The negative economic news for Kansas keeps rolling in, with real (inflation-adjusted) GDP growth at negative 0.6% for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter. That earns the Sunflower State a #43 ranking or the 8th-worst in the nation.
The data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on September 30 measures the monetary value of goods and services produced in the economy.
Over the last three years (2nd quarter 2019 vs 2nd quarter 2022), real GDP growth in Kansas was an anemic 2.6% or just a little more than half of the 4.8% average for all states.
Idaho has the best 3-year growth rate at 13%. Rounding out the top five are Utah (12.3%), Florida (10.8%), Tennessee (10.7%), and Washington (9.6%).
As The Sentinel reported two weeks ago, Kansas lost 3,400 jobs in August, while the nation added 315,000.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there are still about 33,000 fewer people working than in January 2020, giving Kansas the seventh-worst job recovery record on a percentage basis. Only Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Vermont are worse.
And at the pace since January 2021, it will be several months into 2023 before employment returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Survey shows the economy is voters’ #1 concern
A statewide public opinion poll conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of Kansas Policy Institute, the Sentinel’s parent company, shows economic issues are the most important in the upcoming November election for governor and the Legislature.
The top three issues that will determine how likely voters choose how to vote are rising prices/inflation (28%), economy and jobs (17%), and taxes/spending (16%).
