While many may believe the state’s manufacturing sector is nearly in recession, as noted by the state's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, several state manufacturing groups say there are steps the state can take to spur on more manufacturing jobs.

Mark Denzler, vice president of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, says it’s been a challenging year, and not all factors can be controlled. However Denzler says some things can be controlled, like the recent sunset because of inaction from lawmakers for the manufacturer's purchase credit and a coming decision on the credit for research and development.

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Denzler notes that the recent bipartisan effort on unemployment insurance is a sign lawmakers can find solutions. Kim Maisch (MY-shh), the Illinois director of the National Federation of Independent Business, agrees those credits would go a long way to provide stability to the manufacturing sector.

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Recent reports from COGFA indicate many people believe the state’s manufacturing sector is in recession, but Steve Rauschenberger of The Technology and Manufacturing Association says it may be too soon to declare a full on recession for the manufacturing sector in Illinois.