Illinois' unemployment figures hit 8.6%, the highest rate in 17 years.  In February alone, the state lost 37,000 jobs.   The state jobless numbers released this week are higher than the national average of 8.1%.  Illinois unemployment has typically outpaced national averages.

The loss of jobs has affected workers across all sectors of employment.  Last month, the U.S. lost 168,000 manufacturing jobs and 104,000 jobs in construction.