Middle class disappearing faster in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS – Lists and rankings? Lists and rankings! Indiana Republicans love lists and rankings…except when it paints a less than rosy picture of their work product. After nearly a decade in complete control, the results of Indiana Republicans’ economic agenda are coming into focus and it ain’t pretty.
From the USA TODAY Economic disparity: 10 States where the middle class is being left behind
“5. Indiana
“According to the Gini index, income inequality has increased more over the past 10 years in Indiana than in all but two other U.S. states. The median income of the wealthiest fifth of Indiana households rose 20.9% from 2007 to 2016, nearly twice the income growth among the middle quintile of households and almost four times the income growth among the poorest fifth of households — each among the largest differentials of any state. The share of all income earned in the state by the middle class fell from 15.8% in 2007 to 15.1% in 2016, the fifth largest decline in the country.
“The relatively slow growth of middle-class incomes in Indiana may be partially due to the decline of certain blue-collar industries in the state. While 17.0% of all jobs in the state are still in manufacturing — the largest share in the country — the number of jobs in the industry fell 4.8% over the last 10 years, one of the larger declines of any state.”
The dubious acknowledgment comes on the heels of a US News and World Report study that found Indiana’s quality of life third worst in the nation.
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody noted the link.
“The hollowing out of our middle class is a slow-motion train wreck. It’s playing out right before our eyes and Governor Holcomb and Statehouse Republicans can’t or won’t act,” said Zody. “If shrinking wages and a quality of life ranking that would make Herbert Hoover blush are ideal, then Statehouse Republicans’ economic agenda is for you. For working Hoosiers who are sick and tired of being left behind, it’s time for change.”
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