Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 17, Number 48, DeMotte, Jasper County, 24 October 1947 — INDIANA HAS LOTS OF MONEY IN POCKETS [ARTICLE]

INDIANA HAS LOTS OF MONEY IN POCKETS

Economic Survey Shows Hoosierland In Thriving* Financial Condition Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 23. Kenneth L. Schellie, director of the Indiana Economic Council, presented statistics today which he said proved that Indiana is in excellent economic condition now. In an address before a meeting of the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences in Indianapolis, Schellie declared that the economic development and growth of the state is going forward at a rapid pace. Based on current studies of the Economic Council, Schellie said that the following events are occurring in Indiana now which are significant economically and socially: “1. Our level of living is rising. “2. Our level of income will rise still more if we can achieve a better balance among the three major employment categories—agriculture, manufacturing and service. s “3. The industrial migration offers an opportunity to achieve that balance. “4. The state is conscious of its obligations and throught the Economic Council and the Department of Commerce and Public Relations, it is making known the potential strength and wealth of the state.

“5. The communities of the state are beginning to recognize their obligations in meeting the challenge of the day—an opportunity to be better off than we are. “6. The people of our cities are decentralizing themselves in search of better living condition —a situation that presents a serious problem to the rural communities and may inspire the cities to provide the type of environment in which people will want, and will continue to want to five.’’ Schellie pointed out that from 1939 through 1946, Indiana’s rate of increase in the matter of total incomes has exceeded all of the other Midwest Great Lakes states, including Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, anjl added: “Furthermore, we have experienced a real increase in wealth in spite of the price revolution which we are experiencing, inasmuch as our per capita income has risen during the same period by only 58 per cent.” With respect to a better balance of employment, Schellie said a further decline in the proportion of the population engaged in agriculture will be required and that this reduction should be heaviest in the poor farm land areas.