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Experts Predict Slow Growth In Kansas Compared To National Numbers

Abigail Wilson
/
KMUW

At the annual Wichita Area Economic Outlook Conference today, experts predicted both the state and local economies will reflect small growth in the coming year when compared to national numbers.

If predictions from Wichita State University economist Jeremy Hill stand true, 2016 will be the best year for job growth in Wichita since 2008. Hill estimates growth for the city at 1.1 percent; for the state, he puts it at about 1.4 percent.

“This is similar to what we’ve been growing in the last few years," he says. "This is not acceleration. This is just a slow-growth economy.”

Hill cited a lack of startups as a reason for the slow rebound, as well as shrinkage in the government workforce. Other facets include a slow recovery in general aviation sales and large job losses.

He said because of small job growth, wages haven’t increased, and neither has spending.

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Follow Abigail Wilson on Twitter @AbigailKMUW.

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