Illinois now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, tied with only Alaska.

In the month prior to Governor Rauner assuming office – when Illinois had an operating budget – the state’s unemployment rate was 6.0%, compared to a national rate of 5.7%.

Since Rauner has taken office and the state has gone without a budget, Illinois’ unemployment rate has risen to 6.6% (+0.6%), while the national unemployment rate has fallen to 5.0% (-0.7%).

The state was on the right track. Now Illinois is on the wrong track.

Tell your legislators to Fix the Budget today!

Frank Manzo IV is the Policy Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI). Visit ILEPI at www.illinoisepi.org, like ILEPI on Facebook, and follow ILEPI on Twitter @IllinoisEPI. This post is part of the “Frankonomics” series.