ILLINOIS ENJOYED SOME NICE JOB GAINS IN JANUARY. 

THE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HELD STEADY IN JANUARY AT FOUR POINT THREE PERCENT…BUT ILLINOIS PAYROLLS HIT A RECORD HIGH. DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY SPOKESPERSON BOB GOUGH (goff) SAYS MORE THAN 24 THOUSAND JOBS WERE ADDED.

GAINS WERE ALSO SEEN IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY SECTORS.

THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY CAME IN AT FOUR PERCENT.