The University of Illinois Flash Indexmeasured the Illinois economy at 104.5 in March. That’s down a tenth of a point from February. But economist Fred Giertz says it’s still an indicator of steady economic growth.
Giertz says the Illinois economy is getting help from the strong national economy. That’s reflected in Illinois’ statewide unemployment rate of five percent in February.
“It’s not as low as the national unemployment rate. But it’s the lowest it’s been in over ten years. And the overall U-S economy continues to grow at close to a three percent pace. So, things look pretty good.” Giertz says.
Giertz says the economy remains strong, despite concerns about a possible trade war, and whether state lawmakers and the governor will agree on a budget this spring.
The Flash Index is based on Illinois tax receipts, from sales, income and corporate taxes.