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Mid-America Institute on Poverty of Heartland Alliance |
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2008 Report on Illinois PovertyThe 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty showcases how Illinois families struggle to achieve or maintain economic stability. Negative economic shifts including stagnating wages and rising costs have taken their toll on people across Illinois, hitting those with the least to start with the hardest. The report finds that poverty continues to cast a pall on Illinois’ economic future. Statewide, poverty increased in 74 of Illinois' 102 counties. It now afflicts more than 1.5 million Illinoisans, representing a population large enough to rank as the nation’s fifth-largest city. Nearly 250,000 additional Illinoisans have succumbed to poverty since 1999, a 19 percent increase. But there is hope. There is a movement stirring throughout the country to act now to address poverty. With this momentum building and new collective efforts in Illinois, we can eliminate the poverty that deprives people of their human rights. Throughout the report are recommendations, or Opportunities for Change, that together can help us make strong, safe, and stable communities across Illinois that are poverty free. Click on the links below to download the report and related items: 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty Chicago Area Snapshot on Poverty Opportunities for Change Summary PowerPoint Summary of the Report ************************************************************************ The 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty has garnered significant media coverage from around the state. With the media helping to shine a spotlight on poverty and hardship, along with the voices of advocates and concerned Illinoisans, it is our hope that policy makers at all levels will listen and make concerted efforts to address poverty in our communities. Click the links below to sample initial coverage of the 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty: Chicago Public Radio’s 848 Program – Poverty Hits Home in the Suburbs Daily Herald – Poverty in the Suburbs The Southern Illinoisan – Report: Poverty a Threat to Region The Rockford Register Star – ‘I Really Thought I Could Make It’ Peoria Journal Star – Peoria County poverty declines but statistics show income gaps widening for many across the state
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