Illinois Poverty Level Up 24% Since 1999
by Brian Costin According to the 2009 American Community Survey, “The poverty level in Illinois increased 24 percent over the past decade — to 13.3 percent in 2009, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau this morning.” How could this be? While the overall economy is bad, are our policies contributing to increased poverty...
by Brian Costin
According to the 2009 American Community Survey, “The poverty level in Illinois increased 24 percent over the past decade — to 13.3 percent in 2009, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau this morning.”
How could this be? While the overall economy is bad, are our policies contributing to increased poverty levels?
Out of the 50 states, Illinois ranks 48th in economic performance. According to the ALEC-Laffer State Competitiveness Index, Illinois is doing better than only two states: Michigan and Ohio.
Illinois also ranks:
- 47th in economic outlook.
- 44th in GDP growth.
- 48th in employment growth from 1998 till 2008.
- 48th in net out-migration, with 637,979 people leaving the state from 1999-2008.
It sounds like it’s high time for an Illinois Turnaround Plan if we want to start increasing prosperity in our state.