Despite positive indicators such as low unemployment rates, abundant job opportunities, and economic growth in Iowa, a significant portion of the population holds a pessimistic outlook on the state of the economy. In this episode of River to River, we delve into the reasons behind this disparity.

Leading the discussion is Sean Finn from Common Good Iowa, who shares findings from the nonprofit’s recent report revealing that one out of every six full-time workers in Iowa is struggling to cover basic living expenses. Additionally, economist Anne Villamil from the University of Iowa provides insight into the various metrics used to gauge economic well-being.

Through their expertise, Villamil and Finn shed light on the economic challenges facing many Iowans, offering valuable perspectives on why the economy may not be perceived as positively as the statistics suggest.