Galesburg fights to keep unemployment office open - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Galesburg fights to keep unemployment office open

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

The city of Galesburg is fighting to keep their unemployment office open.

The state announced last week that it plans on closing the office and six others in mid–March due to an improving economy and less federal funding.

Yet Knox County is one of the poorest in the state with 1 out of every 5 people living at or below poverty level.

The mayor says its crucial people there get the help they need without having to drive to the quad cities or Peoria

"what it does, it adds another set of challenges to an area that's already been devastated by the erosion of the manufacturing base," says Mayor Sal Garza, Galesburg.

Once closed, you can still get help finding jobs by going online to the Illinois department of employment security's website.