State Stix

In November the general funds end-of-month balance was $280.10 million; the general funds average daily available balance was $368.96 million, and the combined funds end-of-month balance was $483.46 million. . . . The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November was 8.6 percent. In July and August the final seasonally adjusted unemployment ratps in the state's major cities were: Bloomington-Normal, 7.0 percent and 5.9 percent; Champaign-Urbana, 5.8 percent and 5.7 percent; Chicago, 9.2 percent and 8.0 percent; Davenport-Rock Island-Moline (lUinois sector), 9.8 percent and 8.7 percent; Decatur, 15.8 percent and 11.5 percent; Kankakee, 14.4 percent and II.4 percent; Peoria, 9.2 percent and 8.0 percent; Rockford, 12.2 percent and 10.6 percent; Springfield, 8.6 percent and 6.8 percent; St. Louis (Illinois sector) 11.7 percent and 10.7 percent. . . . There are 250 hazardous waste sites in 35 states that imperil groundwater, according to a report by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources. The most dangerous sites contain no impermeable lining between the waste and are within a mile of a potential water supply. The report, which included 2,100 hazardous waste sites with varying potentials for harm, was based on state-submitted data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. . . . According to the Illinois Department of Labor, the statewide average weekly wage for Illinois workers increased by $13.04 during the last six months. As a result, minimum weekly unemployment insurance benefits were increased to $43 per week beginning January 4, 1981. Maximum weekly benefits rose to $142 per week for persons claiming no dependents; to $170 a week for a person with a nonworking spouse; and to $189 a week for a person with dependent children. . . . According to the Chicago Title Insurance Company's Focus on Business newsletter, the prices of new homes have increased at a 14 percent rate since 1975, though there was a slowdown in the rate of increase in late 1979 and 1980. Typical home mortgage rates rose from 9 percent in 1975 to 14 percent in the fall of 1980. In the next five years housing price increases should slow down to match, rather than exceed, inflation; mortgages are expected to stay at double digit levels unless inflation slows down. With a higher proportion of the U.S. population priced out of the housing market, the housing industry can expect the market to be slower but steadier than it has been in the past.

February 1981/Illinois Issues/29