Spending on the military and defense in Illinois supports 150,000 jobs and more than 13 billion dollars worth of economic activity. That's the conclusion of a new study announced today by Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Simon says the study will help prepare the state for possible future defense spending cuts, and any additional base re-alignments and closings.
The figures are based on employment and spending for active military installations, Department of Defense contracts, National Guard facilities, and payments to military retirees and school districts.
The largest impact occurs in areas near the Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad Cities, Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, and Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago. Together they account for 85,000 jobs and contribute 9 billion dollars to the state's economy.
