Editorial: Moody’s report paints bleak portrait of state economy – Champaign News-Gazette

“Below-average population trends and deep-rooted fiscal problems such as mounting pension obligations and a shrinking tax base represent the biggest hurdles to strong economic performance,” said the analysis that Moody’s prepared for the Legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. “Persistent out-migration will weigh on the strength of employment and income gains.”