The Flash Index continued to climb in April, reaching 101.9 from its 101.0 level last month. A reading of 100 or above signifies economic growth. The April reading continues a positive trend that started in March, signifying the first sign of economic expansion after three and a half years of contraction.

“The Illinois economy is clearly improving with unemployment falling from 9.1 percent in February to 8.8 percent in March,” said economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the Flash Index for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

The University of Illinois Flash Index increased to 99.2 in February, a new post-recession high. The results are the highest reading since November 2008, when the index declined to 100, the dividing line between economic expansion and contraction. The increase comes after a slight dip in January, when the Flash was 98.8, a few points lower than months past.

Despite a large income tax increase implemented a year ago, economists remain skeptical that the long-term structural deficit issue will be resolved though current policies. New projections by IGPA experts found that a combination of tough policies could bring the state into fiscal balance by the end of the decade.

The University of Illinois Flash Index increased to 98.7 in November, just slightly below the post-recession high in September of 98.8. After a slight dip last month, the November results reflect the continued slow pace of recovery from the recession, reports economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the index for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.