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Illinois' Income Inequality Rose Between 2014 And 2015

Illinois’ poverty rate last year declined while median incomes rose. But a new report shows inequality is getting deeper.

Analysis of Census data shows Illinois was one of only eight states where the income disparity between haves and have-nots widened. The report also found the increase in incomes was overwhelmingly enjoyed by whites, leaving blacks and Latinos behind. Samantha Tuttle of the Heartland Alliance says inadequate public investment in education, afterschool, jobs and reentry programs may all account for the increase in racial and income disparities.

WBEZ’s Odette Yousef has details.

By  Odette Yousef
   

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Illinois’ poverty rate last year declined while median incomes rose. But a new report shows inequality is getting deeper.

Analysis of Census data shows Illinois was one of only eight states where the income disparity between haves and have-nots widened. The report also found the increase in incomes was overwhelmingly enjoyed by whites, leaving blacks and Latinos behind. Samantha Tuttle of the Heartland Alliance says inadequate public investment in education, afterschool, jobs and reentry programs may all account for the increase in racial and income disparities.

WBEZ’s Odette Yousef has details.

Share
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