WI; IL Add Jobs-But Wisconsin Fares Better So Far

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s unemployment rate dropped from 8.6% in June to 7% in July, far below the national rate as the state and country continue to reel from massive job losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

While Wisconsin’s jobless rate for July was below the 10.2% national rate, it was more than double the 3.4% from a year ago. Illinois’ unemployment rate has dropped, but remains behind the national numbers.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said the jobless rate in July fell 3.2%, and currently stands at 11.3% Last July’s unemployment rate was just 3.9%, showing how drastically the Coronavirus pandemic, and associated shutdowns have hurt the state’s economy.