Former Republican House member Dwight Kay is not astonished when it comes to Illinois’ long steadily deteriorating economy.
“I’m not the least bit surprised anytime Illinois’ economy ranks at the bottom in any rating,” Kay told the Metro East Sun. “No matter what the circumstances are, it’s just what we’ve come to expect in Illinois.”
A new WalletHub.com survey finds Illinois ranks near the top of state economies most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers based the rankings on such variables “high impact for industries and workforce” and “resources for businesses” that might help in coping with the crisis.
“It’s true that Illinois has not been able to extend any programs that some other states have been able to that have helped,” Kay said. “The federal government has been able to do some things but when it comes to the state itself, there’s no ability to provide any relief for citizens. There is no rainy day fund, per se, while other states have had billions at hand to help small businesses and citizens.”
Kay further laments that Illinois is now home to one of the most underfunded unemployment benefit programs in the country.
“If it wasn't for the federal stimulus, we wouldn’t be able to pay the unemployment benefits we’re facing right now for very long,” he said. “We’ve just missed so many opportunities to get ourselves on track because we haven’t addressed the corruption in the state nor all the irresponsible spending.”
Kay traces all back to the same place and starting point.
“This state has been controlled by same Speaker of the House for the last 40 years,” he said. “While I truly believe it’s too late for him to do anything to change things, you would definitely have to say he shoulders a lot of the blame for much of what’s happened.”
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