(Editor s note: This article was published first at Illinois Policy Institute).
As Illinois enters 2021, the state’s economy is smaller, the COVID -19 recovery has stalled and the state’s Office of Management and Budget is projecting a budget deficit of $3.9 billion for the current fiscal year that could grow $1 billion worse.
While it is easy for state politicians to blame Illinois’ fiscal struggles on the global pandemic, Illinois’ economy has persistently underperformed the rest of the country for the past two decades. That left the state with tiny reserves, massive debts and a near-junk credit rating even before the pandemic.
2021 State of the State: Illinois economy weak before COVID-19
2021 State of the State: Illinois economy weak before COVID-19 Illinois’ weak economic foundations and fiscal mismanagement were preexisting conditions that caused it to suffer a deeper COVID-19 downturn. They will also hurt its recovery.
As Illinois enters 2021, the state’s economy is smaller, the COVID -19 recovery has stalled and the state’s Office of Management and Budget is projecting a budget deficit of $3.9 billion for the current fiscal year that could grow $1 billion worse.
While it is easy for state politicians to blame Illinois’ fiscal struggles on the global pandemic, Illinois’ economy has persistently underperformed the rest of the country for the past two decades. That left the state with tiny reserves, massive debts and a near-junk credit rating even before the pandemic.
Child care problems skyrocketed under COVID. Women paid the price. Matt Wynn, USA TODAY
It’s still January, and Kristy Anaya has already used up all 21 hours of vacation time available to her so far this year.
She missed work again on Thursday to care for her three-year-old son, Xavier, who was kicked out of his third day care since March.
Child care was a problem before coronavirus for the single mother of two living in Chandler, Arizona. During the pandemic, it’s been a nightmare. Day cares operating at reduced staffing are quick to pull the trigger when Xavier acts out, said Anaya, 42.
Press release content from Globe Newswire. The AP news staff was not involved in its creation.
According to Research Conducted by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence at .
ICMA-RCJanuary 27, 2021 GMT
Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis are taking a heavy toll on the state and local workforce. Since the early days of the pandemic, negative job sentiment is on the rise. In an October national survey, 52% reported feeling stressed, 47% said they are burnt out and fatigued, and 44% were anxious at work. Also, 54% of state and local employees said they have been negatively impacted financially by the pandemic.