Blog: Mississippi’s economy, poverty growing

Mississippi’s economic growth is out-performing the national level by 3 decimal points right of a full percent; and has created 4,827 jobs this year - most of which were on the lower end of the pay scale. It also lost 11,000 jobs in July and August; and has the lowest median income in the nation. In 2012, the Magnolia State was one of three states to see a growth in its poverty rates. Gov. Phil Bryant gives credit to the state’s GOP and its economic development organization (MDA). However, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves had MDA’s director on the carpet this past week in budget hearings over travel expenses in FY-13 and its request for more money in FY-14. Still, Mississippi had 20,400 more jobs in August than a year ago. Source: Clarion Ledger blog, Sept. 21, 2013.