While most industries have continued to decline amidst the current economic recession, Illinois technology jobs have increased, though at a slower rate than usual.

Cyberstates 2009, a report from TechAmerica, found that during 2007, Illinois‘ technology industry added about 2,400 jobs, or increased by 1.2 percent, when compared to 2006. That makes Illinois the number seven state in the country for high-tech companies.

However, the increase in tech jobs is expected to slow down for 2008 and 2009 because of the economy and major layoffs at technology and communications companies.

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A new batch of funding could help create more Illinois construction jobs and other full-time positions.

The Recovery and Reinvestment Act set aside $1.2 billion in funding for energy projects. Of that money, $48 million will go to two lab projects in Illinois. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory will receive the funding, according to an article by The Associated Press

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is expected to receive $34.9 million - $25 million for infrastructure projects and $9.9 million for a neutrino detector. Argonne National Laboratory will receive $13.1 million to upgrade and replace major electrical switches and equipment.

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Those with Illinois law enforcement jobs will be happy to know that Pontiac Correctional Center will remain open, despite recent controversy.

Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced that he will keep the center open, as it provides 600 jobs and generates about $54.4 million in revenue for the area. Former Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich had announced that the center would close by the end of 2008.

“Especially in these tough economic times, we must be more fiscally responsible,” Quinn said in a press release. “Keeping Pontiac Correctional Center open will ensure nearly 600 people in the region keep their jobs, prevent hundreds of families from being uprooted, and allow Pontiac to maintain one of its largest sources of revenue.”

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Although the current economic recession has continued to take its toll on most industries, hospitality jobs in Illinois have held strong.

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism has stated that tourism was one of the largest businesses for Illinois during 2007, and while the industry’s numbers have dropped slightly during 2008 and the beginning of 2009, tourism continues to play an important part in the state’s economy.

According to an article by Galesburg Radio, the tourism industry created 305,460 Illinois jobs during 2007, an increase of 3,940 jobs and 5.1 percent of the state’s non-farm payroll. That same year, about 89 million domestic visitors came to Illinois, spending more than $29.9 billion, a 5.8 percent increase from 2006.

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Almost 50 Illinois healthcare jobs are available at La Salle Veteran’s Home.

The La Salle Veteran’s Home has 49 job openings and is looking to fill those within the next 10 days. The home is looking for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, as well as workers in the housekeeping, maintenance and dietary departments.

Another added incentive for nurses is the Nurses Loan Repayment Program, under which the State of Illinois will pay up to $5,000 each year for four years on student loan fees.

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