Kansas economy sending mixed signals
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Economic indicators released in recent weeks are sending mixed signals about a Kansas economy that's struggling to regain its footing.
For the first time since the summer of 2009, the Kansas jobless rate increased, rising to 6.7 percent from 6.5 percent in August. That is despite an increase in state revenues in August, a fifth-straight monthly increase.
Federal officials also released data showing that 1 in 7 people in Kansas are living below the poverty line, increasing the demand for social services such as food stamps.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback said while the figures are a short-term glimpse of the economy, he's remaining focused on long term solutions, including a permanent changes in tax rates and elimination of regulations constraining growth.