Group hands state 'C' grade on financial stability

If Illinois had parents, they wouldn't be too happy with the state's economic grade card.

An advocacy group, the Corporation for Enterprise Development, gave the state an overall 'C' grade in its annual assessment of financial stability in all 50 U.S. states.

Illinois fared better in measures of states' assets and income, earning a 'B' in that category.

Illinois got its worst grade, a 'D,' in housing and home ownership. The report says Illinois would improve that grade if it took more action to bring down its high foreclosure rate.

The report urges Illinois to offer more aid to first-time homeowners and to encourage the development of affordable rental housing.

Just nine states got overall 'A' grades. Five states received 'Fs.'

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href=" http://scorecard.cfed.org/">2009-2010 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>