* I very much agree with the Chicago Tribune editorial board that one of the state’s three employee recruitment ads is cringey as all getout. But the Tribsters based their overall argument - that the state doesn’t really have a recruitment problem - on faulty data…

But as the state looks to lure more employees to join its ranks, it’s worth noting that state government added 15,600 jobs, among the highest gains of any industry statewide, from December 2023 to December 2024, according to an Illinois Policy Institute analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The editorial board just hired a former IPI employee, so of course they’d use those numbers.

* I reached out to the comptroller’s office to double-check. Here’s the actual state headcount based on W2s issued, including temporary workers/contractors like snow plow drivers…

State employee headcount end of December 2023:               78,232

State employee headcount end of December 2024:               80,039

So, that’s an increase of 1,807 people, a 2.3 percent rise above the previous year, not an increase of 15,600.

* From the governor’s press secretary…

The Tribune’s editorial is an insult to hardworking state employees who dedicate their lives to serving the people of Illinois. State employees show up every day to do the critical work of supporting working families, making sure taxpayers receive benefits, providing healthcare services, and serving in law enforcement. Attracting and retaining talent to the state workforce positions Illinois to succeed.

Having a job where good healthcare is available, competitive benefits, and a commitment to public service is something we are proud of. After state government was stripped to the studs during the previous administration, Governor Pritzker took the necessary steps to rebuild a government that actually functions.

That takes time and it takes great people.

* OK, but, to my eyes, this TV/online ad makes state workers look like goldbrickers…

Super cringe.

* This is a much better recruitment ad…

* And so is this…