A number of economic realities are evidence that a turnaround is needed. Illinois’ economic recovery from the 2008 recession trails the nation, the unemployment rate remains above the national average and workforce participation is at all-time lows while Illinois’ job creation lags behind many of its neighboring states.
The latest evidence was revealed this week by the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI). The public policy think tank reported Illinois now has a greater percentage of its citizens on the federal food stamp program known as SNAP than any other Midwest state. According to IPI, nearly 16 percent of Illinois residents are getting aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.