Galesburg, Illinois - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) joined the offices of U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, Illinois State Senators John Sullivan (D-47) and Darin LaHood (R-37) and State Representatives Don Moffitt (R-74) and Norine Hammond (R-94) in support of Carl Sandburg College's 21st Annual Jobs Fair held today in Galesburg.
"Jobs fairs like today's serve as a great reminder that there openings right here in the 17th District," Schilling said. "With unemployment at a federal level and here at home having been too high for too long, it's easy for folks looking for work to become discouraged. I can't emphasize enough how important it is for folks in Springfield and in Washington to work together on creating an environment that encourages private-sector job creation, giving our unemployed friends and neighbors hope, opportunity, and a bright career path."
"With the national unemployment rate above 8 percent and rates even higher in many communities throughout Illinois, job fairs like the one in Galesburg today provide important resources and connections for those hunting for new jobs or those looking to expand and enhance their careers," said a spokesperson for Senator Kirk.
The unemployment rate in Knox County was at 9.5 percent as recently as February, significantly higher than February's national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent. The jobs fair enabled job seekers from Galesburg and the surrounding area to connect with the more than 60 employer representatives attending, develop contacts in the many industries represented, explore career options, and collect information for their job hunt.
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