, will not occur until federal funding is restored.

Employment services and job training continues for civilians and Veterans. The Employment Service grant previously was funded through the end of June 2014.

Although the Veterans Grant has yet to be funded, IDES has funding it can use for the next few pay periods.

Current unemployment insurance claimants: No changes. Benefits will continue to be paid based on eligibility. 

Jenna Dooley has spent her professional career in public radio. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois - Springfield. She returned to Northern Public Radio in DeKalb after several years hosting Morning Edition at WUIS-FM in Springfield. She is a former "Newsfinder of the Year" from the Illinois Associated Press and recipient of NIU's Donald R. Grubb Journalism Alumni Award. She is an active member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and an adjunct instructor at NIU.