Try Again: Missouri: The Heart of the Nation...Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Missouri Since the 1990s

-Introduction

-Population Growth

-Economic Growth in the 1990s

-Politics

-The Great Flood of 1993

-Education and the Carnahan Legacy

-Gambling

-Entertainment

-Financial Problems in the New Century

This chapter takes us from the 1990s into the 2000s. In politics, many memorable politicians served in this period: The Carnahans, the Blunts, and Christopher "Kit" Bond to name a few. During the 1990s, Missouri's population grew by 9.3 percent the major cities experienced population grow as did the smaller cities like Columbia, Cape Girardeau, and Jefferson City. It was also during this time of a strong economy that Missouri's poverty rate fell to 10.8 percent. The Great Flood of 1993 was a major event in Missouri at this time and is still a major event that many Missourians often talk about. Places like Ste. Genevieve were greatly impacted by the rushing waters of the Mighty Mississippi. Missouri has always been a "low tax'' state. In 2002, it ranked in the bottom third of states when it came to the harshness of its taxes. During this period, Missourians were more prosperous than mot citizens. Unemployment was below the national average, and median income was a bit higher. In regards to education in Missouri, its high school graduation rates were among the highest in the nation and students scores on the ACT and other achievement tests ranked Missouri at or above the national average. This is all well and good but these are not reasons why I love Missouri. Below, I've included a few of my favorite things in Missouri.

Valle Catholic High School Football: 11 State Championships (most in state history) located in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.