As Senate Republicans continue to call attention to the rising cost of living and inflation, new data shows that for the first time since 2009, Illinois experienced a decline in personal income.

According to revised data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Illinois was one of seven states to see personal income declines during the last year. This marks the first time since 2009 that Illinois saw its personal income fall.

The revised data also showed that the U.S. growth rate was 1.9 percent, rather than the initially reported 2.1 percent.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) says Illinois families continue to struggle with inflation and the increased cost of living, and that this data should underscore the dire need for the General Assembly to take action.