CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn says Illinois’ drop in unemployment is a sign his policies addressing the state’s business climate are working.

He addressed reporters Thursday at a Chicago pipe and conduit manufacturer calling it a “momentous” day. Officials say unemployment fell in July to 6.8 percent. That’s a drop from 9.2 percent one year ago and marks the largest year-over-year decline since 1984. The last time the rate was lower in August 2008 when it was 6.7.

Quinn says his administration’s investments in manufacturing and overhauls to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance helped create jobs.
Jobs have been a major issue in the governor’s race with Republican Bruce Rauner criticizing Quinn for tax policy.

A Rauner spokesman said Thursday that Illinois still has one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates.

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