Wisconsin's governor says he'll sign the state's conceal and carry law making Illinois only state left in the country that bars people from carrying concealed firearms.

Many in Illinois hoped 2011 would be the year Illinoisans were allowed to carry a concealed firearm.

"There were a lot of people who were hopeful, looks like this year wasn't the year," said concealed-carry supporter John Gulley.

The bill that would have allowed it in Illinois didn't even get on the house floor.

"They had it in a committee that was all Chicago people and it wasn't coming out of there," said state Senator Gary Forby of Benton.

Now, Illinois is the only state in the country that does not allow some form of concealed carry. Which police say travelers should to keep in mind.

"We're very specific. If you're traveling with a gun through Illinois it has to be in a case and unloaded," said Illinois State Police Trooper David Sneed.

ILLINOIS (KFVS) - A $2,000,000 National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will be distributed between 21 Southern Illinois counties and create 115 temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers. 

U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello announced Thursday that the grant for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will go to aid counties including Alexander, Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Union and Williamson.

“This is good news for our region and I will continue to work to ensure that residents understand what disaster recovery resources are available,” said Costello.  “These funds will help people in our area get back on their feet and recover, and I will continue to support these efforts.”

The temporary jobs will involve clean-up and recovery efforts for the recent flooding and high water in the region.

Copyright 2011 KFVS.